Tuesday, 14 Nov 2023

Written Answers Nos. 83-103

Vaccination Programme

Questions (83)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

83. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if it is mandatory for personnel deploying overseas with UNIFIL to be Covid-19-vaccinated (details supplied). [49346/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

With regard to personnel deploying to mission overseas, the Defence Forces still require the primary schedule of Covid-19 vaccinations for all personnel due to deploy.

However, the Defence Forces have confirmed that the mandatory booster is no longer required for personnel who are (i) under 50 years of age, (ii) not immunocompromised and (iii) do not have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 infection.

Defence Forces

Questions (84)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

84. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for details surrounding a "military photoshoot" conducted on Knockfierna hill in Limerick on 14 October; what measures the Defence Forces have in place to inform the public that soldiers dressed in military equipment, carrying real or replica rifles and other firearms, are carrying out drills in areas open to the public so that they are not surprised by the apparent sight of armed individuals on patrol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49558/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The Minister for Defence has been advised by the Defence Forces authorities that they were not involved in any activity in the Knockfierna Hill area on 14 October 2023.

The Defence Forces indicated to the Minister that a local airsoft club regularly use the area on weekends.

Defence Forces

Questions (85)

Paul Murphy

Question:

85. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence [49912/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The report of the Independent Review Group established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published on 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations contained in the Report, which included the establishment of a Statutory Inquiry to identify systemic failures, if any, in the complaints system, in order to ensure accountability and transparency.

Draft Terms of Reference were prepared in consultation with the Attorney General and shared with a wide variety of interested parties. I accepted many of the additional terms and edits, in particular those sought by the Women of Honour and their legal team, including their request for a statutory public inquiry.

On 11 July 2023 I obtained the approval of the Government to establish a Judge-led Tribunal of Inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 (as amended), to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces and to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

I have continued to engage with a range of stakeholders to this process, including the Women of Honour and their legal representatives. Revised terms of reference have been shared with individuals and groups who have been in contact with my Office.

I intend to revert to Government in the coming weeks to seek approval for the Terms of Reference and for the appointment of a Judge to Chair the Tribunal.

Defence Forces

Questions (86, 87)

Holly Cairns

Question:

86. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many women in the Defence Forces did not submit official complaints of abuse due to fears of repercussions; and whether, in light of this, the terms of reference for the inquiry into the Defence Forces could cover ‘incidents of abuse’ rather than being confined to ‘complaints of abuse’. [49922/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

87. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence whether the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act could be explicitly included in the terms of reference for the inquiry into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49923/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.

The report of the Independent Review Group established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published on 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations contained in the Report, which included the establishment of a Statutory Inquiry to identify systemic failures, if any, in the complaints system, in order to ensure accountability and transparency.

Draft Terms of Reference were prepared in consultation with the Attorney General and shared with a wide variety of interested parties. I accepted many of the additional terms and edits, in particular those sought by the Women of Honour and their legal team, including their request for a statutory public inquiry.

In July, I obtained the approval of the Government to establish a Judge-led Tribunal of Inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 (as amended), to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces and to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. I have continued to engage with a range of stakeholders to this process, including the Women of Honour and their legal representatives.

I am committed to following all of the recommendations of the IRG report. Certain terms sought for inclusion are to be examined in separate, non-statutory investigations in line with the recommendations in the IRG report.

The Tribunal is being established to identify systemic failures, if any, in the complaints processes in the Defence Forces. The Terms of Reference must be clearly defined to ensure that the Tribunal is capable of completing the task assigned to it within a reasonable timeframe.

The Tribunal will have regard to any and all relevant legislative provisions. This will be at the discretion of the Judge who will be appointed as Chair of the Tribunal.

Revised Terms of Reference have been shared with individuals and groups who have been in contact with my Office and I intend to revert to Government in the coming weeks to seek approval for the Terms of Reference and for the appointment of a Judge to Chair the Tribunal.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 86.

Public Transport

Questions (88)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the young adult Leap card fare change to include all 19- to 25-year-olds will happen, in line with Budget 2024 commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49273/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

As part of the overall PSO package for 2024, I secured funding for the continuation of the 20% average fare reduction on PSO services, the 90-minute fare and for an increase in the upper age limit for the Young Adult Card from 23 to 25-years-of age.

In light of the NTA's responsibility with regard to the administration of the Young Adult Card, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Airport Policy

Questions (89)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

89. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of full-time and part-time staff employed by DAA to provide VIP Platform services at Dublin Airport in the years 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49285/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As the deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport.

Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to daa for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.

Bus Services

Questions (90)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

90. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the additional buses and service improvements that will be allocated to Dublin Bus in 2024 arising from Budget 2024. [49286/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, an order for 100 double deck electric buses was placed in 2022, with the vehicles scheduled for delivery in 2023. Ten of these electric buses are now being used for test/training purposes. A charging system for Summerhill Bus Depot will come on stream this month. Separately, a charging system for Phibsborough Bus Depot will be ready for operation next month. With the charging infrastructure in place at the Summerhill and Phibsborough depots, the new electric buses will be brought into operational service on an incremental basis. It is currently anticipated that the purchase of circa 70 new double-deck electric buses for Dublin will occur in 2024 subject to funding.

The revised Bus Network Redesign was published in September 2020 and roll out of the plan began in 2021 with the launch of the first two phases – the H-Spine (Howth/Malahide to City Centre) in June and the C-Spine (Lucan/Celbridge to Ringsend via City Centre) in November 2021. Phase 3 (Northern Orbital Routes – N4 Blanchardstown to Point Village and N6 Finglas to Howth Junction) and Phase 4, (the G-Spine and Route 60 (Ballyfermot/Liffey Valley/Red Cow to the Docklands via city centre)) were launched in May and October 2022 respectively. Phase 5a (the Western Orbitals) was launched in June 2023. The rollout of the Network Redesign will continue in 2024 subject to funding and driver availability.

Road Projects

Questions (91)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

91. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49311/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Greenways Provision

Questions (92)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

92. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if works will be carried out at a location in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49328/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Greenways. Funding is administered through the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who, in partnership with the relevant local authority, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects.Noting the role of the TII in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Projects

Questions (93)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

93. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport for a timeframe on a project for County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49332/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Questions (94)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

94. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49336/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of driver testing. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department hold information on, or have the have the power to intervene in, individual cases.I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Projects

Questions (95)

Michael Ring

Question:

95. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be allocated for safety improvement works (details supplied) that are urgently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49352/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Questions (96)

Emer Higgins

Question:

96. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on what steps are being taken to address the significant backlog and lack of availability for driving tests, which is currently resulting in no available appointments until 2025 and is causing substantial employment issues for those requiring a full driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49364/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service.

The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. The Authority is currently providing an average of 4,000 tests per week, up 25% on this time last year. Anticipating ongoing demand pressures, the Authority reviewed the capacity of the service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers in March of this year. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to 205, which is more than double the 100 sanctioned testing posts in June 2022. The first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September and it is expected that before the end of the year there will be a net increase of 42 driver testers. These new recruits will be deployed across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests. Average wait times have been declining since the end of August, and this reduction will accelerate as all of the new recruits enter active service. The RSA estimates that the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks will resume in mid-2024.

Road Safety

Questions (97)

Carol Nolan

Question:

97. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to list the number of cyclists killed on Irish roads in each year from 2000 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49394/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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 has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Safety

Questions (98)

Carol Nolan

Question:

98. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport to list the number of children who have been killed as pedestrians en route to school in each year from 2000 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49395/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Safety

Questions (99)

Ciarán Cannon

Question:

99. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to open a new round of the Safe Routes to Schools Programme, bearing in mind the large number of schools that have yet to be supported through the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49452/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.

Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme, while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds.

Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently. Where possible, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works. I would therefore recommend that any school not currently registered with the SRTS Programme to contact their local authority in relation to potential funding in this area.

Bus Éireann

Questions (100)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

100. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Bus Éireann to change their 355 route from Waterford at 5:40pm to continue their journey to Cahir (details supplied); the reason the 5:40pm bus only travels as far as Carrick-on-Suir, whereas at all other times the 355 route continues to Cahir; the fact that the 5:40pm route includes Waterford SETU (departing at 5:20pm) but does not travel as far as Clonmel or Cahir means that students in Clonmel and Cahir cannot avail of direct public transport to and from both towns to the South East Technological Institute, and a very slight change to continue the route would allow a large number of students to avail of this route without encountering significant delays in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49476/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to Bus Éireann's 355 route, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Middle East

Questions (101, 108)

Mick Barry

Question:

101. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if he will take measures to ensure that no arms are transported to Israel through Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49508/23]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

108. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to halt any transportation of weapons bound for Israel through Shannon Airport to ensure that Ireland plays no part in transporting these weapons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49698/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 108 together.

Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.

When an application is received my Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice to determine if there are any foreign policy or security matters that should be considered in respect of that application. The Irish Aviation Authority is consulted if an application also concerns the carriage of dangerous goods. The Department of Defence is informed of all applications received.

In 2023, to date, no applications have been received or exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war to Israel.

Driver Test

Questions (102)

Michael Collins

Question:

102. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) receives a date for their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49515/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Consequently, information on applicants is held by the RSA and neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases. I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response on the specific case raised. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten 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. The Authority is currently providing an average of 4,000 tests per week, up 25% on this time last year.In light of ongoing high levels of demand, earlier this year the Authority reviewed the capacity of the 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 underway and I have been advised that the first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September. It is expected that before the end of the year there will be a net increase of 42 driver testers and they will be allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests. The RSA estimate that the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks will resume in mid-2024.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Military Aircraft

Questions (103)

Holly Cairns

Question:

103. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number of exemptions permitting the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory that have been granted to US military aircraft from 2022 to date; and the destination of each aircraft which has been provided an exemption, in tabular form. [49573/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

A clear distinction is made in international and national law between State aircraft (including military aircraft) and civil aircraft. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has responsibility for matters relating to State aircraft (including military aircraft). As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for matters relating to civil aircraft.

Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by me as Minister for Transport.

When an application for an exemption is received from a civil air operator my Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice to determine if there are any foreign policy or security matters that should be considered in respect of that application. The Irish Aviation Authority is consulted if an application also concerns the carriage of dangerous goods. The Department of Defence is informed of all applications received.

From 2022 to 2023 (end October), 1,805 exemptions have been granted to US civil air operators permitting the carriage of munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory.

All exemptions granted to US civil air operators in this period have been for the carriage of unloaded personal weapons of military personnel. No ammunition was carried on any of these flights. The flights themselves are either overflights or a technical stop in Ireland for, for example, refuelling, crew rest or crew change.

The table below details the destinations of the 1,805 exemptions granted to US civil air operators between 2022 and 2023 (end October):

Destination State	Granted exemptions
United States of America	892
Federal Republic of Germany	405
Republic of Bulgaria	210
Republic of Poland	105
Republic of Italy	43
State of Kuwait	31
Romania	25
Kingdom of Norway	17
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	12
State of Qatar	8
Sultanate of Oman	6
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan	5
Hellenic Republic	5
Netherlands	5
Arab Republic of Egypt	4
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia	4
Georgia	3
Hungary	3
Kingdom of Sweden	3
Republic of Croatia	3
Republic of North Macedonia	3
Republic of Slovenia	3
Kingdom of Spain	2
Republic of Latvia	2
Denmark	1
Kingdom of Belgium	1
Republic of Lithuania	1
Republic of Tunisia	1
Slovak Republic	1
United Arab Emirates	1