Written Answers Nos. 7-28
7. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if further sanctions were discussed at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting to be applied on Belarus due to its involvement in the war with Ukraine. [9535/24]
View answerIn response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the EU has adopted a wide range of sanctions targeting both Russia and Belarus. These are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history, with over 2,000 individuals and entities now subject to EU restrictive measures.
The current measures targeting Belarus build on the restrictive measures first introduced by the EU following the presidential elections in Belarus in August 2020 and the crackdown on peaceful protesters, democratic opposition and journalists that followed. The measures against Belarus in large part mirror the restrictions introduced against Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine. Restrictions have been placed on trade between the EU and Belarus, and on exports to Belarus of dual-use goods and technology. A range of measures have been introduced targeting the Belarusian financial sector and asset freezes and travel bans have been placed against Belarusian military personnel, state officials, members of the judiciary, and businesspeople.
At the February Foreign Affairs Council, discussions among Member States focused on the importance of reaching agreement on the latest package of sanctions to coincide with the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine this February. On 23 February 2024, Ireland welcomed the adoption of the EU’s 13th sanctions package against Russia. This package includes the listing of almost 200 new individuals and entities, including several Belarusian companies and individuals providing support to the Russian armed forces. The new listings also include 15 individuals and 2 entities involved in the forced transfer and in the deportation and the military indoctrination of Ukrainian children, including in Belarus. These most recent measures build upon the restrictive measures against Belarus introduced in August 2023 in response to Belarus’s ongoing involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They targeted a number of goods and technologies that could contribute to Belarus’ military and technological enhancement and imposed further export bans on firearms, ammunition and aerospace goods and technology.
Ireland continues to support strong coordinated EU sanctions, and other measures including action at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The possibility of adopting further sanctions against Belarus at EU level remains under continual review.
8. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken with the Brazilian Ambassador to Ireland to date in 2024. [9536/24]
View answerIreland and Brazil enjoy warm bilateral relations, which are strengthened by our long-standing historical links and by the large, vibrant Brazilian community resident in Ireland. Important areas of cooperation in the bilateral relationship include engagement around our shared values, cultural exchange, our strong trade and investment links, and collaboration at the multilateral level, including during our recent shared terms on the United Nations Security Council.
In recent years, our relations with Brazil have been further enhanced under the aegis of the Global Ireland Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, which has seen increased engagement across the political, economic, values-based and cultural spheres. Our collaboration on climate action, in particular, has intensified, and Ireland is very pleased to have begun support to Indigenous communities in their role as guardians of the Amazon through bilateral funding in recent years.
The upcoming visit of my colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan, to Brazil will only serve to strengthen our ties in the above areas. It follows the productive visit of my colleague, Minister of State Seán Fleming, to Brazil last March.
While I have had no formal meeting with the Ambassador of Brazil to Ireland yet this year, officials in my Department engage very frequently with the Embassy of Brazil in Ireland on all of the above issues. Equally Ireland's diplomatic missions in Brasilia and Sao Paulo interact regularly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazilian officials in Brazil and, as appropriate, with the Embassy of Brazil in Ireland.
9. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 215 of 23 January and 89 of 17 October 2023, if further consular assistance will be given in this matter (details supplied). [9595/24]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for raising this case with me.
Officials in my Department have been in direct contact with the citizen concerned and have provided them with advice and guidance.
My officials have also provided the citizen in question with the details of an NGO with expertise in this area who can provide further assistance and guidance.
I hope the Deputy will appreciate that, as with all consular cases, the Department cannot interfere in an ongoing judicial process. However, we will continue to provide appropriate assistance.
10. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to clarify if the European Convention on Human Rights signed in Rome on 4 November 1950, being an international agreement involving a charge upon public funds, was approved by the Dáil prior to the State agreeing to be bound by it, as required under Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9655/24]
View answerIreland signed the European Convention on Human Rights on 4 November 1950, and ratified the Convention on 25 February 1953. In order to answer the Deputy's question, it will be necessary to consult archived records which are not immediately available. In the circumstances, it is requested that the deadline for a response be deferred. The Department's Legal Division will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the archived records have been retrieved.
11. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has undertaken an assessment of the impact of emissions trading system 2 on construction manufacturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9560/24]
View answerDirective 2023/959 extends the Emissions Trading System to the Buildings, Road Transport and Additional (mainly small industry) sectors (ETS II). The latter sector includes manufacturing industries and construction. The Environmental Protection Agency will be the competent authority for ETS II in Ireland.
Directive 2023/959 provides that ETS II activities would be regulated via a release for consumption method. The regulated entities would be the ‘upstream’ suppliers, such as fuel importers and distributors. The regulated entities will be required to surrender emissions allowances in respect of each year (from 2027), equivalent to the CO2 emissions associated with the fossil fuels used. The triggering of the compliance obligation is the release on the market of the eligible fuels for consumption in the sectors set out in Annex III to the Directive
While supporting the increased ambition for the EU ETS, the Directive extends emissions trading to sectors of the economy that are currently covered by Ireland’s domestic carbon tax. Ireland has therefore notified for a derogation under the Directive, which allows for a Member State with a carbon tax equivalent or higher than the average ETS II auction rate, to be exempted from the obligation on regulated entities to surrender ETS II allowances for the years 2027-2030. This derogation requires an initial successful notification to the European Commission and periodically thereafter. The Commission’s assessment of the derogation notification is expected shortly.
In the event of the application of the derogation, regulated entities will not be obliged to hold and surrender allowances and will not be expected to incur any significant additional costs that may be passed on to end-users and consumers. Any additional costs for the regulated entities would relate to the administrative costs of monitoring and reporting fuel usage to the EPA as the Competent Authority.
12. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 13 February 2024, if a ‘run out’ period will apply from 3 July 2024, to allow existing stocks of tethered caps to be used up before transitioning to new caps to avoid wastage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9618/24]
View answerAs stated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 13 February 2024, the tethered cap requirement is coming into effect across the EU on 3rd July 2024 and, from that date, only plastic beverage containers where the cap/lid remains firmly attached to the product during use can be placed on the market.
The tethered cap requirement was introduced through the Single Use Plastics Directive in June 2019. A five-year transition period was provided for in the Directive, to ensure businesses had sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments.
No extension of this transition period is planned.
13. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the situation regarding the former use of lariam in the Defence Forces; the status of any court cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9468/24]
View answerThere are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
A Working Group reviewed the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis and to ensure that the procedures in relation to this continue to be appropriate and in accordance with the best international practice. It made a total of twelve recommendations which are intended to ensure that the Defence Forces medical policies and practices continually develop in light of best practice. An Implementation Group was established to implement these recommendations.
Significant precautions are taken by Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas, including a medical risk assessment for Lariam. I am advised that the Defence Forces Medical Services are available to any personnel who may have, or who believe they may have been adversely affected by any medication.
The State Claims Agency manages personal injury claims on behalf of the Minister for Defence. These cases relate to a broad range of issues arising as a result of military service. There are a number of claims made by members and former members of the Defence Forces who allege personal injury as a result of their consumption of Mefloquine (Lariam), which are at various stages of the litigation process. However, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further in circumstances where these matters are the subject of litigation.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces remains a high priority for me and the military authorities.
14. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the expenditure in acquiring Orbiter 3 unmanned air systems in 2005; any associated expenditure in years since by year; the purpose of any such expenditure; the state in which any such company is based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9597/24]
View answer15. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if Ireland is obliged to continue procuring services from an Israeli based company in relation to Orbiter 3 unmanned air systems; if so, if there are any contractual provisions in relation to human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9598/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
The Defence Forces currently operate the Aeronautics Defence Orbiter UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system which is an unarmed platform used to conduct reconnaissance operations, i.e. non-lethal operations.
Following a competitive tender process, 4 Orbiter UAV Systems were procured between 2007 and 2009 from Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd. An upgrade of the Defence Forces UAV systems was carried out by Aeronautic Defense Systems as the original equipment manufacturer, commencing in 2016. This involved the upgrade of 4 UAV systems, with 3 airframes in each system. Ongoing expenditure since this upgrade relates to annual support, spares, repairs & training in respect of the Defence Forces existing fleet of unarmed UAV.
The platform is planned to continue in service until it reaches end of life, at which stage a replacement will be considered in the context of Defence Forces capability development and available funding, against the backdrop of the overall Equipment Development Plan process and in line with public procurement procedures.
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procurement procedures are EU law requirements that have to be complied with. This is to ensure fair competition, transparency and equal treatment between suppliers through the advertising of the tender competition on the e-Tenders or the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) tender platforms.
Such tender competitions are open to any company or country subject to the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargos or restrictions. There are no such restrictions or embargos in place on Israel or Israeli companies.
Trade policy and market access are largely EU competencies. Both the EU and Israel are members of GATT which has established a Government procurement agreement under which EU Member States and Israel can participate in procurement competitions hosted by each other.
Under both GATT and EU procurement law requirements, the Department of Defence is required to deal impartially with all companies that are entitled to enter tender competitions and tenders must be evaluated on the basis of objective criteria.
The table below lists payments to Aeronautic Defence Systems in respect of Orbiter UAV systems since 2007.
|
Year |
Item |
Value (ex vat) € |
|
2007 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems and Spares |
€ 643,083.00 |
|
2009 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Consumables, Repairs and Upgrade |
€ 1,470,802.88 |
|
2009 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Replacements |
€ 101,677.00 |
|
2009 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 148,856.00 |
|
2010 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 92,120.00 |
|
2010 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Repairs and Replacements |
€ 55,590.00 |
|
2011 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 155,000.00 |
|
2011 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Repairs |
€ 13,300.00 |
|
2011 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 39,868.00 |
|
2012 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 183,900.00 |
|
2012 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 34,922.00 |
|
2013 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 14,224.00 |
|
2013 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 179,120.00 |
|
2013 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Repairs and Consumables |
€ 22,100.00 |
|
2014 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems 2014/2015 |
€ 165,000.00 |
|
2014 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems and Repairs |
€ 31,624.00 |
|
2014 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Courses |
€ 100,000.00 |
|
2015 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 22,224.00 |
|
2015 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 170,000.00 |
|
2015 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Repairs and Consumables |
€ 3,480.00 |
|
2016 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 170,000.00 |
|
2016 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Upgrade |
€ 1,900,000.00 |
|
2016 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Repairs |
€ 23,900.00 |
|
2016 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 33,396.00 |
|
2016 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Consumables |
€ 16,860.00 |
|
2017 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Courses |
€ 142,000.00 |
|
2017 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems 2017/2018 |
€ 170,000.00 |
|
2017 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems and Spares |
€ 410,000.00 |
|
2018 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 33,600.00 |
|
2018 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems 2018/2019 |
€ 175,000.00 |
|
2019 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems 2019/2020 |
€ 180,000.00 |
|
2019 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 22,400.00 |
|
2019 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Courses |
€ 170,000.00 |
|
2019 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Repairs |
€ 52,600.00 |
|
2020 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 5,400.00 |
|
2020 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 190,000.00 |
|
2020 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Repairs |
€ 12,372.00 |
|
2021 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 234,200.00 |
|
2021 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 28,800.00 |
|
2022 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
€ 204,000.00 |
|
2022 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Courses |
€ 63,000.00 |
|
2023 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems - Courses |
€ 195,000.00 |
|
€ 8,079,418.88 |
16. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9407/24]
View answerTo receive an Irish manual transmission licence, an applicant for a driving licence exchange must be able to prove that they passed their driving test in a manual transmission vehicle . If they cannot do so, their Irish driving licence will be issued for driving automatic transmission vehicles only.
The National Driver Licence Service is provided by the Road Safety Authority. Because of data protection rules regarding the sharing of personal data, the person concerned will need to contact the Authority directly on this matter. My Department does not have access to and may not intervene in individual applications.
The RSA can be contacted on 096 25000 or by email to lqueries@rsa.ie.
17. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to explore the feasibility of constructing a park and ride facility at Kinnegad, where the M6 and M4 meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9417/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including the provision of park and ride facilities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA's Park and Ride Development Office for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
18. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the opening of Kishogue train station; the target opening date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/24]
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, including the works at Kishogue train station.
My understanding is that Kishogue train station will open this year. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport to indicate the availability of compensation for the cancellation of driving tests; whether same applies in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9466/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed response in relation to the specific case raised.
With regard to compensation for cancelled tests more generally, I have been advised that there is a process in place where a person can claim compensation for loss of wages or cost of hire of a vehicle for their test if the RSA cancel within 24 hours. This does not apply if the test is cancelled due to adverse weather.
20. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his plans to develop a greenway connecting Athenry to Milltown, in light of his investment of €375,000 to date in feasibility and design studies, both of which concluded that the most appropriate location for such a greenway is the disused rail line connecting the towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9489/24]
View answerAs 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 local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.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.
21. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to increase the number of operating taxis, particularly in rural and regional communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9493/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, 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.
While the NTA has statutory responsibility for regulating (licensing and enforcement) the SPSV industry, taxi drivers are self-employed individuals and, as such, decide on their own business strategies within the regulatory framework. Additionally, SPSV operators choose the times at which they operate.
The average increase of 12% on taxi fares was introduced by the NTA in September 2022 following the 2022 National Maximum Taxi Fare Review, is weighted in favour of premium hours, such as weekend nights, Sundays, and bank holidays. It is designed to attract more people to the taxi industry and to encourage more taxi drivers to work during unsocial hours, such as late nights, therefore increasing availability of taxis to passengers nationally. This late-night fare weighting is working very well, which is borne out in a much-reduced number of consumer complaints received by the NTA.
The NTA has commenced work on the National Maximum Taxi Fare Review 2024, which will assess for further changes in taxi operating costs and the market facing the industry. The NTA will keep operators updated as the Review progresses.
The current number of licensed drivers is 26,480, while the current number of licensed vehicles is 19,779. 47% of those vehicles are licensed to drivers with addresses in rural areas. A licensed vehicle can be operated anywhere in the country. It is only the licensed driver that has a geographical area restriction. In May 2023, the NTA undertook a nationally representative survey of taxi user research which covered the topic of availability. Of the respondents, which included both rural and urban areas, 81% reported finding it easy to get a taxi (under 15 minutes).
A total of 2,098 new SPSV driver licences have been granted by An Garda Síochána, the licensing authority for SPSV drivers, in the last 12 months. This is a 72% increase when compared to the previous 12 months (February 2022 to January 2023). For 2023, the monthly average for new driver licences issued was 166. This is due to the NTA's ‘Driver Recruitment Campaign’ which ran in July 2022. In comparison, 2022 had a monthly average of 99 per month, 2021 had 45, 2020 had 71 and 2019 had 139.
The Local Area Hackney licence is open to applications from any person who wishes to provide this service, subject to the regulations. To operate a local area hackney service, two licences are required. These are: (1) a local area hackney licence for the vehicle – this three-year licence is obtainable from the NTA; and (2) a licence to drive a local area hackney – this licence is obtainable from An Garda Síochána. It is not required if a person already holds a valid licence to drive small public service vehicles.
A resident of the area in respect of which the local area hackney licence is sought, is not required to undertake the Industry Knowledge or Area Knowledge tests normally applying for SPSV driver licences. Local area hackney drivers nevertheless must be licenced, and their vehicles must be licenced and insured. There are currently 27 local area hackney operators active nationwide.
Regarding the Local Area Hackney pilot, the scheme was launched in January 2023, which was a grant-aided initiative to support rural transport needs where existing transport services were found to be lacking. Despite significant work undertaken by the NTA to support the provision of this service nationwide, only two operators chose to become licensed under the grant supported Pilot (Roundwood and Castlepollard).
There is no cap on either vehicle or driver licence numbers in Ireland for entry to the SPSV sector. The NTA is currently accepting licence applications for wheelchair accessible taxis, wheelchair accessible hackneys, limousines, and local area hackneys.
22. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding that was provided for cycling facilities in County Tipperary in 2023 and the expected funding for same in 2024, in tabular form [9530/24]
View answerAs 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.
Tipperary County Council received an allocation of just over €4.6 million under the NTA's Active Travel Programme in 2023 for walking and cycling projects. I was delighted to announce the 2024 Active Travel allocations earlier this month with Tipperary County Council being allocated just under €4 million.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed breakdown of specific funding for cycling facilities. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
23. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration has been given to extending the low emissions vehicle toll incentive since it ceased at the end of December to continue to incentivise the transition to EVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9545/24]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department.
The ‘Low Emissions Vehicle Toll Incentive (LEVTI) Scheme’ concluded on the 31st of December 2023. Originally scheduled to close in 2022, LEVTI was extended until December 31st, 2023, and available for the first 50,000 eligible vehicles. There are no plans to reintroduce this scheme.
This is consistent with our Climate Action Plan targets and EU regulatory requirements whereby we move Exchequer supports for fleet electrification towards building out EV charging infrastructure . This change also aligns with similar polices in European nations, where countries including Norway, Germany and France have begun to taper vehicle subsidies and shift government investment towards infrastructure.
Ireland still compares favourably to our European counterparts with generous purchase incentives, low rates of Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and BIK for BEVs and a low rate of motor tax for lower emitting vehicles.
€115.8m has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Current financial supports from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from the Department of Finance, for the transition to electric vehicles and for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
• A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
• An apartment charger scheme;
• Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles;
• Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5000 for BEVs;
• eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV;
• ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
• Low rate of annual motor tax;
Budget 2024 saw the extension of the current VRT for a further two years. EVs with a value of €40,000 will continue to pay no VRT, while the tapering relief between €40,000 and €50,000 also remains in place.
In addition, there has been an extension of the EV tapering mechanism applied to BIK relief for Electric Vehicles of €35,000 to end 2025, €20,000 in 2026 and €10,000 in 2027
These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
24. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration has been given to bringing the Luas under the direct management of Iarnród Éireann rather than tendering for a new private operator ahead of the expiration of the current contract in November 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9643/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in matters relating to the ownership of public transport operators. The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the ownership of the Luas is an operational matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
25. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of incidents recorded by all agencies at certain intersections (details supplied) by type of incident, time of day and month, in tabular form, for the years 2019,2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 to date. [9645/24]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority produces official statistics to inform road safety policy and evidence-based interventions. The Authority relies upon collision data collected by An Garda Síochána (AGS) for this purpose. Similarly, Transport Infrastructure Ireland makes use of data, as reported by AGS, to provide evidence for locations within the network to target and prioritise road safety interventions.
Consequently, the primary information requested regarding specific incidents at certain intersections would be held by An Garda Síochána, under the aegis of the Department for Justice, and the Deputy should contact them directly for assistance with his query.
26. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the reason why there are regularly no catering services on the Tralee to Dublin line, in light of the fact it is the longest train journey in the State. [9711/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to catering on the Tralee to Dublin service is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
27. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to reviewing the decision to end the motor fuel subsidy at the end of March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9444/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in 2022 in light of the acute impact rising prices were having on households and business, Government provided for excise rate reductions in the order of 21, 16 and 5.4 cent per litre on petrol, diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO) respectively. These temporary reductions were due to end initially on 31 August 2022 but following review and monitoring of fuel prices were extended until February 2023 with a phased restoration beginning in June 2023, followed by a second restoration in September 2023. A final restoration of excise rates was due to take place on 31 October 2023 but in Budget 2024, I provided for a further extension until 31 March 2024 with a phased restoration legislated to occur in two final stages on 1 April 2024 and 1 August 2024.
While I recognise that households and business continue to face challenges, the Government must strike the appropriate balance between providing support and avoiding fuelling cyclical inflationary trends.
To note national average prices have eased considerably from highs of over €2.00 per litre which we saw in 2022. As per the Central Statistics Office Consumer Price Index, average national retail prices of auto diesel and petrol have decreased from approximately €1.85 per litre in October 2023 to approximately €1.69 per litre for diesel and €1.68 for petrol in January 2024. More recently the European Commission Weekly Oil Bulletin shows that the national average price as of 19 February 2024 was approximately €1.70 for both fuels.
In conclusion, I have no plans to postpone the excise restorations of 8cpl for petrol and 6cpl for diesel, the first phase of half these amounts ( 4cpl and 3cpl respectively) which is due to commence on 1 April 2024.
28. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the total value of funds invested in prize bonds in each year from 2014 to date; the total value of prizes won in the same period; the total value of prizes won from 2014 to date expressed as a percentage of the total funds invested in prize bonds; how this percentage compares to interest rates on savings during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9464/24]
View answerIn answer to the Deputy's question the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) have provided me with the attached table detailing prize bonds from 2014 to date.
NTMA Response to PQ 9464/24
The total value of funds invested in Prize Bonds in each year from 2014 to date; the total value of prizes won in the same period and the total value of prizes won from 2014 to date expressed as a percentage of the total funds invested in Prize Bonds are included in the table below.
|
PRIZE BONDS - 2014 - 2023 |
|||
|
YEAR |
Amount Invested (Million) |
Prize Values (Million) |
Prize values as an percentage of Amount Invested |
|
2014 |
2,176 |
31.7 |
1.46 |
|
2015 |
2,481 |
28.9 |
1.16 |
|
2016 |
2,894 |
28.0 |
0.97 |
|
2017 |
3,170 |
21.3 |
0.67 |
|
2018 |
3,415 |
16.4 |
0.48 |
|
2019 |
3,65 |
17.6 |
0.48 |
|
2020 |
4,103 |
19.2 |
0.47 |
|
2021 |
4,443 |
15.6 |
0.35 |
|
2022 |
4,695 |
16.0 |
0.34 |
|
2023 |
4,652 |
24.1 |
0.52 |
The interest rate used to calculate the Prize Bond prize fund seeks to ensure that Prize Bonds remain competitive in the savings market generally, whilst providing good value to the Exchequer in terms of borrowing costs
