Written Answers Nos. 166-180
166. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when Defence Forces regulation C.S.4 was last updated; when he next expects to update it; what progress has been made to ensure this is more flexible and subject to regular revision to reflect changes and reforms within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36269/23]
View answerDefence Force Regulations C.S.4 - Organisation of the Defence Forces, (DFR CS4) 2013, is made pursuant to the provisions of section 22 of the Defence Act 1954. As required by the Act, DFR CS4 prescribes the staffs, units and other elements of the Defence Forces, the numerical establishment of the Defence Forces, and the number in each rank of the Defence Forces. This Regulation was last amended in September 2018.
I should explain that any proposals to alter the establishment of the Defence Forces requires engagement with the relevant stakeholders including the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the military authorities. Once agreement has been reached on the proposed changes, the necessary regulatory amendments to DFR CS4 are progressed without delay.
I am advised that agreement has now been reached in relation to some initial changes in the numerical establishment of the Defence Forces to provide for an increase in the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force to facilitate the implementation of certain recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF). In that regard a draft amendment to DFR CS4 is currently being prepared and will be submitted for my consideration in the coming days.
Any revision of DFR CS4 is progressed without delay as soon as agreement has been reached in relation to any changes to establishment numbers in the Defence Forces.
167. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what progress has been made on implementing the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces' recommendation for the introduction of a mechanism to provide for ongoing review of the application of existing specialist pay rates and allowances to groups and categories of military personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36270/23]
View answerOne of the Early Actions identified in the High Level Action Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces – “Building for the Future – Change from Within” was to commence examination of options in relation to a mechanism for review of existing specialist pay rates and allowances.
In that regard, an initial proposal has been prepared and is subject to discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. These discussions remains ongoing.
168. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure members of the Defence Forces can more easily obtain specialist techpay in recognition of their qualifications and roles; his plans to ensure this is addressed to improve retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36272/23]
View answerArising from the recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019, my Department, in conjunction with Military Management and the then Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, completed an extensive review of the Technical Pay Grades 2-6 in the Defence Forces. The Pay Commission had recommended that the review of Technical Pay Groups 2 - 6 be completed at the earliest opportunity, without compromising the Public Service Stability Agreement. On 25 May 2021 the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform conveyed sanction for the implementation of the findings of the review. The findings of this Review were implemented over the course of 2022, following extensive consultations with the Representative Association for enlisted personnel, PDFORRA. It's implementation has resulted in approximately €968,000.00 in terms of increases in Technical Pay being paid to eligible personnel in 2022, which will continue on a per annum basis.
The Deputy may also wish to note the wider improvements that my Department has introduced over the last year with regard to pay and conditions, and that starting rates of pay in the Defence Forces compare very well to comparable rates of pay across the public service. In addition there is scope for further income from duty allowances and allowances for overseas service, with tax free duty allowance starting at €15,000 for a 6 month deployment.
In 2022, my Department implemented two of the pay-related recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report; namely, that all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank, while at the same time, the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank will be removed. The implementation of these measures in 2022 resulted in starting pay rates being increased. These rates include Military Service Allowance, which is pensionable. It is important also to note that these increases, once delivered late last year, were also backdated to the date of the Govt decision on the CoDF in July 2022.
These have contributed to the significant progress on pay achieved in recent years. In May 2019, a newly qualified three star private could expect to earn €27,759 gross per annum (including military service allowance but excluding duty allowances). Following the implementation of the CoDF recommendations, and the most recent pay increases under the Building Momentum public service pay agreement (2% on 1st March 2023), recruits on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), start at:
• €37,147 in Year 1 – equating to €712 per week in Year 1
• €38,544 in Year 2
• €39,832 in Year 3
A school leaver Cadet on commissioning is paid €41,123. This is a second lieutenant position. After 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €46,406. Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €46,406. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance.
It is also worth noting in this regard that the Report of the CoDF observed that much of the commentary surrounding issues of pay in the Defence Forces does not seem to fully reflect the totality of the remuneration package and believes that this needs to be better communicated.
According to CSO statistics, the average weekly earnings for all sectors in Q4 2022 was €900.26. This would equate to average annual earnings of €46,975. According to the same reported statistics, the average weekly earnings in the Defence Sector was €960.95. This equates to average annual earnings of €50,142.
Finally, the CoDF recommended that examination of options in relation to a mechanism for review of existing specialist pay rates and allowances be commenced, and discussions are ongoing in this regard with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform. I would envisage that once established, this mechanism would also look at matters of specialist technical pay for particular roles, where a retention or recruitment issue is evident, as a means of addressing those issues.
169. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if backdated payments have now commenced to the members of the Army Ranger Wing; how much in total remains to be paid arising out of pay reviews in 2010 back dated to 2006 and 2014, and to how many personnel serving or retired; the current rate of special allowance; when this was awarded; if the backdated payment to October 2021 has now commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36273/23]
View answerThe Ministers for Defence and Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform, have sanctioned the implementation of the Decision of the Arbitration Board under the Schemes for Conciliation & Arbitration for the Civil Service, Defence Forces and Teachers regarding the Claim by the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) for an increase in the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) Allowance, with effect from 1st October 2021.
The Department’s Finance Branch has been notified to process both the increase and the ensuing back pay element arising from the Board’s decision, with 1st October 2021 as the effective implementation date. Processing of the increase, and associated back payments, will shortly commence, and it is intended to have these payments complete by late August/early September to eligible personnel.
An increase in the ARW allowance, backdated to 1 June 2006, was recommended by an Adjudication in 2010, with a further upward review recommended in 2014 and a subsequent review every third year thereafter. The implementation of this Adjudication could not occur at the time, due to the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009-2015. At the conclusion of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, an offer was made to PDFORRA to implement a number of outstanding adjudications, including the ARW allowance adjudication, with an effective date of 1 October 2018 on a non-retrospective basis. This was accepted by PDFORRA in September 2019, without prejudice to the instigation of legal action in furtherance of the interests of its members.
The current rates of ARW allowances (last increased on 1st March 2023) are €225.62 per week for post-2013 enlisted personnel (€214.34 for pre-2013), and €216.48 per week for officers, This rate includes the 2% increase due under the Building Momentum extension agreement due on 1st March 2023.
Information with regard to pay and allowances is published and routinely updated on military.ie, and is available at the following link: Current Competitions - Defence Forces (military.ie).
170. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a new Air Corps apprentice aircraft technician campaign will be launched during Quarter 4 of 2023. [36513/23]
View answerMy officials and Military Management engage in regular and ongoing discussion on recruitment into the Defence Forces. This includes discussions regarding the recruitment of trainees, apprentices etc., and the scope and terms and conditions falling from that, where such proposals are made by Military Management.
With regard to Air Corps apprentice aircraft technicians, Air Corps Management are currently looking at the matter of apprentices, as part of the ongoing management of provision of maintenance and servicing of Air Corps aircraft, their engines, systems, equipment and weapons. Air Corps management is engaging with the Further Education sector with the aim of securing the appropriate accreditation to allow for the induction of new apprentice aircraft technicians. This accreditation is a priority for the Air Corps Management. I am not currently in a position to say when an induction of apprentices will take place, but I will be very happy to provide this information to the Deputy, once the necessary arrangements have been finalised by Military Management.
171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if licence arrangements have been put in place to accommodate all community groups that have been utilising Columb Barracks over the past number of years. [36573/23]
View answerThe majority of current occupiers of Columb Barracks are there without the express legal permission of the Department of Defence. In October 2018, the Department wrote to all occupiers of Columb Barracks, informing them of the need to vacate the premises having regard to the eventual transfer of the property to the Land Development Agency (LDA), whilst also making provision for groups to have access to the barracks as required.
The Department of Defence has had proactive engagements with the Land Development Agency (LDA), following confirmation of its interest in acquiring the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar for the development of housing provision. To that end, I am advised that the LDA, who will be the eventual owners of the premises, have concluded extensive public consultations as to the future usage of the premises. In that light, it is considered more appropriate that such matters are addressed when the site is formally transferred to that Authority.
172. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department, and all agencies under the remit of his Department, have their telephone contact details on their websites and on other media platforms; if all stationery and headed notepaper used in correspondence with the public contain relevant phone contact details, taking into account that everybody is not in a position to correspond by email; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36691/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy, under our Department of Defence Customer Service Charter 2021-2023, my Department ensures that all correspondence with members of the public carries a contact name and a direct dial telephone number.
To add, where possible all contact details as provided for in our Customer Charter include a postal address, an email address and a phone number.
These three contact details are also contained in the footer of our headed paper and compliments slips, and also in the signatures of all emails.
Furthermore, this is reflected on the Department of Defence website where all contact details for the main offices of my Department are published, and phone numbers for Branches of my Department are listed.
Separately, I am advised that the Defence Forces publish telephone contact details and email addresses on www.military.ie.
173. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the interaction the Government has had with Lebanese authorities in relation to the death of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37130/23]
View answerSince the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion injured, I have consistently expressed my determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
On 26 January, I visited Lebanon and met with the Lebanese Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence. I impressed upon them the need to ensure that the Lebanese investigation was as thorough and complete as possible.
In March, the Ceann Comhairle also visited Lebanon and met with the Lebanese Minister for Defence and the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament.
Through the Embassy in Cairo and the Consulate in Beirut, the Irish Government has maintained close diplomatic contact with the Lebanese authorities in relation to the progress of the Lebanese criminal investigation, which is one of a number of investigations carried out since the events of 14 December 2022.
In Lebanon, an initial indictment hearing of persons charged in connection with the incident of 14 December last year, took place on 14 July. Proceedings in this case were postponed until 30 August 2023, to allow time for the Lebanese authorities to issue the appropriate notifications in respect of six defendants who did not present themselves at the initial hearing.
The indictment hearing was attended by the Irish Ambassador to Lebanon as well as by a Lebanese legal firm, engaged by the Department of Defence to represent the interests and concerns of the Irish Government at that and all subsequent court hearings.
Given that this matter is now before the Lebanese judicial system, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time, other than to say that I and my Department will continue to monitor developments very closely.
174. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of plans for the roll-out of electric vehicles charging points across County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36650/23]
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 plan for charge points in County Wicklow, 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 including Wicklow County Council to support them creating local charging plans to be rolled out in the coming years.
175. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to detail the number of new electric vehicles registered in the State by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36651/23]
View answerPlease find below the information requested, covering the period from 1st January 2022 - June 30th 2023.
* The below figure for electric vehicles includes both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEVs).
|
Local Authority |
*No of Electric Vehicles |
All Fuel Types |
% Electric |
|
Carlow |
484 |
4,082 |
11.86 |
|
Cavan |
448 |
5,434 |
8.24 |
|
Clare |
923 |
7,625 |
12.1 |
|
Cork |
5,320 |
36,621 |
14.53 |
|
Donegal |
1,010 |
11,311 |
8.93 |
|
Galway |
2,109 |
16,208 |
13.01 |
|
Kerry |
877 |
7,892 |
11.11 |
|
Kildare |
3,031 |
16,504 |
18.37 |
|
Kilkenny |
742 |
6,196 |
11.98 |
|
Laois |
527 |
4,551 |
11.58 |
|
Leitrim |
155 |
1,928 |
8.04 |
|
Limerick |
1,474 |
11,508 |
12.81 |
|
Longford |
181 |
2,702 |
6.7 |
|
Louth |
1,111 |
9,143 |
12.15 |
|
Mayo |
665 |
7,719 |
8.62 |
|
Meath |
2,319 |
14,621 |
15.86 |
|
Monaghan |
289 |
4,660 |
6.2 |
|
Offaly |
413 |
4,397 |
9.39 |
|
Roscommon |
403 |
7,436 |
5.42 |
|
Sligo |
501 |
3,684 |
13.6 |
|
Tipperary |
965 |
9,972 |
9.68 |
|
Waterford |
1,069 |
9,345 |
11.44 |
|
Westmeath |
707 |
5,636 |
12.54 |
|
Wexford |
1,280 |
11,690 |
10.95 |
|
Wicklow |
1,846 |
8,438 |
21.88 |
|
Dublin |
23,173 |
111,731 |
20.74 |
|
Total |
52,022 |
341,034 |
15.25 |
176. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his plans to address the 6% increase in transport emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36711/23]
View answer256. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his views on the increase in transport emissions in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36831/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 256 together.
Whilst Ireland's Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2022, recently published by the EPA, shows reductions across almost all of our economic sectors, transport was the sector of the economy where an increase in greenhouse gas emissions is estimated - at 6% or 0.66 Mt CO2eq in 2022 compared to 2021. This is not unexpected; as people resumed their commutes following COVID restrictions, as our economy grew, as we returned to full employment and as we continued to see population growth.
It is worth noting that the structure for the sector’s decarbonisation pathway is naturally skewed to deliver the greatest share of emissions abatement in the second half of this decade, as the level of EV uptake accelerates, and major public transport infrastructure and services continue to be rolled out. It is also worth noting that Transport emissions in 2022 are 4.6% below the ‘pre COVID’ levels from 2019, indicating an overall downward trajectory.
Nevertheless, the latest estimates underpin the continuing challenge and scale of the systemic and behavioural transformation required to meet our transport emissions abatement targets. We must continue to make further progress, accelerating the switch to public transport and active travel, as well as transitioning our car fleet to EVs.
The Transport chapter of CAP23 reflects both the level of challenge and the systemic change required to deliver 50% emission abatement in the sector, alongside a vision for the wider wellbeing co-benefits that can be achieved through such transformation of our transport system. An updated transport decarbonisation pathway has been informed by two core analyses of the Irish transport system undertaken over the past year:
a. The OECD report Redesigning Ireland’s Transport for Net Zero, undertaken at the request of the Climate Change Advisory Council; and
b. Transport modelling, undertaken by the National Transport Authority to identify the level of change required to achieve 50% emission abatement by 2030 and to inform policy design.
The OECD report finds that the Irish transport system embeds car-dependency and increased emissions by design. In recognition of this, Climate Action Plan 2023 has already applied the AVOID-SHIFT-IMPROVE (ASI) framework for transport sustainability in developing and grouping all actions, and in emphasising the crucial role of spatial and land-use planning in designing transport systems to support our net-zero ambition. The Department of Transport has identified 15 key ‘high impact’ work programmes under which actions have been grouped in accordance with the AVOID-SHIFT-IMPROVE framework. These work programmes consolidate, build on, and support a number of related Departmental strategies, action plans, and Programme for Government commitments, such as the Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan and Pathfinder Programme, the Road Safety Strategy, the Road Haulage Strategy and EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy.
In this context, things are already changing.
- We are delivering one new or enhanced Connecting Ireland service into our towns and villages every week, and we have introduced the first fare reduction in 75 years to encourage and facilitate greater uptake of our public transport services.
- We’ve seen nearly 300,000 Young Adult Cards issued since they were introduced last May. Patronage on Local Link bus services is now over 51,000 every week – up a massive 82% since this time last year. Average daily passenger numbers on bus and rail are just short of 800,000 – a 27% increase on last year.
- The recent CSO Census data shows that, while levels of transport demand are up on 2016 levels, we are seeing encouraging changes in behavioural trends and an appetite for change when the right type of investments and decisions are made at local and national level.
- The percentage of primary school children being driven to school is down for the first time ever – from almost 60% in 2016 to 55%, with 88% more primary school children cycling to school than in 2016, with post-primary levels of cycling also up 79%.
The Department of Transport remains committed to delivering upon an ambitious pathway to decarbonisation, as evidenced in the transport chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2023.
177. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with the Taoiseach regarding a project (details supplied) to date in 2023, including any meetings held in Government Buildings on the matter and the details of those present. [36835/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, and as I previously informed the Deputy, 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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the development of public transport in our cities, including oversight of the Cork Light Rail project.
I have not had any specific meetings with the Taoiseach in relation to this particular project in 2023. However, I can inform the Deputy that I met with officials from the NTA on Friday 30 June, and at this meeting I was informed about a delay to the public consultation of the emerging preferred route to allow for further consideration of route options.
178. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the commitments made by Ireland under the remit of his Department at COP26 and COP27, respectively; the progress made to date on actioning those, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36883/23]
View answerI am pleased to set out the progress made across a range of transport commitments at COP26 and COP27:
|
COP: |
Commitment Given: |
Progress Achieved: |
|
COP26 |
The Minister for Transport signed a sponsored declaration to accelerate the transition to 100% zero emission cars and vans. |
Significant progress has been made in support of this goal: 94,709 BEVs and PHEVs are on the road as of the end of June 2023. The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy was launched in January 2023. Additionally, January 2023 saw the launch of the Shared Island Sports Club Scheme. This involves the installation of up to 200 EV destination in sports clubs across the island of Ireland. Grant schemes are in place for both zero-emission cars and vans to incentivise uptake. |
|
COP26 |
Ireland became a co-signatory to the Clydebank Declaration for green shipping corridors. The Declaration aims to support the establishment of at least six ‘green corridors’, which are specific trade routes between major port hubs where zero-emission solutions are supported, by the middle of this decade |
Department of Transport officials met with counterparts in the UK in March 2023 in relation to progressing Ireland’s commitments under the Clydebank Declaration. These commitments are under active consideration by the Department. |
|
COP27 |
Ireland became a signatory to the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero Emission Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, which targets a new sales share of 30 percent for zero emission trucks and buses that are 3.5 tonnes or over by 2030. |
While it is early in the transition to electric for Medium and heavy-duty vehicles, progress is underway.
As of today, the National Transport Authority has purchased 151 battery-electric buses.
Furthermore, the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grant Scheme has contributed funding towards the purchase of 15 fully electric trucks since 2021. |
|
COP27 |
Ireland committed to the implementation of cycling policies that have an impact on reducing CO2 emissions. |
The National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which was launched in 2022, incorporates an Active Mobility Policy. This includes a significant increase in funding – reaching €290m in Active Travel funding alone in 2023. This represents a sixfold increase on 2019 funding levels.
The current policy targets 1,000km of walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025, and over 600km was achieved by the end of 2022.
The Safe Routes to School programme will deliver safe walking and cycling infrastructure – including bike parking – to over 900 schools in the coming years.
Various behavioural change programmes are also ongoing including Smarter Travel, Green Schools and CycleRight cycle training.
Greenways projects funding outside urban centres has increased, now totalling €63 million in 2023. These encourage walking and cycling for tourism and recreation purposes as well as for active travel. |
179. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the reason level crossing closures, which will have a severe impact on established urban villages, are mandatory as part of the Dart+ West project, but for Dart+ Coastal South, which, on completion will have the increase in terms of passengers and frequency as Dart+ West, a decision has yet to be made as to whether the closures are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35587/23]
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 by the Deputy, 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.
180. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 5 July 2023, and the details provided in respect of Shannon Foynes Port Company; if he can provide further clarity and a breakdown on the requested information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35590/23]
View answerFollowing my 5 July reply in relation to PQ 33062/23, information on Shannon Foynes Port Company CEO as requested by the deputy is outlined below.
Car Allowance
Car allowance is fully taxable and as such the total of same is subject to PAYE, PRSI and USC deductions.
Other Payments/Benefit in Kind
The amount of €8,100 relates to Director's Board fees as set out in the CEO’s contract of employment.
As set out in the notes accompanying the table provided in my previous reply and in the interest of transparency, these small BIKs of <€1,000 form part of the business expenses of the Company and role of CEO where professional subscriptions and mobile phone/broadband expenses are incurred. These are incurred in the normal course of business and are necessary to fulfil the role and duties.
