Written Answers Nos 101-120
101. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are any plans to regulate the costs of public electric vehicles chargers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44648/23]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. It is a function of the CRU to regulate the electricity market, including the matter referred to in this Parliamentary Question. Therefore the Minister has no statutory function in this matter. CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
102. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when his officials in 2007 were drafting the Lough Conn and Lough Cullin (Conservation of Brown Trout) Bye-law No. 827, 2007, whether the now defunct North Western Regional Fisheries Board (NWRFB) provided him and his Department officials with validated scientific data to show that rod and line angling was having a direct and measurable impact on brown trout stocks in Loughs Conn and Cullin (River Moy SAC), and if Department officials used any scientific data to ensure that the said bye-law was in compliance with the requirements of Regulation 31 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44653/23]
View answerThe Lough Conn and Lough Cullin (Conservation of Brown Trout) Bye-law No. 827, 2007, was submitted to my Department as a part of a range of measures for consideration at the request of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board (NWRFB). The sole purpose of these measures was the conservation of the brown trout stocks in the region. At that time the NWRFB had indicated to my Department that brown trout stocks were very low in Lough Conn and Lough Cullin and in this regard prescribing that the minimum size of trout which could be taken increase from 10 to 12 inches and the bringing forward of the close season from the 12 October to the 1 October would assist in the rebuilding of the stocks of the Brown Trout in those locations.
Prior to the introduction of Bye-law No. 827, 2007, my Department sought scientific observations from both the Marine Institute and the Central Fisheries Board. While both parties supported the proposals, the Marine Institute referred to an investigation carried out in the 1980s which showed that a slot limit rather than a size limit was likely to be more effective in boosting spawning success in trout stocks. The Central Fisheries Board, in response to that observation advised that the trout stock structure had changed significantly in the intervening years particularly since the onset of the eutrophication problems and the explosion of cyprinid stocks. The Central Fisheries Board further advised that there were significant numbers of trout (up to 2.5 kgs in weight [approximately 20 to 30 inches]) in these lakes and, for that reason, a 12 inch size limit was considered more than adequate. The Marine Institute concurred with these views and both bodies, on foot of their scientific analyses and judgement, recommended the introduction of the Bye-law in the interest of trout conservation for Lough Conn and Lough Cullin.
103. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the WTE staff by job title working in the geological survey division of his Department as of 9 October 2023; the number of vacancies by job title within this division; when each of these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44665/23]
View answerThe number of WTE staff as requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Geological Survey staff as of 9th October 2023 |
37.90 |
|
Civil Service Grade Title |
FTE |
|
Director of G.S.I |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Senior Geologist |
9.4 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
1 |
|
GIS Manager |
1 |
|
Principal Geologist |
2.8 |
|
Geologist |
8.6 |
|
GIS Officer |
1 |
|
Executive Engineer |
1 |
|
Driller |
3 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Cartographer GSI |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
1.5 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3.6 |
|
Vacancies |
||
|
Job Title |
No. of Vacancies |
To be filled |
|
Principal Geologist |
1 |
Nov-23 |
|
Geologist |
2 |
In progress with PAS |
104. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an application for the warmer home scheme with SEAI can be expedited (details supplied). [44890/23]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. Demand for the Scheme is very high with almost 20,000 applications received over the period from January 2022 to end August 2023.
The Scheme is delivering deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years, with the average cost of upgrades increasing to €24,000 in 2023. While more significant works deliver enhanced upgrades for homeowners, they do take a longer time per home to complete. The Scheme was also impacted significantly by COVID-19 causing a backlog.
I and my Department have worked with SEAI to increase output and reduce waiting times. The average waiting time from application to completion in Q2 2023 was approximately 19 months, a decrease from 26 months in 2022. The following actions were taken in order to reduce waiting times:
• increased SEAI staff for the scheme;
• increased budget allocation allocations year on year, €148.5 million this year;
• contractor, supply chain and inflation management and mitigation.
Importantly, a new contractor panel for the scheme was established earlier this month with expanded capacity. It is intended that the panel will be in place for 4 years, with an estimated contract value of €700 million, which is a very strong signal of commitment.
105. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the EU environmental directives that Ireland is not in compliance with; and his timelines to ensure we do comply, in tabular form by directive name and expected date of compliance. [44915/23]
View answerThe European Commission identifies possible infringements of EU law on the basis of its own investigations or following complaints from citizens, businesses or other stakeholders. Further information on the infringement process is available at: commission.europa.eu/law/application-eu-law/implementing-eu-law/infringement-procedure_en#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20EU%20treaties,which%20can%20impose%20financial%20sanctions.
The table attached sets of the details of the seven Environmental Infringements under the remit of my department that are currently open.
Officials from my Department are working with the Commission to resolve all of these as expeditiously as possible.
Department of Environment, Climate and Communications – Environmental Infringements – October 2023
|
Environmental Infringement Number |
Directive Title |
Commission Decision Type |
Link to EU portal site |
|
INFR(2012)4028 |
Directive 2003/35/EC -providing for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending with regard to public participation and access to justice Council Directives 85/337/EEC and 96/61/EC |
Letter of formal Notice |
ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/index.cfm?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=2012%2F4028&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&EM=IE&DG=ENV&title=&submit=Search |
|
INFR(2020)2110 |
Directive 2004/35 of 21/4/04 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage |
Letter of formal Notice |
ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/index.cfm?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=2020%2F2110&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&EM=IE&DG=ENV&title=&submit=Search |
|
INFR(2021)2116 |
Directive 2010/75/EU on Industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) |
Letter of formal Notice |
ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/index.cfm?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=2021%2F2116&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&EM=IE&DG=ENV&title=&submit=Search |
|
INFR(2019)4007 |
Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment in relation to peat extraction projects |
Reasoned Opinion |
ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/index.cfm?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=2019%2F4007&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&EM=IE&DG=ENV&title=&submit=Search |
|
INFR(2022)2053 |
Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe in Ireland |
Letter of formal Notice |
ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=2022%2F2053&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&EM=IE&DG=ENV&title=&submit=Search |
|
INFR(2022)2073 |
Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (Text with EEA relevance) |
Letter of formal Notice |
ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=2022%2F2073&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&EM=IE&DG=ENV&title=&submit=Search |
|
INFR(2023)0149 |
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2023/544 amending Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the exemptions for the use of lead in aluminium alloys for machining purposes, in copper alloys and in certain batteries |
Letter of formal Notice |
/ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=2023%2F0149&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&EM=IE&DG=ENV&title=&submit=Search |
106. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding supports offered by his Department to an organisation (details supplied) since 1 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44918/23]
View answerFriends of the Irish Environment is a member of the Irish Environmental Network (IEN). The IEN is an independent umbrella organisation for environmental NGOs with its own corporate governance structures. The distribution and allocation of funding to its members is decided by the IEN.
I have approved the allocation of €2.55 million in funding to the IEN from the Environment Fund for 2023. This represents an increase of €450,000 on the level of funding provided in 2022, which was €2.1 million. Funding in 2021 was €1.7m.
50% of the 2023 funding has already been distributed to the IEN, with the remainder to be provided in the coming weeks.
107. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to confirm how many persons in the Dublin Central constituency have been assisted under the better energy homes programme for the years 2020 to 2023 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45154/23]
View answer108. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to confirm how many persons in the Dublin Central constituency have been assisted under the warmer homes scheme for the years 2020 to 2023 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45155/23]
View answer109. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons in the Dublin Central Constituency currently on waiting lists for each SEAI grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45156/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 to 109, inclusive, together.
In February 2022, Government launched a package of enhanced SEAI supports aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and emissions.
Since then, demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been exceptionally high and the strong performance seen in 2022 has continued in 2023. Figures from the SEAI show that, to the end of September, €213 million has been provided to support 34,000 home energy upgrades, representing a 96% increase on spend and a 111% increase on output on the same period last year.
The information sought is not available because SEAI does not compile data on a constituency basis. However, SEAI data in relation to the number upgrades supported under the Warmer Homes Scheme and Better Energy Homes Scheme in County Dublin during 2020, 2021, 2022 and to end August 2023 is set out below:
Home upgrades completed under the Better Energy Warmer Homes in Co. Dublin:
• 2023 to end August: 1,114
• 2022: 1,557
• 2021: 943
• 2020: 508
Home upgrades supported under the Better Energy Homes in Co. Dublin:
• 2023 to end August: 2,421
• 2022: 2,590
• 2021: 2,468
• 2020: 3,803
Regarding the information sought in relation to the number of persons on waiting lists for the various schemes operated by the SEAI, the position is as follows:
- The Better Energy Homes Scheme and Solar PV Scheme are demand-led schemes which require homeowners to procure their own contractor following grant approval from SEAI (this approval process is instantaneous once all requirements for the SEAI grant application portal are met by applicants). Works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval. Data from the SEAI shows the average cycle time from application to payment for the Better Energy Homes Scheme is approximately 170 days and approximately 148 days for the Solar PV Scheme.
- Under the National Home Energy Home Upgrade Scheme and Community Energy Grant Scheme, homeowners engage a registered One Stop Shop or Project Co-ordinator, respectively, to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under these schemes within 12 months. The most recent data from SEAI shows that for home upgrades completed in Quarter 1, 2023 the average cycle time for the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme was 142 days. Average cycle time data is not available for the Community Energy Grant Scheme.
- The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The most recent figures from SEAI show there are 17,000 homes on the WHS work programme. It should be noted the scheme has been delivering a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have increased from €2,600 in 2015 to €24,000 in 2023. The average waiting time from application to completion in Q2 2023 was just under 19 months. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
A more detailed overview of the SEAI performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in the recently published quarterly report, which can be found on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Quarterly-Report-Q2-2023.pdf.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 107.
Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 107.
110. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expenditure to date on residential retrofitting grants by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; if he will give a breakdown of these grants on the basis of the level of grant aid received; the total costs involved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45174/23]
View answerIn February 2022, Government launched a package of enhanced SEAI supports aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and emissions.
Since then, demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been exceptionally high and the strong performance seen in 2022 has continued into 2023. Figures from the SEAI show that this year, to the end of September, €213 million has been provided to support over 34,000 home energy upgrades, representing a 96% increase on spend and a 111% increase on output on the same period last year. Figures from SEAI show that for the first half of this year:
• Under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, which delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty, the average cost of upgrades supported is €24,000;
• Under the Better Energy Homes Scheme, the average cost of works was €6,742 and the average grant paid was €2,904;
• Under the Solar PV the average cost of works was €12,133 and the average grant paid was €2,343;
• Under the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme (One-Stop-Shops), the average costs of works for private homes was €61,041 with an average grant paid of €22,794. The corresponding figures for Approved Housing Body homes are €27,343 and €15,415.
It should be borne in mind, the costs of a retrofit/home energy upgrade depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended. Depending on the scheme the retrofit can consist of a single energy efficiency measure, multiple measures or a whole home upgrade to B2 and the costs will vary accordingly.
It should also be noted that under the Better Energy Homes, Solar PV, One Stop Shop and Community Energy Grant schemes, the works costs are based on declarations from the homeowners and contractors. The costs can vary depending on the factors outlined above. Additionally, homeowners may carry out non-grant aided/non energy related works as part of the same upgrade. Therefore, the costs set out above may be in excess of the costs relating to the retrofit works only. The amounts paid out per grant-aided measure by SEAI are fixed irrespective of the costs declared.
A more detailed overview of the SEAI performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published quarterly reports, which can be found on the SEAI website. The latest Progress Report (for Quarter 2, 2023) includes average costs and average grant figures: www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Quarterly-Report-Q2-2023.pdf.
SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
111. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expand the warmer homes scheme by SEAI (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45247/23]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households as quickly as possible is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements where the wall is being insulated
For each eligible home, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI)’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. Further information on the scheme is available at www.seai.ie or by contacting SEAI directly at 1850 927 000.
112. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 3 October 2023, if he will provide detail on the nature of the data breaches suffered by his Department; the severity of the breaches; if all individuals whose information was compromised were notified of the breach; if the Data Protection Commission was notified of all data breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45334/23]
View answerMy Department has a full suite of policies and procedures in place relating to data protection, as required by legislation, including a data breach policy. My Department's Data Protection Officer oversees robust training to all staff and engages in regular data protection awareness-raising campaigns. The information on data breaches requested by the Deputy is set out in the table beneath:
|
Year |
No. of Recorded Personal Data Breaches (up to 16 October 2023) |
Nature of Breaches |
Severity of Breaches |
All Individuals Informed |
DPC Informed Yes/No |
|
2023 |
19 |
Lost/Stolen Device – 8 Confidentiality Breach (unintentional publication or sharing of personal data - 11 |
Low Risk – 17Medium Risk -1 High Risk - 1 |
Yes (Where a breach is likely to result in a high risk to the affected individuals) |
DPC informed of one high risk and one medium risk cases only. |
|
2022 |
5 |
Lost/Stolen Device – 2 Confidentiality Breach (unintentional publication or sharing of personal data -3 |
Low Risk - 5 |
N/A |
No – All low risk breaches. |
|
2021 |
6 |
Confidentiality Breach (unintentional publication or sharing of personal data – 5 Cyber Attack - 1 |
Low Risk – 6 |
N/A |
No – All low risk breaches. |
|
2020 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2019 |
1 |
Confidentiality Breach (unintentional publication or sharing of personal data – 1 |
Low Risk - 1 |
N/A |
No - low risk breach. |
|
2018 |
4 |
Confidentiality Breach (unintentional publication or sharing of personal data) – 3 Ransomware Attack - 1 |
Low Risk – 3High Risk - 1 |
Yes (Where a breach is likely to result in a high risk to the affected individuals) |
Yes – in the High Risk case. |
|
2013 - 2017 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
113. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of females who are currently in recruit training in each branch of the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44666/23]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that, as of 12 October 2023, the following number of women were in General Service Recruit or Cadet training.
|
- |
Army |
Air Corp |
Naval Service |
|
General Service Recruit |
11* |
0 |
3 |
|
Cadets |
15 |
3 |
1 |
• Includes one DFSM Instrumentalist
The Cadet figures reflect the number of females in both the 2022 and 2023 Cadet classes.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. It is also Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.
114. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount spent on purchasing replacement specialist fire appliances for the Defence Forces Fire Services in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form [44841/23]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan. The EDP builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
The current Defence Forces fleet of firefighting vehicles numbers eight (8). The make-up of the current operational fleet of firefighting vehicles across the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Corps) is as follows:
|
Service Branch |
Location |
OperationalFire Appliances |
In Stock |
|
Army |
The Fire Training CentreEngineer GroupDefence Forces Training Centre |
1 |
Class B Fire Tender |
|
UNIFIL (Overseas) |
Irish Polish ContingentUNP 2-45Lebanon |
2 |
Class B Fire Tenders |
|
Air Corps |
506 SQNCasement AerodromeBaldonnel |
5 |
6x6 Fire Tenders (4)4x4 Scania CAT 3 |
Details of the amounts spent on contracts awarded from 2021 to date on purchasing replacement specialist fire appliances for the Defence Forces Fire Services are set out in tabular form below:
Tabular Statement: Specialist Fire Appliances Total Spend exl. VAT for the Defence Forces 2021 to 2023
|
Year |
Army |
UNIFIL |
Air Corps |
|
2021 |
Nil |
€229,000 |
€1,990,812 |
|
2022 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2023 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
A breakdown of the 2021 spend includes €229,000 (ex VAT) which represents the final payment of the Class B Scania Fire Tender deployed to UNIFIL, the total cost of which was €347,670 (ex VAT). In addition, €1,911,117 (ex VAT) was spent on 1) two (2) new Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 Airport Fire Tenders, ordered from Rosenbauer UK Ltd in 2020, and delivered in 2021 to replace existing aging Airport 6x6 Fire Tenders and 2) the final payment of €79,695 (ex VAT) on one (1) new 4x4 RIFT Scania, ordered from High Precision Motor Products in 2019, and delivered in 2021.
The expected service life of these types of appliances is 15-20 years. I am satisfied that, with these new acquisitions and the planning for future procurements, the Defence Forces continue to have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 3 October 2023, if he will provide detail on the nature of the data breaches suffered by his Department; the severity of the breaches; if all individuals whose information was compromised were notified of the breach; if the Data Protection Commission was notified of all data breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45331/23]
View answerThe majority of data breach incidents that have occurred in my Department since 2018 have related to mis-addressed correspondence by email and post. In most instances, data breaches have involved no risk or a low risk to the data subject. In cases where there was a low risk to the rights and freedoms of a data subject, the Data Protection Commission was notified. A singular case arising in the above similar circumstances, but deemed to be a high risk to the rights and freedoms of an individual data subject, was notified to the data subject and the Data Protection Commission, in line with GDPR requirements.
My Department takes its data protection responsibilities very seriously and makes every effort to ensure that personal data is safeguarded at all times. Technical and organisational measures, as required under GDPR, are implemented to ensure the security and privacy of personal data being processed. Data security and data privacy are central topics of all data protection awareness campaigns rolled out to staff on a regular basis. Also, my Department has a data breach protocol in place for the management of data breach incidents.
116. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the regulations in place (details supplied); if the taxi regulator is aware of such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44646/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including arrangements for the setting of fares, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
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.
117. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the number of people currently on a waiting list for a driving test in north Tipperary; on average, how long it takes to sit a test from the date that the applicant first applies for a test with the RSA; the work that is being undertaken by the RSA to cut these waiting lists; whether more testers being hired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44655/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility forthe National Driving Test service. This includes test applications, scheduling matters and the data regarding waiting list times. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply on the specific information requested. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days
On the broader issue of driver testing delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include an increase in learner permits in circulation, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The RSA reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service and following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval in March for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. I have been advised that the first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September, and we are already seeing a small reduction in the national waiting time for invitation to test. As more new recruits are trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will continue to decline and the RSA estimate that the agreed service levels of average wait times of 10 weeks will resume in mid-2024.
118. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if additional train carriages will be added to the service between Newbridge and Grand Canal Dock at peak times; if additional train services will be considered at peak times for the service between Hazelhatch and Grand Canal Dock; the additional services that have been put in place in response to the rising population of Adamstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44658/23]
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 deployment of carriages on commuter lines in County Kildare.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
119. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he has received each of the 2022 annual reports and audited financial statements from each State agency under the remit of his Department; if not, the State agencies that have yet to provide their 2022 annual reports and or audited financial statements; when he expects the remaining reports to be forwarded to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44671/23]
View answerThere are currently 19 agencies under the aegis of the Department of Transport of which 17 provide the Department with Annual Reports and Financial Statements, 11 commercial and 6 non-commercial. Information for 2022 as requested by the Deputy is summarised in tabular form below. The Deputy will note that my Department has received all annual reports and financial statements from the agencies under its remit except for the Commission for Railway Regulation whose accounts are currently with C&AG’s office for auditing. My Department expect to receive these accounts in the coming months.
|
Commercial Bodies |
Date received by Department |
|
|
Name |
Annual Report |
Financial Statement |
|
CIÉ Group |
8 June 2023 |
8 June 2023 |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
7 July 2023 |
7 July 2023 |
|
Bus Éireann |
20 June 2023 |
20 June 2023 |
|
Iarnród Éireann |
22 June 2023 |
22 June 2023 |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
17 April 2023 |
6 April 2023 |
|
AerNav Ireland[1] |
N/A |
N/A |
|
daa plc |
24 March 2023 |
24 March 2023 |
|
The Shannon Airport Group |
30 March 2023 |
30 March 2023 |
|
Dublin Port Company |
4 April 2023 |
4 April 2023 |
|
Port of Cork Company |
24 April 2023 |
24 April 2023 |
|
Port of Waterford Company |
17 April 2023 |
17 April 2023 |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
28 April 2023 |
28 April 2023 |
|
Non-Commercial Bodies |
Date received by Department |
|
|
Name |
Annual Report |
Financial Statement |
|
National Transport Authority |
30 June 2023 |
26 May 2023 |
|
Transport Infrastructure Ireland |
3 July 2023 |
3 July 2023 |
|
Road Safety Authority |
30 June 2023 |
30 June 2023 |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety |
5 July 2023 |
7 July 2023 |
|
Marine Casualty Investigations Board |
21 June 2023 |
21 June 2023 |
|
Commission for Railway [2]Regulation |
29 March 2023 |
Currently with the C&AG office |
|
Commission for Aviation Regulation[3] |
6 June 2023 |
26 April 2023 |
|
Irish Lights[4] |
N/A |
N/A |
[1] AerNav Ireland was established on 1 May 2023
[2] Commission for Railway Regulation – 2022 accounts with C&AG for sign off
[3] The Commission for Aviation Regulation merged with the Irish Aviation Authority on 30 April 2023
[4] Irish Lights is not governed by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016
120. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the steps that need to be taken to encourage people who are out walking to protect themselves and wear hi-vis jackets at all times (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44715/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads.
The Department is of the view that the wearing protective clothing such as of helmets and high visibility clothing is better achieved by way of educational rather than punitive means and the RSA runs awareness campaigns to this end. The RSA has also distributed several million high-vis vests, armbands and rucksack covers to pedestrians and cyclists in recent years.
For further detail, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
