Alan Farrell
Question:152. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to develop primary radar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56768/23]
View answerDefence Forces
Questions (152)
Written answers
The development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing this recommendation, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities.
The Detailed Implementation Plan released in November 2023 builds on the progress made to date and sets out the planned timeline for delivery of military radar by 2028. The military radar programme is an ambitious and complex programme which includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.
A civil / military project team established in 2023 are continuing their work to identity requirements, research various delivery options as well as consideration of approaches internationally with the objective of learning from our EU colleagues. Significant progress has been made to date and the Needs Phase which sets out the rational and justification for the project is due to complete in quarter 2 of 2024. Delivery of primary radar is a key capability priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and I am determined to ensure its delivery within the earliest timeframe.
Defence Forces
Questions (153)
Matt Carthy
Question:153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the Working Time Directive in the Defence Forces; if he will list the duties which civilian and military management are engaged in with regard to determining which of those may fall within or outside of the derogation from the Working Time Directive, post its application to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56804/23]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to assure the Deputy that I remain fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied, where appropriate, to members of the Defence Forces. Action 28, of the Strategic Framework, published on 26 September last, stipulated that the civil-military management policy position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces would be finalised by the end of December 2023.
That management position was submitted to me and I am currently examining the paper in full.
Significant consultations have taken place between the PDF Representative Associations and civilian-military management to reach this point and I wish to express my appreciation to all parties for their constructive engagement in the extensive dialogue which has taken place.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I do not intend, at this point, to share the details of the final management position. As Minister for Defence, I will ultimately be making a determination on that position in due course.
However, as the Deputy will also be aware, the responsibility for developing the legislative framework to remove the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces in the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, lies with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Upon my determination on the matter, my officials will thereafter commence formal engagement with the Department.
Research and Development
Questions (154)
Denis Naughten
Question:154. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will list the ongoing research commissioned under the remit of his Department through the North-South Ministerial Council, Shared Island Initiative or through other all-island arrangements; if he will outline the research that has been completed; the date of publication of the research since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56909/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has assisted in the development of a stream of research funding associated with the All-Island Disaster Risk Reduction conference series. This annual conference, which began in 2022, is organised by my Department and its purpose is to encourage North South linkages relating to disaster risk reduction.
At the inaugural conference in 2022, funding of €60,000 was announced for research to explore cross-border aspects of emergency planning and cooperation, specifically relating to public safety messaging to border communities. The Table below outlines the projects that are being funded as a result of this research call and their publication dates.
At this year’s conference, I announced a second round of research funding valued at €60,000 with closing dates for applications for this round set for 26 January 2024.
|
Research Title |
Objectives |
Expected Publication Date |
|
Communicating for Impact: Public Safety Messaging for Border Communities |
Identify and analyse the current sources of safety information used by border communities Establish the level of trust which the public place in the key sources of public safety messages and the factors which influence this trust Propose a Model of Good Practice for consistency in All Island Safety Messaging Disseminate the findings from the project to relevant stakeholders on the island of Ireland and to the academic community. |
May, 2025 |
|
Advancing a focused Cross-Border Approach to Public Messaging in Emergency Management |
Identify how public safety messaging is currently delivered (digital, hard copy, social media, etc.) and to what extent this differs on either side of the border; From case study, propose how safety messaging could be improved through a co-creation process involving citizen panels. |
February 2024 |
Ukraine War
Questions (155, 156)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:155. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the total share of the €500 million provided under the EU Act in Support of Ammunition Production Regulation will be used to provide direct supply of ammunition to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57055/23]
View answerRose Conway-Walsh
Question:156. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the EU Act in Support of Ammunition Production Regulation will provide €500 million to subsidise the EU arms industry and Ireland will be contributing through the EU budget to this funding despite the fact that Irish companies are unlikely to benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57056/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
In early 2023, the Council of the European Union agreed to task the European Commission to present concrete proposals to urgently support the ramping-up of manufacturing capacities of the European defence industry, secure supply chains, facilitate efficient procurement procedures, address shortfalls in production capacities and promote investments, including, where appropriate, mobilising the Union budget.
In response to this tasking, the Commission proposed a Regulation, the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), to support the European Union’s industry to ramp-up its production capacities in ammunition and missiles. The objective of ASAP is to support and accelerate the immediate ramp-up of production capacity of ammunition and missiles in the EU. It will therefore directly support manufacturers of these defence products, as well as their supply chains.
The proposal, therefore, aims to meet the urgent needs of Member States and ensure that the Defence Industry in Europe can deliver to Member States what they need, not only for their own training and activities but also in order to continue to support Ukraine. The timely availability in sufficient volumes of these products is critical for the EU’s security and for its continuous efforts to support Ukraine. Ireland will continue to constructively abstain from the supply of lethal equipment to Ukraine in line with the Programme for Government.
The ASAP was adopted and came into force in July 2023. In October 2023 the ASAP work programme was adopted and calls for proposals were issued. Financial support from the ASAP will be funded through an allocation of a budget of €500 million from the European Commission, to be achieved through the redistribution of funds from existing allocations of the MFF budget. The Commission’s €500m will be matched with co-financing of around €500 million from Member States and other sources.
Member States will have the option to contribute matching funding through the use of their national allocations from other EU funding sources. The budget does not anticipate a direct call for national contributions. There is also no obligation on Member States to provide matching funding and it is not proposed that Ireland would reallocate any of its EU funding to the ASAP.
Finally, it is important to note that our own Defence Forces also require a regular supply of ammunition for training and operations, and therefore that any ramping-up of production will therefore ultimately be beneficial to the Defence Forces.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 155.
Departmental Properties
Questions (157)
Ivana Bacik
Question:157. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 12 December 2023, the timeline for completion of the assessment of vacant housing stock referred to. [57147/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have been informed by the military authorities that the assessment is estimated to be completed in the coming weeks and a report on its findings is anticipated to follow shortly after its completion.
Departmental Data
Questions (158)
Catherine Murphy
Question:158. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a schedule of the personal and or person-specific data sets his Department holds that have been provided and/or shared with other Departments and/or Ministers and/or State bodies and/or agencies and/or local authorities in the past 20 years to date; if he will clarify if the transfer of data and/or records was in aggregated form or on an individual basis; and the reason the data and/or records were provided. [57206/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not hold a schedule of personal and or person-specific data sets provided and/or shared with other public bodies in the past 20 years.
In cases where it is necessary for my Department to share personal data with another public body, this is carried out as part of our official functions using an applicable legal basis under Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data sharing is also carried out in compliance with provisions under the Data Protection Act, 2018 and the Data Sharing and Governance Act, 2019.
My Department’s Data Protection Privacy Notice, as published on the Department’s website, sets out the types of personal data processed, the purpose and legal basis for processing and how data is shared. The types of processing which may necessitate personal data being shared with another public body include, enlistment and appointment to the Defence Forces, volunteer with the Civil Defence, use of the Department’s property and attendance at official events.
Personal data may also be shared with competent authorities under the law enforcement directive, for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating or prosecuting a criminal offence, in accordance with law.
Appropriate arrangements, in compliance with the principles of GDPR, are in place to govern data sharing with other public bodies.
Defence Forces
Questions (159)
Catherine Murphy
Question:159. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the date on which the Defence Forces updated their vehicle details in 2021, 2022 and 2023 on the National Fleet Database. [1073/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Defence Forces does not register its vehicle fleet on the National Fleet Database.
The Defence Forces operate a State owned fleet, under indemnity from the State, rather than a commercial or private insurer.
Naval Service
Questions (160)
Catherine Murphy
Question:160. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the name of external marine advisors that have been appointed to support the procurement of a muti-role vessel to replace the decommissioned LE Eithne. [1090/24]
View answerWritten answers
A contract was signed with Houlder Limited to provide marine advisor services to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel to replace LÉ Eithne. This work is under way and will inform a public tender competition, in line with the Public Spending Code, in due course.
Defence Forces
Questions (161)
Paul Donnelly
Question:161. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of males and females that applied for the post of conductor within the Defence Forces School of Music; if this post was advertised for suitable qualified persons outside of the Defence Forces to apply for this post. [1126/24]
View answerWritten answers
The military authorities have advised that there were 20 male and 9 female applicants for the post of conductor within the Defence Forces School of Music in the most recent competition. The position was advertised internally, and externally on the Defence Forces website and recruitment social media account, as well as the Journal of Music and LinkedIn.
Defence Forces
Questions (162)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:162. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many members of the Defence Forces have requested voluntary retirement, by rank; the number that have been granted and refused, respectively in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [1219/24]
View answerWritten answers
The number of voluntary retirements and discharges submitted, and duly approved, during the period requested by the Deputy, is set down below in tabular form:
|
End of Year |
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
Sgt Maj |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte 3* |
Pte 2* |
Rec |
APPR |
Cadet |
Total |
|
2023* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
24 |
17 |
6 |
0 |
5 |
15 |
2 |
61 |
85 |
185 |
4 |
58 |
1 |
5 |
477 |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
23 |
24 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
22 |
17 |
73 |
97 |
262 |
7 |
131 |
2 |
10 |
681 |
|
2021 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
9 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
17 |
8 |
61 |
61 |
148 |
7 |
161 |
2 |
11 |
506 |
|
2020 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
19 |
10 |
48 |
43 |
142 |
12 |
150 |
2 |
24 |
480 |
|
2019 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
23 |
18 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
23 |
12 |
78 |
86 |
267 |
20 |
146 |
3 |
12 |
706 |
|
2018 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
15 |
13 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
11 |
56 |
59 |
258 |
7 |
113 |
2 |
10 |
579 |
*the information for 2023 is correct as of 30 NOV 23, provided by the Personnel Management System (PMS).
The Military Authorities have advised that there are no records of refused applications to voluntary retire or discharge within the stated period.
Certain instances may arise whereby an individual’s retirement or discharge may be deferred beyond the requested date for a number of reasons, as set down for in Defence Force Regulations A10 and A15, and associated Administrative Instructions, for Enlisted Ranks and Officers respectively.
Defence Forces
Questions (163, 164)
Paul Donnelly
Question:163. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant qualified military avionics technicians; and the number of vacant qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians currently within Defence Forces. [1288/24]
View answerPaul Donnelly
Question:164. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant engine room artificer technicians currently within Naval Service; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [1289/24]
View answerWritten answers
The military authorities have provided the following information, as at 7 January 2024, in respect of Engine Room Artificers in the Naval Service:
|
Establishment |
85 |
|
Strength |
71* |
|
Vacancies |
14 |
*includes 19 personnel undergoing training to become Engine Room Artificers.
Vacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements, as appropriate, and by recruitment. A direct entry competition for Engine Room Artificers is ongoing and, in 2023 attracted 38 applications.
Defence Forces
Questions (165)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:165. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any personnel from the Naval Service or the Air Corps went to the United States for specialist military training in 2023. [1633/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the military authorities that one person from the Naval Service, and twenty personnel from the Air Corps, attended training in the United States in 2023.
Commemorative Medals
Questions (166)
Duncan Smith
Question:166. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there is a provision available to re-issue medals for persons who fought and were awarded medals in both conflicts and whose medals have been lost or mislaid due to the passage of time; if there is a list available of all who were awarded medals for service during the conflicts regardless of what side they fought on or gender; and if it is not possible to have medals re-issued is there some other way that service can be acknowledged by way of an official letter or parchment and can these be provided on request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1875/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Defence receives requests from time to time for the replacement of lost, stolen or destroyed medals awarded to Veterans of these conflicts.
In relation to such requests, it has been the policy that replacement medals were issued on a once-off only basis on receipt of a bona-fidé request from the Veteran to whom the original medals were awarded. This policy was adopted in the interest of preserving the intrinsic value of the medals and to strictly limit the number of medals issued in any particular case. Although all of the Veterans are now deceased, the rationale for restricting the issue of replacement medals is still valid. Apart from the intrinsic value of the medals, their monetary value on the open market is also a factor.
In 2006, the then Minister for Defence decided that, where 1916 Rising and War of Independence medals had been lost, stolen or destroyed, official certificates, in both Irish and English, would be issued in such cases confirming that the relevant medal(s) was/were awarded to the named Veteran.
The procedure in such cases is that the family can obtain an application form from the Pensions Administration Section of the Department of Defence in Áras an tSáile, Renmore, Galway, H91 AN2E (telephone - 091 743899 or email – pensions.admin@defence.ie ).
Once the form is completed and returned to the Department, the details will be verified by the Department and, if in order, the relevant certificate/s will be issued (generally to the next of kin) on a once-off basis.
Any list of persons awarded medals is also be held by Pensions section.
Defence Forces
Questions (167)
Matt Carthy
Question:167. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of primary radar; the timeframe in which he intends contracts to be agreed and equipment acquired and installed; the expected cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1941/24]
View answerWritten answers
The development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing this recommendation, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities.
The Detailed Implementation Plan released in November 2023 builds on the progress made to date and sets out the planned timeline for delivery of military radar by 2028. The military radar programme is an ambitious and complex programme which includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.
A civil / military project team established in 2023 are continuing their work to identity requirements, research various delivery options as well as consideration of approaches internationally with the objective of learning from our EU colleagues. Significant progress has been made to date and the Needs Phase which sets out the rational and justification for the project is due to complete in quarter 2 of 2024. We are not at the acquisition stage, which would be the final phase in the capability development process and, as such, while planning is still ongoing it would be premature to speculate on cost projections. However, delivery of primary radar is a key capability priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and I am determined to ensure its delivery within the earliest timeframe.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (168)
Matt Carthy
Question:168. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeline in which he intends to bring forward proposals to establish a network of military attaches comprised of Defence Forces personnel to serve in Irish diplomatic missions abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1942/24]
View answerWritten answers
The White Paper on Defence recognised the need for the Department of Defence to continue to engage in developing and deepening bilateral relations with potential like-minded partners to secure Ireland’s position in current and future international crisis management operations. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces further supported this view. A joint civilian/military project team was formed to examine options in this respect and a project was formally initiated in May 2023.
The project aims to explore the benefits to Ireland of establishing a Defence Attaché (DA) network, to look at the potential appropriate composition and duties of the role of a Defence Attaché, and to consider how such a network could build on existing bilateral relations. The project also aims to explore the deployment of a DA in one of the Irish embassies of strategic value and importance to Defence and Foreign Policy goals where strong engagement exists on defence matters. Consultations have taken place with a range of stakeholders including with the Department of Foreign Affairs, reflecting their longstanding experience in respect of postings.
The project is close to completion and it is at that stage the report and its findings, including timelines will be fully finalised.
Defence Forces
Questions (169, 170)
Matt Carthy
Question:169. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of permanent members within the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the corresponding number for each January in each of the years 2010-2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1943/24]
View answerMatt Carthy
Question:170. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of members in the Reserve Defence Forces and the Naval Reserve; the corresponding number for each January in each of the years 2010-2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1944/24]
View answerWritten answers
It is not possible to collate and confirm the required information in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is made available to me.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Question for answer on 5 December 2023: “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of members in the Reserve Defence Forces and the Naval Reserve; the corresponding number for each January in each of the years 2010-2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter”.
The information requested has been collated and is set out below.
The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).
The Military Authorities advise that the current effective strength of the RDF, as of 31 December 2023, is 1,407 (1,323 - AR and 84 - NSR) and a FLR strength of 282.
The following table contains the effective strength of the AR and NSR. Yearly figures provided, from 2010 to 2023, are as at 1 January each year:
|
Year |
AR |
NSR |
Total |
|
2023 |
1,415 |
103 |
1,518 |
|
2022 |
1,373 |
116 |
1,489 |
|
2021 |
1,463 |
125 |
1,588 |
|
2020 |
1,534 |
139 |
1,673 |
|
2019 |
1,666 |
133 |
1,799 |
|
2018 |
1,732 |
124 |
1,856 |
|
2017 |
1,927 |
122 |
2,049 |
|
2016 |
2,142 |
138 |
2,280 |
|
2015 |
2,159 |
143 |
2,302 |
|
2014 |
3,073 |
155 |
3,228 |
|
2013 |
4,680 |
137 |
4,817 |
|
2012 |
4,995 |
225 |
5,220 |
|
2011 |
5,901 |
182 |
6,083 |
|
2010 |
6,351 |
293 |
6,644 |
The strength of the FLR, as of 1 January each year, for the same period is as follows:
|
Year |
FLR |
|
2023 |
277 |
|
2022 |
272 |
|
2021 |
263 |
|
2020 |
290 |
|
2019 |
288 |
|
2018 |
273 |
|
2017 |
255 |
|
2016 |
239 |
|
2015 |
243 |
|
2014 |
246 |
|
2013 |
262 |
|
2012 |
281 |
|
2011 |
317 |
|
2010 |
354 |
A recruitment drive for the RDF in 2022 resulted in over 1000 applications being received. On the 3 October 2023, the recruitment portal opened again and 200 applications were received in 38 hours. This is a welcome development. There are currently 844 live applications proceeding through the system with 34 medicals completed.
Work has been completed on streamlining the two-stage medical process and fitness testing is now completed before medicals. A more robust and streamlined recruitment process lends itself also to the CoDF recommendations relating to the structure and strength of the RDF, such as increasing the future RDF establishment strength to include, at a minimum, an Air Force Reserve of 200, and a Navy Reserve of 400 and it is the Government's commitment in line with the CoDF recommendations to strengthen the RDF in this regard.
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the RDF. Following the establishment of the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), the Director of ORA advises that their immediate focus is on the development of a Regeneration Plan.
Road Projects
Questions (171, 172)
Matt Carthy
Question:171. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road scheme in 2023; the progress that is expected in 2024; the timeframe in which he envisaged this project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56303/23]
View answerMatt Carthy
Question:172. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on the N2 Clontibret to the Border Road scheme in 2023; the progress that is expected in 2024; the timeframe in which he envisaged this project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56304/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
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 planning, design and construction 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 the status of these projects.
I can confirm that €600,000 was allocated for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. The N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme was selected to receive EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding, and matching funding will be provided through TII. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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
Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 171.
Ports Policy
Questions (173)
Paul Murphy
Question:173. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether the current ownership model of Rosslare Europort has hindered investment in the port; whether he agrees that it should be taken into public ownership by the Government.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56306/23]
View answerWritten answers
Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts but is instead operated on commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann. Technically, the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company, which is a 19th-century joint-venture company, consisting today of Iarnród Éireann on the Irish side, and Stena line on the Welsh (Fishguard) side.
The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was considered in a strategic review, commissioned by the Department of Transport and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants. Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.
I am satisfied that Rosslare Europort, as a division of Iarnród Éireann, is effectively managing operations at the port and looking at the potential of the Port to develop further and take advantage of any new opportunities. The port is targeting growth and new business opportunities, and has a strategic plan to grow the port’s business. This includes investment plans for €42 million over the period 2021-2026 in customer facilities, port infrastructure, freight facilities, port assets, new technology and linking the new entrance of the port with the proposed new port access road.
I do not accept that the ownership structure is impeding investment in Rosslare Europort and, as outlined above, a significant investment plan is underway.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Questions (174)
Cormac Devlin
Question:174. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the decision by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to close down motorway lay-bys for private vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56378/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
A new Service Area Policy for the motorway and dual-carriageway network was published by TII in December. The Policy sets out a number of changes in connection with lay-bys. Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you regarding the implications of the new Motorway Service Area Policy. 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 Licences
Questions (175)
Cormac Devlin
Question:175. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS will contact a person (details supplied) to resolve outstanding issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56380/23]
View answerWritten answers
The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) is provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The NDLS can be contacted at 0818 700 800. Alternatively, the RSA can be contacted at 096 25000 or by email at licencequeries@rsa.ie.
If a person has outstanding issues, they will need to contact the NDLS directly, particularly when dealing with personal data.
If they are not satisfied with the service, they may make a complaint to the RSA by email through the RSA website here: www.rsa.ie/help-support/online-support-centre . In the section “Do you have a different query”, select “contact us” as the category, “make a complaint” as the topic, and “I wish to make a complaint” as the subtopic.