Written Answers Nos. 161-181
161. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who purchased their way out of service in the years 2019 to date; the average discharge by purchase fee, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14973/24]
View answerDefence Force Regulations (DFR) A10 and A15 provide for the discharge and retirement of Permanent Defence Force enlisted personnel and officers respectively. The vast majority of persons discharging from the Defence Forces do so at no cost.
Discharge by purchase occurs when a Non Commissioned Officer or Private elects to leave the Defence Forces and pays an appropriate sum to discharge, in accordance with Defence Force Regulation A10. Recruits can also elect to discharge by purchase.
It should be noted that a small percentage of recruits and apprentices will be required to pay a nominal fee for ‘discharge by purchase’. While the average discharge by purchase fee is not readily available, I have been advised that the majority of personnel who owe a service undertaking, owe a nominal fee below €5,000.
Monetary sums in relation to discharge by purchase are assessed on a case by case basis depending on years of service, undertaking etc. The guidelines associated with determination of the amount payable on discharge are contained within DFR A10 and DFR A15.
The military authorities have advised that the table below provides details of the number of Defence Forces personnel that discharged by purchase in each of the years 2019 to end February 2024.
|
Discharges by Purchase |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
JAN |
12 |
27 |
12 |
17 |
9 |
13 |
|
FEB |
27 |
16 |
11 |
30 |
14 |
18 |
|
MAR |
23 |
18 |
12 |
23 |
24 |
NA |
|
APR |
40 |
16 |
15 |
25 |
22 |
NA |
|
MAY |
34 |
9 |
45 |
21 |
39 |
NA |
|
JUN |
37 |
13 |
28 |
22 |
27 |
NA |
|
JUL |
22 |
15 |
19 |
24 |
18 |
NA |
|
AUG |
34 |
11 |
18 |
37 |
21 |
NA |
|
SEP |
30 |
30 |
34 |
44 |
30 |
NA |
|
OCT |
32 |
53 |
32 |
27 |
29 |
NA |
|
NOV |
35 |
26 |
37 |
28 |
20 |
NA |
|
DEC |
39 |
26 |
26 |
40 |
16 |
NA |
|
TOTAL |
365 |
260 |
289 |
338 |
269 |
31 |
162. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of personnel in each arm of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14974/24]
View answerThe strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 29 February 2024 the latest date for which such figures are available, was 7,451 personnel comprised of 6,018 Army personnel, 702 Air Corps personnel, and 731 Naval Service personnel.
The military authorities have advised they are in the process of confirming the number of personnel in each arm of the Reserve Defence Force and this information will be forwarded to the Deputy when it becomes available.
Ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. In that regard, my immediate focus is now on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
163. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 5 March 2024, if the requested information in relation to ground rents payable by his Department, or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date has been compiled. [14991/24]
View answerI am advised that the requested material has recently been forwarded to the Deputy.
164. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if pension entitlements will be transferred to the widow of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15004/24]
View answerThe case of the person in question (details supplied) has been reviewed and I am advised that the position is that he was not a member of a Defence Forces Contributory Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Scheme. The individual in question opted out of the Original Scheme in 1977 and did not opt to join the Revised Scheme in 1985 when given the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately therefore there is no entitlement to, or ability to pay, a spouses pension in this case.
My Department has been in correspondence with the widow of the person in question in relation to this case and copies of the option forms signed where the individual indicated he did not wish to join either of these schemes have been sent previously to his widow, upon her request.
The position is that membership of the Original Spouses’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme was compulsory in the case of soldiers enlisting after 31 January 1978 and optional in the case of soldiers already serving at the time. This was the case for the person in question.
Soldiers already serving on 31 January 1978 were included as members of the scheme unless they made a positive option in writing not to become members. It was made clear to all such soldiers that no benefits could be paid under the scheme to their dependants and that they would not be afforded an opportunity of joining the scheme at a later date. Detailed explanatory literature on the scheme was made available and extensive briefings about its provisions were given by the Military Authorities.
A second opportunity to make provision for their dependants was granted in 1985 when all soldiers (as well as pensioners and the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers) who had opted out of the scheme in 1977/1978 were invited to reconsider their decision and to join a revised scheme.
All soldiers who were serving when the original scheme was introduced in 1978 therefore had two opportunities to join the scheme. The question of reopening membership options to these schemes has been considered on a number of occasions over the years but I regret to say that it has not been found possible to make any concession.
There would be significant policy and cost implications for many other public sector areas if membership options were re-opened in respect of the Defence Forces' Contributory Spouses’ and Children’s scheme. The situation of surviving spouses of deceased military personnel cannot therefore be considered in isolation.
The longstanding provisions in relation to the Defence Forces Contributory Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Schemes are of common application across all public service Spouses’ and Children’s pension schemes and it is not open to the Department of Defence to change the relevant scheme rules in isolation. In that regard, any changes to military pension scheme terms and conditions, including for dependents’ benefits, are subject to the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure National Development Plan and Reform.
The Final Report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions was published in January 2001. This Report was the first comprehensive examination of public service occupational pension arrangements since the foundation of the State. The Commission was an independent body and had invited submissions from interested parties, giving those concerned an unprecedented opportunity to put their case on occupational pension issues.
In its Report, the Commission gave careful consideration to the arguments for and against providing another option to join spouses’ and children’s schemes. On balance, it decided not to recommend a further general membership option across the public service as a whole. In the context of the Government’s subsequent consideration and acceptance of the Commission’s Report, no change in policy in relation to the above matter has been authorised or is contemplated and, accordingly, there is no scope for departing from settled public service pensions’ policy in the case of such options.
The Commission did however recommend that a limited appeals process for spouses’ and children’s scheme membership options be established to examine individual cases and to allow appeals that meet any one of the following criteria:
(i) where there is no evidence that an option was provided to the public servant in the first place;
(ii) where there is clear medical evidence to demonstrate that the person making the decision not to join the scheme was of sufficiently unsound mind not to appreciate the consequences of their decision; and
(iii) where a member of the original scheme declined to join the revised scheme in circumstances where there would have been no reasonably foreseeable financial consequences for the individual had they opted instead to join the Revised Scheme.
The case referred to by the Deputy was considered in the context of the above limited appeal but unfortunately there is no evidence that it meets any of the above criteria.
With regard to (i) above there is evidence on file that the person in question was given an option in 1977 to join the Original Scheme and was given an option in 1985 to join the Revised Scheme and there are signed option forms demonstrating his choice to actively opt out of joining both schemes.
In respect of (ii) above no medical evidence has been submitted in respect of this, and there is no evidence on file to indicate that this would apply in this case.
In respect of (iii) above, as the person in question was not a member of the Original Scheme this is not applicable.
On the basis of all of the above this case does not meet any of the required criteria and therefore, unfortunately, the widow of the person in question is not eligible for a pension under the Defence Forces Contributory Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Scheme.
165. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his Department’s policy on the appointment of civilian clerical staff to other posts within his Department, including positions such as storekeeper supervisor; if it is the case that civilian clerical staff who have carried out functions of such posts on an acting basis for an extensive period, have thereby earned eligibility for permanent appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15236/24]
View answerCivilian employees may, subject to the business needs of the respective military installation, be transferred to particular duties by military management in line with public service guidelines. In certain circumstances, a case may be made for an employee to carry out duties of a higher grade for a specific period of time.
Should a business case be made by military management, and accepted by my Department, for the creation of a permanent post at the higher grade, competition for the post will be open to application from any civilian employee provided they fulfil the eligibility requirements.
166. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will investigate the practice of members of the Defence Forces being denied their presentation on the basis that they have made protected disclosures about issues in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15276/24]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question. I am not at liberty to discuss or comment on any protected disclosure; however, I am assured by Military Management that no member of the Defence Forces is denied anything on foot of having made a protected disclosure. The Defence Forces is on record for encouraging members to speak out against abuse of any kind either through official Defence Force channels or by protected disclosure if they feel that is their only option.
167. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if it is the case that members of the Defence Forces cannot take cases to the WRC for the issue of being penalised for having made a protected disclosure about issues in the Defences Forces; if so, the reason this is the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15277/24]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question; I am not at liberty to discuss or comment on any specific protected disclosure. However it may be useful to note that within the Protected Disclosures Act ‘worker’ and ‘employee’ are defined separately. An individual who is or was a member of the Permanent Defence Force is deemed to be a “worker”, therefore Defence Force members are not employees within the meaning of this Act.
Any Defence Forces member who alleges penalisation may and should, direct their complaints to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
For your awareness Deputy, serving members of the Defence Forces are not employees as they do not have a contract of employment but rather are deemed to be persons holding office in the service of the State. This position is underpinned by Irish Case Law. Serving members are therefore precluded from bringing a complaint of penalisation to the WRC, under the terms of Section 12 of the Protected Disclosures Act.
168. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department is investigating media reports that former members of the Defence Forces, including those of the ranger elite corps, have been undertaking training of personnel belonging to the so-called "Libyan National Army" under General Haftar, such group being opposed to the UN-recognised leadership; if he will publish the findings of that investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15357/24]
View answer169. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what actions he is taking to assess whether the reported training in Libya by former members of the Irish Defence Forces of a military group opposed to the UN-recognised leadership of the country, is in breach of the UN arms embargo and EU restrictions on Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15358/24]
View answer170. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will ban private or commercial organisations involved in, or associated with, international security advice, weaponry or military training using the words Irish or Ireland in their business or company titles, such use being open to misinterpretation as pertaining to some official role in, or connection with the State and its offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15359/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together.
My Department is aware of recent media reports regarding the training of members of the Libyan National Army by an Irish-based company and the possibility that such activity is in breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures.
The alleged breaches of UN and EU sanctions in the manner outlined in the media reports are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach these sanctions, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
I have spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline my deep concern at the matters alleged, all of which need to be examined further.
On the basis of the information received and given the potential for a breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, my Department referred these activities to the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, which is the competent authority in relation to breaches of trade sanctions. I understand that, having examined the allegations, the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment has referred the matter to An Garda Siochána.
In addition, I have asked my officials to give consideration to the need for further legislation to strengthen the safeguards in relation to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions.
171. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address delays by ESB Networks in providing grid connections for the installation of EV charging infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15318/24]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The EV Charging infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
In relation to electric vehicle grid connections, Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) continues to work closely with ESB Networks, a key member of the ZEVI Assurance Board and Progress Group. However, issues regarding the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks.
EirGrid and ESB Networks are independent of the Minister of Environment, Climate and Communications in the exercise of their respective functions at an operational level. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, has responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, has responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 (ERA) and subsequent legislation. The CRU is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister.
The CRU is responsible for, inter alia, electricity grid connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks, distribution, and EirGrid, transmission. Under Section 34 of the ERA, the CRU may give directions to system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, on the terms and conditions of access to the electricity system. Based on the CRU’s policy directions, the system operators issue connection offers.
172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to provide clarity on a letter that was sent to all businesses selling fuel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13578/24]
View answerMy Department was required to transpose Article 7.3 of Directive 2014/94/EU (fuel price comparison) which requires EU Member States to provide information on fuel prices to enable consumers to compare the fuel/running costs of zero emission and internal combustion engine vehicles with different fuels in a common unit (€/100KM).
A set of implementing regulations was therefore drawn up which places requirements on the operators of fuel filling stations, with three or more petrol pumps, to display information which provides comparative prices for different fuel types, including traditional petroleum fuels and alternative fuels such as electric charging and hydrogen.
The SEAI maintains a fuel price comparison hosted on www.seai.e/fpc, which is updated quarterly. The requirement on obligated fuel stations is to display the fuel cost comparison figures as published by SEAI on their premises. SEAI have designed a printable poster of the figures to simplify the process for obligated fuelling stations.
There is a blog on the SEAI website with a detailed explanation of the Fuel Price Comparison and what is required of fuelling stations. It is anticipated that there will also be a SEAI webinar detailing associated requirements in the coming weeks.
173. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the public and private bus transport available (details supplied) in light of recent announcements of service withdrawal; what measures are in place to service this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13602/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Aircoach regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
174. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet with the N2/A5/Ten-T Cross Border Committee, which comprises of representatives from Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Mid Ulster District Council and Monaghan County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13642/24]
View answerRequests for meetings should be sent to my diary team. They can be contacted at Ministerdiary@transport.gov.ie.
175. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to ensure adequate upkeep of local and regional roads in 2024. [13643/24]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local road network. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. For this reason, approximately 90% of the €658 million of State funding being provided in 2024 is aimed at protection and renewal works. This allocation represents a €32 million increase in State funding compared to the 2023 allocation, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement Grant. Funding is also being provided for bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation and safety measures, drainage works together with community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads.
In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €70 million has been allocated this year for such improvements on new regional and local roads. Road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (IG) (formerly known as the Public Spending Code) and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).
176. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport in view that CIE RWS Scheme pensioners, receiving an average of €52 per week, have not had a pension increase since 2008, if he will consider increasing it in line with other similar scheme increases; if the cost-of-living element of the pay award given to Irish Rail and Dublin Bus staff will be passed on to retired staff also; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13694/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.
As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently does not meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility. In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the aspect of Deputy's question related to pension increases to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
177. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he can explain in detail why route 706 and 706X, run by a company (details supplied) will cease to exist in April 2024; if he will reconsider this decision and maintain this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13697/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Aircoach regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
178. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will initiate via TII a more frequent sweeping of a cycle lane (details supplied). [13703/24]
View answerAs 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. 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.
179. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a regular bus service will be provided to an area (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13719/24]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
180. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus stop (details supplied) will be reinstated in a location in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13720/24]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, for decisions in relation to the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, and for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the national provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in these areas, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
181. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will act to ensure that a public bus service is reinstated between Galway and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13726/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the NTA’s public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. As a commercial operator, any decisions taken by Aircoach regarding routes scheduling and timetabling are a matter for the company, the NTA has no powers to refuse an application from an operator to reduce or withdraw services on a commercial route.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, such as Aircoach route 706/706X, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
