Written Answers Nos. 363-389
367. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) within his Department; if any section of his Department currently makes use of A.I., and if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; and if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of A.I. [38577/23]
View answerMy Department has acted on the advice of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in their release “Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies”, published on 1/6/23, by restricting access to AI tools by default. As advised by the NCSC, staff in my Department are developing risk assessment frameworks in addition to guidelines for staff to ensure that any future use of AI tools is done in a safe and appropriate manner and on the basis of an accepted business case. My Department has not retained any consultancy firms to advise on the use of AI.
368. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38578/23]
View answer372. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38619/23]
View answer373. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38620/23]
View answer374. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38622/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 368 and 372 to 374, inclusive, together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. Consequently, neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
On the broader issue of delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service earlier this year and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
This recruitment campaign is well underway and is being managed by the Authority. However, a campaign of this size takes time. It is expected that once these additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that agreed service levels resume and wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed in late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
369. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to bring together stakeholders in the context of establishing a forum for the purpose of establishing a standardised multi-agency approach to combating anti-social behaviour on the public transport network. [38580/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to roads and public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation, provision, and maintenance of the public transport and roads network.
While the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of the utmost importance, arrangements to deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour on public transport are matters which first and foremost must be managed by each public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. Decisions regarding a transport police unit, for example, and the allocation of Garda resources, are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
Nonetheless, both my Department and the National Transport Authority engage regularly with operators on the issue, and the NTA has established a Working Group on Antisocial Behaviour which meets monthly with the operators and relevant stakeholders to discuss developing trends and share best practice. Separately, under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, my Department has committed to publish an annual ‘Public Transport Passenger Safety and Personal Security Report’ with the NTA.
Furthermore, each of the operators have introduced a number of initiatives in recent years to help combat the issue. For example, there has been a more than 50% increase in spending on rail security in recent years, from €3.7m in 2016 to a preliminary spend of €6.3m in 2023. The entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras and radios for immediate contact to a Central Control Centre.
An Garda Síochána are also conducting more patrols in the areas experiencing particular safety and security issues, and have deployed undercover gardaí to assist with this. I fully support this work and the ongoing positive engagement between An Garda Síochána and the various public transport operators in relation to the issue of safety on public transport.
Lastly, the Department of Transport hosted the inaugural annual Sustainability Mobility Forum in Athlone in April this year which included key stakeholders from trade unions, public transport user group representatives, and public transport companies. There was positive engagement by all stakeholders on a wide range of issues, and productive discussions were had on how best to improve safety on our public transport network.
The combined interventions implemented to date across the network have substantially helped tackle antisocial behaviour. However, I fully acknowledge that more work needs to be done, and the Deputy can be assured that I am committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible environment for both passengers, and the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
370. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Bus Éireann regarding concerns regarding a bus route (details supplied) in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38589/23]
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 decisions in relation to the routes 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 Bus Éireann route 245, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
371. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the average installation cost of a sheltered bus stop. [38602/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
375. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the current position regarding commencement of the new Garda powers contained in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38628/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on the 23 June 2023. This is a large piece of legislation which covers a multitude of topics. Under the Programme for Government, it was agreed that the anti-social use of scramblers would require additional legislative measures to ensure the safety of both the user and the wider public.
Among many issues, the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 aims to adequately tackle the current anti-social use of scramblers and quads via three measures:
• Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, previously it only applied to public places;
• Section 5(p) grants new Garda powers of seizure
• Under Section 11(b) there will be a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
A commencement order was signed into law on 31 July 2023 giving effect to Sections 5(k) and 5(p). The Department of Transport will consult with relevant stakeholders in the context of preparing regulations under Section 11(b). It is important that these regulations have the desired effect, and that the correct areas and territories are targeted.
376. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport in regard to a company (details supplied) being awarded the contract for the supply of the search and rescue helicopter and fixed wing elements for the next ten years, if the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations will apply to CHC Helicopter Ireland workers who currently perform these functions. [38648/23]
View answerThe contract for the provision of next generation Coast Guard aviation services was signed with Bristow Ireland Limited on 11 August 2023. The contract provides for the operation of four helicopter bases all on 24/7 duty, with the addition of a Coast Guard Fixed Wing aircraft service for the first time.
The Department and the Irish Coast Guard will facilitate, support, and expects to see, an orderly and seamless transfer of operations between both contractors (CHCI and Bristow Ireland). The transition will be a gradual process, and the new aviation service will be introduced on a phased basis over the next 24 months.
I fully recognise the professionalism and dedication of all personnel engaged in the provision of this essential State service. The specialist expertise of the CHCI personnel is highly valued and the experience gained over many years in providing IRCG SAR and other aviation services will continue to be a valued and sought after resource. The nature of the skills, training and experience required to fulfil Search and Rescue roles is quite specialised and there is a limited pool of suitably qualified personnel in Ireland and internationally available to fill these posts. Ensuring continued safe, efficient, and effective aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard is the overarching priority for all concerned. To that end, it is imperative that existing and future staff be fully appraised of employment and advancement opportunities available under the new service, so as to reduce any uncertainty or distraction.
Bristow Ireland has given a commitment to my Department that the Company supports the principles of TUPE and that it will fully engage with the recognised Trade Unions – Fórsa and Unite- as part of the transition and mobilisation phase of the new contract. The company has stated that it is fully committed to establishing pathways for personnel currently servicing the existing SAR contract to join Bristow Ireland on comparable salary structures and they will actively work to develop a positive and professional relationship with the Trade Unions to ensure that this commitment is fully honoured. Bristow Ireland will also engage directly with the management team of the incumbent contractor, CHCI, in the near future with a view to ensuring a seamless transition to the new IRCG aviation service.
377. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the level of available funding for the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme 2023, given the high level of interest and over-subscription to the scheme, with applicants remaining on a waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38655/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including administration of wheelchair accessible vehicle grants, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016.
I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry and accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
378. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on formally requesting that Moscow and Minsk be removed from the EuroVelo Route 2, which starts in Moscow and ends in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38673/23]
View answerEuroVelo is the European cycle route network – comprising of 17 long distance cycle routes passing through and connecting 42 countries. The network is coordinated by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) in cooperation with the individual countries through which the route passes. EuroVelo 2, also known as the Capitals Route, is a 5,500km long- distance cycling route passing through seven countries from Moscow to Galway.
The Irish segment is c. 270km long running from Dublin to Galway. Approximately 110km of the route from Maynooth to Athlone Castle is located on an off-road cycleway or Greenway, it is a Government priority to extend this Greenway from Athlone to Galway, creating an dedicated inter-city route for cyclists and walkers. The project is being funded by the Department of Transport and being progressed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the relevant local authorities.
The Department of Transport funds the payment of an annual fee to the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) in relation to the National EuroVelo Coordination Centre, resourcing for this centre is provided by Sport Ireland. The Department of Transport has liaised with the ECF in relation in relation to the status of the EV2 route and have been advised as follows:
“ECF is currently not involved in any ongoing projects to develop EuroVelo2 or any other EuroVelo route in Russia, does not have a national coordination centre in Russia for EuroVelo, and would not consider any such projects or initiatives under the current circumstances. Apart from this, as far as we are aware, Russia is also not benefitting from any public funding, be it from EU or from other sources, in relation to EuroVelo”.
The ECF also advised that ‘any route changes are not made unilaterally by ECF but as part of a wider process in line with our governance structures and procedural guidelines’. The Department of Transport will contribute to any review that may arise in relation to this matter but the adjustment of a EuroVelo route does not fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport.
If the Deputy has any further questions relating to this matter, the ECF would be best placed to answer those queries.
379. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when his Department became aware of a protective disclosure made by a former member of the airport search unit at Dublin Airport; if officials from his Department have made any direct contact with this person; the actions that have been taken by his Department in response to the protected disclosure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38681/23]
View answer380. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if an investigation was initiated by his Department on foot of receiving a protective disclosure made by a former member of the airport search unit at Dublin Airport; if a report on this matter has been seen by him; if he will make this report available to the members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38682/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.
Any protected disclosure received in my Department is handled in accordance with the Department’s Policy on Protected Disclosures, which is aligned with central government guidelines and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, as amended.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any individual protected disclosures.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Company Secretary of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the person prescribed in law to receive disclosures of relevant wrongdoings on all matters relating to the management of Irish controlled airspace, the safety regulation of Irish civil aviation and the oversight of civil aviation security in the State.
382. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the current shortage of accommodation for students attending third level colleges, consideration would be given to fast-tracking driving test applications for such students in order to assist them in this challenge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38690/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I, nor my Department, have the power to intervene in individual cases.
I believe that the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process such that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first, while those who fulfil the criteria for being a front-line worker can apply for a emergency test.
On the broader issue of delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service earlier this year and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
This recruitment campaign is well underway and is being managed by the Authority. However, a campaign of this size takes time. It is expected that once these additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that agreed service levels resume and wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed in late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
383. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details, in tabular form, of the current waiting times for driving tests in test centres across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38691/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. Consequently, neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
On the broader issue of delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service earlier this year and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
This recruitment campaign is well underway and is being managed by the Authority. However, a campaign of this size takes time. It is expected that once these additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that agreed service levels resume and wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed in late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
384. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport to outline what action has been taken to alleviate long waiting times for driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38692/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). However, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working very closely with the RSA on addressing the issue of driver testing waiting times.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, earlier this year the RSA reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
This recruitment is well underway and being managed by the RSA. However, a recruitment campaign of this size takes time. It is expected that once these additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that wait times begin to decline and agreed service levels ultimately resume. I have been advised by the RSA that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed from late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on those geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
385. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce an offence to idle a car engine unnecessarily when stationary and/or to introduce a public awareness campaign to reduce idling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38700/23]
View answerThank you, Deputy, for asking this important question.
At a national level, as well as responsibility for reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector, my department is responsible for the development of legislation, policy and guidelines on road safety and traffic matters. Policy on air quality rests with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).
As things stand, under current traffic legislation (S.I. No. 190/1963 - Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles Regulations, 1963, Section 87(a)), it is illegal to leave a vehicle idling while unattended as this would have safety implications.
This Government is acutely aware of the effects that vehicular emissions can have on air quality and public health and notes the role that engine idling can have in this context, particularly while drivers are present in the car - especially in built up settings and in public spaces such as outside schools. As you may be aware, to address and mitigate transport-related air pollution, a broad range of national measures currently exist. These include multi-stakeholder working groups; policy pathways; funding instruments and supports for the uptake of low-emitting electric vehicles; a NOx tax component of the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) to discourage the purchase of more polluting older diesel vehicles; technological assessments; the promotion and adoption of improved vehicle emission standards, and clean vehicle procurement policies.
In relation to awareness campaigns around engine idling, many schools have delivered such campaigns at a local level under the Green Schools Programme, which is supported by a number of Government Departments, including the Department of Transport. A resource pack to assist schools in running such campaigns is available at greenschoolsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Green-Schools-No-Idling-Toolkit-for-Schools.pdf
Finally, the issue of emissions from private cars and commercial vehicles is also being examined in the formulation of new policies and measures aimed at protecting air quality. While an outright ban on engine idling may be one option, it would be important to consider the enforceability of such a ban, and the legislative support required. This department will continue to work with the DECC and other key stakeholders to bring about the most effective solutions in relation to traffic-related air pollution through the structures set out in the new Clean Air Strategy, which was published by DECC in April 2023.
386. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons on waiting lists for driving tests in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and nationwide to date; the length of time they have been waiting; the stage they are at in their application process, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38702/23]
View answer387. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport what his Department is doing to ease the driving test waiting times in Cavan and Monaghan presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38703/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Consequently, the detailed information requested is held by the RSA and I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
On the broader issue of delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. In response to these pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service earlier this year and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
This recruitment campaign is well underway and is being managed by the Authority. However, a campaign of this size takes time. It is expected that once these additional driver testers are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will be actively managed such that agreed service levels resume and wait times begin to decline. I have been advised by the Authority that the first newly recruited testers should be deployed in late September.
The additional driver testers will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
388. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport when the relevant part of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 will be enacted which allows gardaí to seize e-scooters. [38731/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 23 June 2023. This is a large piece of legislation which covers a multitude of topics.
Under the Programme for Government, it was agreed that the Government would legislate for the use of e-scooters. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 creates a new vehicle category, Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs), which includes e-scooters and future micro-mobility devices as needed. PPTs do not require registration, motor tax, insurance or a driving licence to use on Irish roads.
PPTs may not be used until regulations, setting out technical standards and how they may be safely used on Irish roads, are in place. Therefore e-scooters are not presently legal for use on public roads and will not become so until these regulations are in place. E-scooters that do not comply with the regulations will remain illegal for use on Irish roads.
Section 32 of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 amends section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 to allow An Garda Síochána to seize PPTs (e-scooters) that are in contravention of regulations under Section 11 or in contravention of Section 54 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Until the commencement of the new provisions, e-scooters are still legally classed as mechanically propelled vehicles. As such they can be seized by the Garda under current legislation if used in a public place without tax or insurance.
It is anticipated that all regulations for e-scooters will be in place in Q4 2023, with the new provisions to be commenced when the regulations are ready.
389. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if it will be possible to install a bus shelter at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38732/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
