Phil Hogan
Ceist:83 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the conclusion of an Open Skies agreement between the US and Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6573/07]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 10 to 74, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 75 to 82, inclusive, answered orally.
Open Skies Agreement.
The Deputy will be aware that, in November 2005, EU and US negotiators concluded work on the text of a first phase EU-US Open Skies agreement that included a transitional arrangement for Ireland, relating to the phasing out of the Shannon Stop. The draft agreement was unanimously endorsed at the December 2005 Transport Council subject to sufficient progress by the US side on opening up ownership and control of US airlines to EU investors.
In December 2006, following opposition from Congress, the US authorities withdrew the rule making proposal concerning control and ownership of U.S. airlines. The rule making provision had been a key demand for a number of Member States and its withdrawal by the US side is a significant barrier to concluding the EU US Open Skies agreement.
Negotiation at EU-US level resumed in January 2007, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the goal of concluding an EU-US agreement that would open access to markets and maximise benefits on both sides of the Atlantic. Following negotiations in Washington earlier this month a further round is scheduled for next week. The objective is to reach agreement in time for the next Transport Council in March 2007.
I am following the negotiations between the EU and US closely and my Department is in ongoing contact with the Office of the Attorney General on the legal options. As I indicated previously, in the absence of progress at EU level, I intend to seek to implement, in accordance with Community law, measures to provide for liberalisation of transatlantic services between Ireland and the US by way of an amendment to the Ireland-US bilateral Air Services Agreement.
State Airports.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:84 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the business plans from each of the State airports; if not, the reason he has not; if he is satisfied with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/07]
In finalising their business plans, all three State Airport Authorities must demonstrate their financial and operational readiness for the post-independence era. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has to be satisfied, in the first instance, that the transition to full autonomy takes account of the challenges currently faced by all three state airports.
Under the State airports Act 2004, the Minister for Finance and I must be satisfied that the Airports have the capacity to operate on a sound commercial basis before giving final approval to the business plans.
I am satisfied that airport restructuring can proceed quickly and that the key challenges facing each of the airports can be addressed. Progress will be contingent on the airport authorities finalising business plans which ensure an efficient and competitive cost base, provide for funding for future capital investment and an appropriate financial mechanism in respect of transfer of Cork Airport assets.
Joe Costello
Ceist:85 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of US soldiers who have travelled through Shannon Airport in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2799/07]
I understand that US soldiers transiting through Shannon generally travel on chartered civilian airliners. If weapons are being carried on board, the operator is obliged to seek an exemption from the Minister for Transport from the prohibition on their carriage under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. My Department does not collate information with regard to the number of military troops onboard civilian aircraft.
However, on the basis of information collected by Shannon Airport Management, the number of US troops that have passed through Shannon Airport in each of the past five years is as follows:
|
2002 |
73,170 |
|
2003 |
121,943 |
|
2004 |
158,549 |
|
2005 |
340,688 |
|
2006 |
280,785 |
Rail Network.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:86 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport when the business case for Metro West will be presented. [6539/07]
Transport 21 includes provision for Metro West, linking Tallaght, Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown to Metro North. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is progressing this project, which is on target for completion in 2014.
The RPA, following consultation with South Dublin and Fingal County Councils and other key stakeholders, identified two route corridors for Metro West.
I launched the public consultation process for Metro West on 22nd November last. The RPA are consulting widely, with people living and working along the proposed routes, public representatives, agencies and local authorities. The route selected may be a variant or combination of the route options or other options identified during consultation.
It is expected that a preferred route will be identified later this year by the RPA and that it will submit an Outline Business Case to my Department by mid-2008.
Bus Licensing System.
Liz McManus
Ceist:87 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in updating the bus licensing system; and when he expects to introduce legislation in this regard. [6543/07]
New Legislation is currently being prepared in my Department to replace the Road Transport Act, 1932 by a modern regulatory and licensing regime in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. It is anticipated that the new legislation will address a range of issues including the introduction of a single licensing code for all bus operators. The legislation will also be designed in a manner consistent with EU law on public service obligations and State Aids and in such a way to create new opportunities and a level playing field for private operator involvement in the bus market.
There has been no delay in drafting the legislation. A process of consultation has been underway with the trade unions management and the private sector in relation to the preparation of legislative proposals. When this process is completed, subject to Government approval, I hope to publish legislative proposals as soon as possible.
Road Traffic Offences.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:88 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his views on ensuring that any driving ban enforced on motorists in either the Republic or Northern Ireland should be effective on both sides of the border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6586/07]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:112 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport when he expects mutual recognition of penalty points to be introduced on both sides of the border with Northern Ireland; and the other areas of cooperation his Department is working on at present. [6551/07]
Dan Neville
Ceist:167 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in relation to the implementation of an All-Ireland penalty point system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6601/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 112 and 167 together.
In relation to driver disqualification a framework for the mutual recognition of disqualifications is contained in the European Union Convention on Driving Disqualifications (98/C 216/01). The Convention relates to disqualifications arising from a range of specified traffic offences including drink-driving, speeding and dangerous driving. Irish legislation to support the application of the Convention is contained in the Road Traffic Act, 2002.
In advance of the Convention fully coming into force and following a Ministerial meeting of the Transport Sectoral Group of the British-Irish Council on 9 February 2006, I have formally agreed with the UK Minister of State for Transport to enter into bilateral arrangements on the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications as envisaged in the EU Convention.
The UK Minister for State for Transport wrote to me recently advising me that it is now likely to be later than the first half of 2007 when the UK and NI authorities will have the necessary legislative and consultative processes complete to enable mutual recognition to be put in place. Officials continue to work to ensure that the necessary administrative arrangements are in place to enable relevant administrations to recognise and take action on driving disqualifications occurring in the other jurisdiction.
In relation to lesser offences, the North South Work Programme, as agreed by the North South Ministerial Council, included a commitment to examine the mutual recognition of penalty points between the Republic of Ireland and the North. However, in addition to the fact that separate penalty point systems operate in the two jurisdictions on this island, the system that operates in Northern Ireland differs from that applying in Great Britain. For that reason, it was agreed that it would be more appropriate to pursue the question of mutual recognition of penalty points on the basis of the operation of the three systems and that it would also be more appropriate that it would be dealt with under the auspices of the British-Irish Council.
As Northern Ireland has the lead role for transport matters in the BIC, the authorities in that jurisdiction are taking the lead in considering this issue. It was agreed at the British-Irish Council meeting on the 9 February 2006 that officials should examine the prospects for greater co-operation in the treatment of road traffic infringements where the penalty falls short of disqualification. Arising from work in this area I have agreed with the UK Minister for State for Transport the terms of reference proposed for a study of the feasibility of greater cooperation between us in relation to lesser road traffic infringements with a view to our officials undertaking a study on this basis. Work on this study is ongoing.
Road Network.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:89 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the final cost of completing the five major interurban routes; if he is satisfied that these projects have provided good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6593/07]
As Minister for Transport I have overall responsibility for policy and funding matters in relation to national roads. Under sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Act 1993 the National Roads Authority (NRA) are responsible for the detailed planning, design and implementation of the national roads programme including the major interurban routes, which will not be fully completed until 2010. The final cost will not be known until all tender procedures have been completed.
Sea Ports.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:90 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the proposals contained in the new National Development Plan in relation to the development of the sea port sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/07]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:187 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding made available for ports under the National Development Plan; and the basis upon which this allocation was made. [6557/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 187 together.
To date c. €14.5 million of grant aid has been paid to approved projects under the Seaports Measure of the previous NDP 2000-2006, following a competitive call for proposals. Further funding is still available in 2007 for eligible expenditure related to the approved projects.
The Government's Ports Policy Statement published in January 2005 makes clear that the State-owned commercial port companies should in future fund their operations and infrastructural requirements without recourse to the Exchequer.
In line with this policy, Exchequer funding of port infrastructure is not envisaged under the new NDP 2007-2013. In relation to non-Exchequer expenditure under the NDP 2007-2013 it has been estimated that projects at the main commercial ports will cost between €300 million and €600 million.
The precise projects, their timing, and expenditure will be decided by the port companies and their boards, subject to the required capital appraisal and statutory ministerial approvals.
In addition, investment will take place at certain regional harbours. Current policy is that these harbour authorities would best achieve their potential through transfer to local authority or port company control. As part of the transfer arrangements, a programme of remedial works will continue to be funded as appropriate under the NDP.
Road Network.
Dan Neville
Ceist:91 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport when the deal to buy out the West Link Toll Bridge will be completed; the details of this deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6602/07]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:122 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when he will bring the results of the negotiations between the National Toll Roads and the National Roads Authority before the Cabinet; the proposed operational features for the new barrier free tolls being proposed for the West Link bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6634/07]
Billy Timmins
Ceist:129 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport if future tolling revenue from the M50 will be ringfenced for the upgrade and maintenance of the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6613/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 122 and 129 together.
At the outset, I should explain that overall responsibility for the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the M50 upgrade, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned. I have no function in relation to the day-to-day operation of these projects.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads, including the M50, is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).
Yesterday I informed the Government about progress in the discussions between the National Roads Authority (NRA) and National Toll Roads (NTR) regarding the termination of NTR's involvement on the West Link Bridge. I indicated to the Government the broad terms on which the NRA is now intending to close a deal with National Toll Roads. These terms are that NTR's involvement with the West Link facility will cease as from mid-2008. NTR will receive annual payments of €50 million, plus Consumer Price Index, for each of the years 2008-2020.
The upgrade work on the M50 is being undertaken in three phases. Phase 1 comprises the widening of the carriageway between the N4 (Galway Road roundabout) and Ballymount interchanges and the upgrading of the N4, N7 and Ballymount interchanges. This work is currently under way and is expected to be completed in mid-2008.
Phase 2 which is being administered as a Public Private Partnership project will comprise of the widening of 24km of the M50 from south of the M1/M50 Turnapin interchange to the N3 interchange and from south of Ballymount interchange to the Sandyford interchange including the upgrade of the other interchanges along these sections. The contract for Phase 2 is to be awarded in 2007 and construction is expected to be completed in 2010.
Phase 3 comprises the widening of the section between south of the N3 interchange and north of the West Link toll plaza which is expected to be completed by mid 2008.
Separately the NRA are procuring the replacement of the current West Link toll plaza with single point barrier free tolling. It is intended that this will be introduced during 2008 in tandem with the completion of phase 1 of the M50 upgrade.
I expect, therefore, that significant improvements in the situation on the M50 will take place in 2008. Further improvement will take place on completion of the later phases of the upgrade in 2010. In the meantime, traffic management in the area is being monitored on an ongoing basis with measures being taken where possible to alleviate traffic congestion resulting from the road works.
I understand that the toll revenue from the barrier-free single point toll will be used to fund Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the M50 upgrade and the cost of introducing barrier free tolling as well as the costs of terminating NTR's West-Link contract.
Rail Network.
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:92 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if it is envisioned that following the implementation of the Kildare route project all commuter services on the Kildare line will be electrified and made compatible for use along the proposed interconnector; the impact the four tracking of the Kildare line between Heuston and Hazelhatch will have on the frequency of service to Sallins, Newbridge and Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6664/07]
The Kildare Route Project involves doubling the number of tracks to four, with two dedicated lines for commuter services and two dedicated lines for Intercity and regional services. This will facilitate a major upgrade of InterCity services, long distance commuter services and local commuter services on the corridor. These services will be operated with diesel powered trains.
The additional tracks will enable increased train frequencies serving Sallins, Newbridge and Kildare in the peak periods, with improved journey times because these services will not be required to call at local stations between Hazelhatch and Heuston.
In the longer term it is proposed to electrify the route to enable electric train commuter services through to the city centre via an interconnector tunnel. The Interconnector is intended to be the final phase of a programme to extend and reconfigure the DART and suburban services and to provide higher capacities, frequencies and integration of services to meet forecast demand levels in the Dublin area and to develop an integrated transport system for the capital.
Transport Infrastructure.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:93 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the new and additional transport infrastructure projects announced in the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6574/07]
The National Development Plan re-affirms the Government's commitment to the implementation of the transport investment programmes and projects set out in Transport 21 and provides for an acceleration of the development of the Atlantic Road Corridor. The Plan also sets out the investment strategies for State airports and ports.
Road Safety.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:94 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his views on measures to introduce driver simulators for learner drivers; when this will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6595/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads, including co-operation with local authorities and other persons in this regard.
Tax Code.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:95 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a proposal from the Taxi Regulator to provide a subsidy to wheelchair accessible taxis; his views on such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6629/07]
Seán Ryan
Ceist:128 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received proposals from the Taxi Commission in relation to the introduction of financial assistance to incentivise the provision of more wheelchair accessible taxis; his views on these proposals; when he will act upon them; and the amount of funding set aside in 2007 for the envisaged scheme. [6572/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 128 together.
An outline proposal for a draft subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys was received by my Department on 16 January 2007. This proposal is being examined and will require consultation with other bodies such as the Department of Finance. Pending completion of this examination I am not in a position to make any further comment.
Rural Transport Initiative.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:96 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the outcome of his discussions with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in relation to the proposal to extend the Rural Transport Initiative to provide transport services during the night-time hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/07]
I have discussed with my colleague, Mr. Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, his plans to provide night-time transport services in more remote rural areas which will be designed to complement the Rural Transport Programme which I announced earlier this week. I understand he will announce the details of the scheme shortly.
Proposed Legislation.
Mary Upton
Ceist:97 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport when he will act on his commitment given during the passing of the Road Traffic Act, 2006, to bring forward a further Road Traffic Bill by the end of 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6561/07]
While I am fully committed to bringing forward another Road Traffic Bill, my priority at present is to ensure that the outstanding provisions of Road Traffic Act, 2006 are commenced and implemented.
Rail Network.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:98 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if the Government has plans to allocate funds to upgrade and modernise the track and signalling on the Limerick to Ballybrophy line; the funding that his Department will make available; and when the line will be upgraded. [6640/07]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:157 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the funding he has made available for the upgrading of the Limerick Ballybrophy line; the reason the upgrade of the line is not included under the Transport 21 programme; the funding invested in the Limerick to Ballybrophy line since 2000; and his plans to upgrade this line in the near future. [6548/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 157 together.
Funding has been made available to Iarnród Éireann for the upgrading of the Limerick/Ballybrophy line, as part of the 2004-2008 Railway Safety Programme which is part of Transport 21. This funding has been spent on track renewal, and upgrading of signalling, level crossings, structures and fencing. I understand that over 15 miles of track have been renewed since 2004.
Total investment on the line to the end of 2006 is in the region of €8m. I understand that Iarnród Éireann's 2007 programme of works provides for renewal of a further 4 miles, plus other safety works such as fencing, sleeper replacement and signalling and electrical renewals. This will leave two miles to be upgraded in 2008 which will complete the project.
I understand also that the old locomotive hauled trains on the line have also been replaced with modern diesel railcars and that Iarnród Éireann also plan to resignal the line as part of Transport 21.
Road Safety.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:99 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the number of times the Cabinet sub-committee on road safety has met since its establishment; and the last time it met. [6563/07]
The Cabinet Sub Committee on Road Safety was established in 2006 to actively promote cross departmental road safety issues. The first meeting took place in February 2006. A total of five meetings of the Committee have taken place over the last 12 months.
Road Traffic Offences.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:100 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the way he will deal with the problem of non-compliance with mandatory EU rest times for HGV drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/07]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:143 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the evaluation carried out by his Department or on his Department’s behalf on the effectiveness of and level of compliance with the working hours restrictions for drivers of buses and heavy goods vehicles; and his policy in relation to facilitating and encouraging drivers to meet the requirements of this law. [6560/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 143 together.
Responsibility for the enforcement of the law relating to drivers' hours and rest periods are matters for the Road Safety Authority and the Garda Síochána. There is a duty on operators to comply with the law relating to drivers hours and rest periods. Failure to comply with the law may result in the driver or operator concerned being prosecuted in the Courts.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:101 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the progress he has made in the European Commission with regard to overcoming the legislative loophole that prevents An Garda Síochána from attaching penalty points to foreign licences. [6637/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for ensuring that penalty points are endorsed on a licence record. Data in relation to penalty points is held on the National Driver File, which is administered by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
All drivers are subject to road traffic law and it is a matter for An Garda Síochána to enforce the law. As foreign licence holders have no Irish driving licence penalty points are recorded against that person on a separate record in the National Driver File.
The Road Safety Unit of the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy and Transport recently launched a public consultation on the issue of cross-border enforcement in the field of road safety.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:102 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that non-resident drivers and in some cases non-national drivers do not escape punishment for road traffic offences. [6569/07]
I am conscious that enforcing penalties for road traffic offences on non-resident and non national drivers raises many legal, organisational and procedural issues which make it very difficult for any one State to enforce such penalties. For that reason, my Department is pursuing this question at the European, British/Irish and North/South levels where mutual recognition and cross border enforcement possibilities are being pursued.
EU Directives.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:103 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in complying with Directive No. 2005/14/EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6562/07]
The Fifth Motor Insurance Directive (2005/14/EC) is due for transposition by 11th June 2007. My officials have completed a consultation process with the motor insurance industry, consumer interests, Government Departments and the legal profession. As the Fifth Directive amends the previous four motor insurance Directives, my officials are involved in a process of consolidating the legislation transposing these Directives and the Fifth Directive into a cohesive single piece of legislation. This is in line with the Government's White Paper on Regulating Better. It is expected that the consolidated regulations will be signed by me by the due date of transposition.
Road Traffic Offences.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:104 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce legislation providing for Dublin City Council or Dublin Bus to use cameras to legally enforce bus lane compliance. [6638/07]
Under the Road Traffic Acts, enforcement of road traffic offences in relation to all moving vehicle offences, including the regulations in relation to the use of bus lanes, is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána.
Breach of bus lane regulations is an offence under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Section 21 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 (as amended by section 15 of the Road Traffic Act 2004) provides that evidence from camera equipment may be used by a Garda in prosecution of section 35 offences.
I have no proposals to confer responsibility for the enforcement of bus lane compliance on Dublin City Council or Dublin Bus, as suggested by the Deputy.
Proposed Legislation.
Joan Burton
Ceist:105 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in publishing legislation for the Dublin Transportation Authority; when this legislation is expected to be published; the arrangements in respect of an interim authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6537/07]
Dan Boyle
Ceist:124 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport when proposed new Dublin Transportation Authority will be established; the powers such an authority will have to direct other local authorities and State transport companies from its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6635/07]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:142 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when the new Dublin Transport Authority will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6604/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 124 and 142 together.
I published the report of the Dublin Transport Authority Establishment Team last November and invited interested parties to submit their views on the structure, functional area, functions and powers recommended by the Establishment Team for such an Authority. I indicated at that time my intention of considering the views of interested parties prior to finalising the legislation to establish the Authority on a statutory basis.
During the course of the consultation process officials in my Department held meetings with a range of interested parties. A number of written submissions were also received.
I have taken the opportunity in recent weeks to consider the views expressed raised during the consultation process. It is my intention to publish the Dublin Transport Authority Bill in the coming weeks during the current Dáil session. However, it would be premature for me to disclose the detailed provisions of the Bill prior to its consideration and approval by Government.
In anticipation of the imminent publication of the Dublin Transport Authority Bill I recently appointed Mr. Tom Mulcahy, in addition to his role as Chairman of the RPA, as Chairman designate of the Dublin Transport Authority.
Light Rail Project.
Seán Crowe
Ceist:106 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce overcrowding on the Luas. [6475/07]
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:174 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the measures that have been proposed to tackle overcrowding on the Luas. [6482/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:267 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to increase the daily capacity of the Luas in advance of Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6900/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 174 and 267 together.
The popularity of the existing Luas network continued to grow in 2006 with an increase of 16% in passenger carryings compared to 2005. Last year, Luas carried 25.8 million passengers of which 13.7 million travelled on the Red line and 12.1 million on the Green line.
The success of Luas has already demonstrated that light rail is an essential and popular component of the public transport infrastructure for Dublin and over the coming years, the Luas and Metro elements of Transport 21 will bring the benefits of this modern and efficient mode of urban transport to a much wider commuter base.
To cater for the higher demand, the RPA increased the peak-time frequency on the Green line last year from 5 to 4 minutes and instituted a special shuttle service on the Red line between Heuston and Connolly Stations. In addition, the RPA is in the process of providing a 40% increase in capacity on the Red line by increasing the length of the 26 trams from 30 metres to 40 metres. The first of the new extended trams will enter service in May 2007 and the tram extensions will be completed in 2008.
In addition, for the medium-term, my Department recently gave approval to the RPA to purchase eight trams for use on the existing Luas network and it is expected that these additional trams will be in service by the end of 2009.
Rail Network.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:107 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport when the timetable for each stage of the proposed rail interconnector between Heuston Station and Spencer Dock will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6643/07]
Transport 21 provides for the completion of the interconnection tunnel by 2015. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that it has commenced initial design work on the tunnel. This phase of the work, which will be completed this year, will verify the alignment, develop station designs and establish cost estimates. It also provides for liaison with external stakeholders. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the next stage of work will be detailed design and tendering which could take up to two years to complete. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that physical construction of the tunnel is estimated to take a further five years.
Light Rail Project.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:108 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he supports the increase in LUAS peak time fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/07]
I approved an average increase in fare revenue of 2.75%. Subject to this, it was a matter for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to determine the details of the new Luas fares structure which it announced on 4th January last.
I understand from the RPA that the reason for the introduction of the modest differential prices between peak and off-peak single tickets was to encourage passengers to transfer to the better value and more convenient options of SmartCards and Travelcards. The Agency expects that this will contribute to reducing queues at Luas ticket machines in the morning and evening peaks which, due to the high frequency of Luas, can lead to people missing trams. Passengers who use a SmartCard or a Travelcard need to visit ticket machines less frequently which contributes to shorter queues.
The RPA believes that this peak/off-peak pricing should have no effect on the vast majority of passengers who travel in the peak period as the RPA offers a suite of ticket options and the single ticket is only suited to the very occasional traveller.
Luas SmartCard fares and child fares were not increased for the second year running. SmartCard users can avail of average savings of up to 15% compared to single ticket purchases.
Airport Development Projects.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:109 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the provision of a second airport serving Dublin. [6570/07]
The issue of a second airport for the Dublin region was addressed in the Warburg Dillon Read Report of 1999 on Aer Rianta. Among other things, that report concluded that Dublin does not need a second airport given Dublin Airport's capacity to expand for the foreseeable future. I am satisfied that the analysis remains a valid assessment of the Airport's potential. Because of the prudent policy of acquiring land banks in the environs of the airport to cater for future growth, the Dublin Airport Authority is now in the happy position of being able to construct the proposed second runway and the second terminal on land it already owns.
Public Transport.
Simon Coveney
Ceist:110 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the main recommendations contained in the review of the CIÉ subvention scheme commissioned by his Department; when this review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6582/07]
The CIÉ Subvention review is currently being finalised. It is expected that the final Report will be published shortly.
Proposed Legislation.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:111 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when he will update parking legislation and regulations to allow more flexibility to local authorities. [6540/07]
Proposals in relation to parking issues that are submitted by road authorities and by any other parties are examined to ascertain their merits and determine if any legislative amendment in relation to the issue concerned is necessary.
A number of issues in relation to aspects of parking are being examined at present and, where appropriate, I will give consideration to the pursuit of legislative amendments.
Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 88.
State Airports.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his vision for the future development of air transport to and from Ireland with particular reference to the role he envisages for Dublin Airport, Aer Lingus or other carriers; if he is satisfied regarding the degree to which passengers can gain fast and efficient access to and through the airport; the groups, bodies or agencies, public or private with which or with whom he has had discussions in this regard; when he expects the airport to reach full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6512/07]
The Government's objective with regard to aviation policy is to facilitate and encourage a wide a range as possible of reliable, regular and competitive commercial air services for Irish tourism, trade and industry. In furtherance of this policy, the Government has taken a number of key strategic decisions in recent years.
With specific reference to Dublin Airport, the Government decided that the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) should proceed with the development of a new terminal and associated infrastructural works to be put in place by 2009.
Under its Capital Investment Programme, the DAA have embarked on the development of Terminal Two and the associated pier facilities to be constructed close to the existing terminal. Fingal County Council granted planning permission for the project in October 2006 and this is now under appeal to An Bord Pleanála. I am assured that the DAA is working to the Government deadline to have the terminal operational by 2009. In addition, Pier D is currently under construction and it is hoped to have this completed by the end of this year.
Finally, the DAA is at the planning stages for the construction of a second runway which will provide for significant additional capacity at the airport. Taking into account all these major capacity improvements, my view is that Dublin Airport will not reach full capacity for many years.
With regard to the question of congestion at the airport, the DAA are confident that the recent decision of the Commission for Aviation Regulation to designate Dublin Airport as a coordinated airport for the summer of 2007 will help reduce congestion during peak hours.
In addition, I understand that the company will put in place a number of capacity enhancement projects for the 2007 summer season which are expected to improve the efficiency of access to, and within, the airport. From the point of view of civil aviation policy generally, my view is that Dublin Airport has considerable scope to expand to cater for growth in air traffic for many years to come and accordingly Dublin does not need a second airport. Indeed the national spatial strategy has acknowledged that the expansion of the level of air services from Dublin Airport to a wider range of destinations is essential in the interests of underpinning Ireland's future international competitiveness.
With regard to the role of Aer Lingus and other carriers, I am firmly of the view that Ireland's economic interests are best served by having as many airlines as possible competing vigorously and seeking to exploit all possible opportunities for new services.
My Departmental officials and I have regular meetings with all relevant aviation stakeholders, including the DAA, with regard to the implementation of Government policy for State Airports and for aviation matters generally.
Road Traffic Offences.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:114 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if drug driving is now a major cause of road fatalities and injuries; if so, the proposals he will introduce to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6588/07]
The main contributory factors in road traffic fatalities are speeding, drink-driving and the non wearing of seat belts. The influence of drugs on driving behaviour is an issue of increasing concern and has thus been given recognition in the previous Government Strategy on Road Safety.
Identification of the presence of drugs is however more complex than for alcohol. Consequently, considerably more work is needed to develop a more detailed regulatory regime in relation to drugs and driving. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of a vehicle.
The Road Traffic Acts provide that a member of the Garda Síochána may, where he or she is of the opinion that a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place is under the influence of a drug or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of that vehicle, require that person to go to a Garda station and further require that person submit to a blood test or to provide a urine sample.
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) analyses blood and urine specimens received under the Road Traffic Acts for the presence of a drug or drugs. In 2005, 747 specimens were tested for the presence of a drug or drugs. 484 specimens tested positive and 262 were found to be negative for the presence of a drug or drugs.
There is no feasible basis yet in Ireland or in Europe for the introduction of a scheme of preliminary roadside testing for drugs. Testing devices are still in the prototype stages.
At a meeting of the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in July 2006, representatives from all over Europe addressed the issue of random drug testing of drivers at the roadside in the light of the most up to date developments throughout this region.
The MBRS and An Garda Síochána participated in that seminar, which concluded that there is currently no device considered to be reliable enough in order to be recommended for roadside saliva screening of drivers for drugs. The Medical Bureau is keeping abreast of developments in this area.
Integrated Ticketing.
John Deasy
Ceist:115 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the introduction of integrated ticketing for public transport services in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6618/07]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:186 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to ensure that integrated ticketing is provided as soon as possible. [6544/07]
I propose to take Questions 115 and 186 together.
The Integrated Ticketing Project Board has prepared a roadmap for the implementation of integrated ticketing within the Dublin area, based on smartcard technology. Subject to the approval of the approach by the respective Boards of the transport operators, the Integrated Ticketing Project Board will proceed to the next phase of the project which is to go to public procurement. The Integrated Ticketing Project Board will revert to me before it enters into any contractual arrangements to procure a contractor to build the integrated ticketing system.
In the interim, there are in place a range of integrated tickets, based on magnetic stripe technology, that allow transfers between Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail. There are also integrated tickets available between Luas and the private bus operator, Morton's Coaches. Details of these are available from the operators. More products are being developed in line with market need.
Rail Network.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:116 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the full costings and business case for Metro North; the way a decision on the design of the route can be arrived at or justified without a full costing being undertaken of each alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6538/07]
It is proposed that Metro North will be procured as a public private partnership (PPP) with the cost of the construction and maintenance borne by the private consortium selected through a tendering process. The PPP consortium will be paid through annual Exchequer payments over a period of approximately 26 years, which will start after commencement of services. The level of payment will be dependent on the consortium meeting service delivery standards set out in the PPP contract.
I have continually stated that I am not in a position to release details of the costs for Metro North in advance of the public procurement process. These details remain commercially sensitive in order to protect public funds and achieve best value for money; revealing the amount that the State is willing to pay for a service may give tenderers an opportunity to increase their asking price above what they might otherwise seek.
The Railway Procurement Agency is the body responsible for developing the design of the metro. All of the route options identified by the RPA were evaluated by it against criteria which included cost and a range of other factors such as feasibility, likely patronage, environmental impact, integration, land use, safety, efficiency and journey time.
The RPA will in due course submit an application for a Railway Order to An Bord Pleanála and it will then be a matter for An Bord Pleanála to come to consider and decide on that application.
Road Traffic Offences.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:117 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if it is in his jurisdiction to bring into effect fixed penalty notices in relation to mandatory alcohol testing; if so, the reason section 5 of the Road Traffic Bill which provides for such notices has not yet been introduced; when it will become effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/07]
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:145 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the failure to introduce fixed penalty notices under the mandatory alcohol regime as set out in the Road Traffic Act, 2006; when these will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6575/07]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:158 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport his position in relation to the introduction of an effective zero alcohol driving limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6579/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:253 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the failure to introduce fixed penalty notices under the mandatory alcohol regime as set out in the Road Traffic Act, 2006; when these will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6631/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 145, 158 and 253 together.
The Road Traffic Act 2006 was passed by the Oireachtas on 6th July 2006 and was signed by the President on 16th July 2006. A Commencement Order in July brought a number of the provisions in the Act into effect from Friday 21st July 2006.
The provisions commenced included the key policy provisions of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints, a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, and the legislative provision supporting the operation of privately operated speed cameras. These policy initiatives were commenced without delay, and approximately 30,000 Mandatory Alcohol Tests are being conducted by the Gardaí every month. In addition, Section 16 of the Act was part-commenced with effect from 1 September 2006 in order to enable penalty points to apply to the offence of driving while holding a mobile phone. The question of reducing the existing 80mg limit will be kept under review.
Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides for the introduction of a fixed charge and disqualification for certain drink driving offences. The implementation of that section requires administrative and enforcement preparations, including adjustments to the Garda Fixed Charge Processing and IT systems and the testing of those systems. Work is progressing on these matters and my officials are liaising with their counterparts in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Gardaí to complete their work as soon as possible.
Taxi Regulations.
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:118 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the continuing delay in commencing all of Section 36 of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. [6559/07]
Section 36 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, as amended by of the Road Traffic Acts 2004 and 2006, provides for a system of automatic disqualification from applying for or holding a small public service vehicle driver or vehicle licence in respect of persons who have been convicted of certain specified offences. These include the offences of murder, manslaughter and various sexual, drug trafficking and other offences.
As a first step in giving full effect to the provisions of section 36 as amended, I made an order commencing subsections 2(A), 3, 3(A) and 4 of the section with effect from 25 May 2006. This has been done in consultation with the Commission for Taxi Regulation, An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, my Department and the Office of the Attorney General.
The measures in these subsections allow existing licence holders or licence applicants who have been convicted of specified offences to apply to the Courts to be allowed to apply for a licence under such terms and conditions as the court may direct. This allows such individuals to clarify their situation in advance of the full commencement of the section.
Further consultation and discussion will be required with the Commission for Taxi Regulation and others before a decision is taken to commence in full the provisions of section 36 of the 2003 Act, as amended. In any event an appropriate period of advance notice of the proposed commencement of the section is envisaged to allow persons who may be affected by the provision, in particular existing licence holders, to clarify their position with the courts if, at that stage, they have not already done so.
Renewable Energy.
Damien English
Ceist:119 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide State supports to hauliers who convert to using bio-fuels or renewable energy sources to fuel their HGVs; the details of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6611/07]
My Department has provided financial support under the Government's Transport 21 programme for a biofuels pilot project in collaboration with the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, which was launched on Monday last, 19 February 2007.
The Biofuels for Transport project involves the use of pure plant oil (PPO) by key transport users, including hauliers and bus companies, in 50 selected vehicles. Grants of up to 75% of the installed price of engine modification are being provided.
It is intended that this project will demonstrate a viable, replicable green transport model for Ireland. The project represents a further commitment by the Government in fulfilling its obligations under the Biofuels Directive through encouraging the indigenous biofuels industry and providing market incentives for key stakeholders.
Question No. 120 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Road Safety.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:121 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the new Road Safety Strategy will be published; the new initiatives that will be contained in this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6580/07]
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for developing a new Road Safety Strategy for the period 2007 onwards. They went out to public consultation in October last year and I understand they have received a substantial number of suggestions and proposals as a result of this process. The RSA also engaged in a process of direct consultation with key stakeholders in December 2006.
I will not have information on the specific initiatives contained in the new Strategy until it is finalised and presented to me for approval. I expect to receive the new Road Safety Strategy in March this year and I will submit it to Government for approval shortly thereafter.
Question No. 122 answered with QuestionNo. 91.
Transport Services.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:123 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce 100 private sector buses to the Dublin bus market as promised by him in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6626/07]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:140 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to expanding the bus services operated by the private sector in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6605/07]
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:147 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport when the 100 buses for Dublin, which are ring-fenced for the private sector, will come on stream. [6483/07]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:150 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his proposals with regard to the introduction of private bus operators into the Dublin bus market; the timetable for proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6639/07]
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:155 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the 100 private sector operated buses to be fully deployed and operating in Dublin; and the specific routes they will be operating on. [6542/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 140, 147, 150 and 155 together.
There are currently in place two regimes governing the approval of bus services — one for private operators and one for Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann and I am currently considering their replacement with one regime, in the context of replacing of the Road Transport Act 1932. As I indicated in my statement of 28 September 2006, the precise arrangements for the awarding of franchises to private operators in the Dublin market will be dealt with in this context as will the need for additional buses for the Dublin network over and above the 100 extra buses being provided by Dublin Bus.
In the meantime, the licensing provisions under the existing legislative regime will continue to be applied and licences will continue to be granted to private bus operators under the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended.
Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 105.
Public Transport.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:125 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if all of the 100 additional buses recently approved for Dublin Bus have come into operation; and the locations where they have been deployed. [6477/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:148 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Government failed to honour its commitment in relation to the provision of additional buses for Dublin over the period of the previous National Development Plan 2000 to 2006. [6476/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 148 together.
The Government has not failed to honour its commitment in relation to the provision of additional buses in the Dublin area over the period of the last NDP. Over that period, Dublin Bus purchased a total of 730 new buses, 517 replacement and 213 additional. This compares to an NDP forecast of 500 replacement and 275 additional. The capacity of the Dublin Bus fleet, taking into account the 100 additional buses recently purchased is now over 106,000 — an increase of more than 34% on the 2000 capacity. The position regarding the 100 additional buses for which I approved funding of €30 million in September last is that all of the buses have been delivered and are entering into service as commissioning is completed. The deployment of the buses is a matter for Dublin Bus but I understand that buses have been introduced in Tallaght (Route 54A), Cherrywood (Routes 145 and 84X) and Tyrrellstown, north of Blanchardstown (Route 40D). Dublin Bus propose to operate the remainder of the buses across all sectors of the bus network concentrating on new developing areas, existing and new Quality Bus Corridors and on routes that have high levels of demand for buses.
Driver Licensing System.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:126 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport when he proposes to bring forward legislation in relation to changes to driver licensing law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6533/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:251 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he will act upon the proposals for reform of the regulations which apply to provisional and inexperienced drivers presented to him by the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 251 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight of the operation of the driver licensing system including the preparation of proposals for draft regulatory provisions relating to driver licensing and testing. At my request the Road Safety Authority has been examining the driver licensing system, as to what further reforms might be introduced in the interests of road safety.
In my reply to priority Questions Nos. 1 and 2 on the 2 November last I indicated that I had asked the RSA to come back to me as soon as possible with a structured approach to a complete transition, with time lines, from the current regime of provisional licences to a regime of learner permits and restricted category drivers and related learner/drivers formation arrangements. The RSA has recently responded to my Department in this request and I expect to receive a submission for my consideration from my officials shortly.
Road Traffic Offences.
John Perry
Ceist:127 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport his views on the high percentage of motorists who are detected for penalty points, but who evade conviction; if he has held discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality, and Law Reform in relation to measures to address this loophole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6614/07]
The prosecution of road traffic offences is a matter for the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Question No. 128 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 91.
Vehicle Height Limits.
Liz McManus
Ceist:130 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to date to reintroduce a maximum height for heavy goods vehicles; and when same will come into effect. [6547/07]
I announced on 25 January 2007 that I propose to make a regulation to provide for a national maximum vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres. I have asked the Road Safety Authority to prepare a draft regulation providing for this maximum vehicle height limit and to undertake the necessary consultation with the European Commission regarding its introduction. Subject to the outcome of the EU consultation, it would be my intention to implement the height limit at the earliest date possible. I propose to allow a period of two years for the phasing out of the use of existing vehicles that exceed the proposed height limit of 4.65 metres.
Road Network.
David Stanton
Ceist:131 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the way his Department interacts with the National Roads Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6645/07]
As Minister for Transport I am responsible for overall policy and funding in relation to the National Roads Programme element of Transport 21. The National Roads Authority (NRA), under the Roads Act, 1993, has responsibility for the planning, design and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads and for the allocation of the funds, which the Authority receives from my Department, to the many projects in the National Roads Programme.
Transport Infrastructure.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:132 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the measures outlined in the National Development Plan that will address the improvement of access to the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5955/07]
A major aim of the new National Development Plan (NDP) is to promote the development of all the regions within a co-ordinated, coherent and mutually beneficial framework. It proposes to do this through a range of measures including a major infrastructure investment programme. Chapter 3 of the Plan outlines the overall strategy for regional development.
The Economic Infrastructure Priority of the NDP includes the Transport Programme, which outlines the investment proposed for the development of the transport system over the seven years and re-affirms the Government's commitment to the projects contained in Transport 21 for that period. The investment for which my Department is responsible includes almost 13.3 billion euro for national roads, just under 13 billion euro for public transport, 96.5 million euro for regional airports and 90 million euro for the Rural Transport Initiative.
The following are among the major initiatives under Transport 21 which will improve access to the regions:
the completion of the major inter-urban motorways linking Dublin to Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford;
the development of the Atlantic Road Corridor linking Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford;
the development of the rest of the national road network, including the target development of certain national secondary routes;
the provision of enhanced rail services, including hourly/two hourly services on the principal intercity routes using new rolling stock;
the phased reopening of the Western Rail Corridor;
the upgrading of regional bus services;
the provision of capital funding for the regional airports;
an initial doubling of funding for the Rural Transport Initiative and steady increases thereafter over the Plan period.
Rail Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct or authorise an interim augmentation of commuter rail services serving Dublin and the adjoining counties with particular reference to increasing the number of carriages, the frequency of services and the capacity of the respective rail stations where possible notwithstanding the Transport 21 proposals but with the objective of alleviating road traffic congestion and providing alternative public transport to the wider public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6513/07]
Commuter and suburban rail services in the Dublin area and adjoining counties have been improved substantially in recent years. Major upgrade projects such as the DART Upgrade project, the redevelopment of Heuston Station, the introduction of new rolling stock, the upgrade of the Kildare line through the provision of turnback facilities at Newbridge and the extension of platforms and the doubling of the track between Maynooth and Clonsilla have delivered major increases in the frequency and capacity of services. Peak hour DART capacity has nearly doubled from 14,000 in 2000. Capacity on the Kildare and Maynooth lines has been increased by 160% and 200% respectively in recent years.
The completion of major projects provided for under Transport 21 such as the Docklands Station, the Kildare Route Upgrade project, the Navan Rail link, city centre resignalling, the introduction of further new rolling stock in the early years of Transport 21 and, by 2015, the completion of the interconnector and electrification projects will further enhance commuter and suburban rail services.
In the meantime Iarnród Éireann will continue to implement service improvements such as the recent introduction of Sunday commuter services on the Kildare line, the improvement of peak hour commuter service frequencies on the Maynooth line and the upgrade of station car parking.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Rail Services.
Shane McEntee
Ceist:135 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Transport his views on the continuance of rail freight transport here; if he will introduce measures to grow this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6608/07]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:172 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to support the growth of rail freight here; and the outcome of these actions. [6553/07]
I propose to answer Question Nos. 135 and 172 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 76 of today.
Renewable Energy.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:136 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport if he has encouraged State public transport providers to convert to the use of renewable energy sources to fuel their vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6612/07]
As part of my overall objective of developing transportation in a sustainable manner I have requested CIE to move all existing fleet to 5% bio-diesel blend as quickly as possible and to plan to achieve a 30% bio-diesel blend in all new buses. My Department is working with CIE to establish how these targets can be achieved in the shortest time frame possible.
In addition Dublin Bus are leasing, with financial support from my Department, a prototype hybrid electric double-decker bus in 2007 on a trial basis. It is estimated that this vehicle can achieve 34% less fuel consumption than a standard bus. Dublin Bus will consider the further acquisition of hybrid electric vehicles as part of future fleet replacement.
Both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus have been undertaking trials on the use of biofuels. Bus Éireann announced in April 2006 its decision to pilot the use of biodiesel produced from recovered vegetable oil (RVO) in part of its Cork City tours fleet. In May 2006 Dublin Bus announced that it would use bio-diesel made from RVO on a trial basis in five open-top tour buses, which have been operating without any technical difficulties.
Light Rail Project.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:137 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if the route for the joining of the two existing LUAS lines has been selected; if this project will begin and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6625/07]
The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) began a public consultation on five potential routes for connecting the two existing Luas lines in November 2005 with five possible route options, A to E. During public consultation a new option, F, was identified.
Options A and F have emerged as the better options and RPA launched a second phase of public consultation in January 2007 involving an open-day, display days, newspaper notices and distribution of newsletters focusing on the selection of the best of these two route options. The deadline for comments, which should be submitted to RPA, is Friday, 9 March 2007. I also understand that the RPA has engaged in dialogue with Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus and the Dublin Transportation Office in relation to the implications of the potential routes for bus services and other road users.
The construction timescale will be dependent on the route chosen following the public consultation and the discussions with stakeholders and on the outcome of the statutory approval process. A second stage of this project will extend the line to Liffey Junction via Grangegorman and Broadstone. Subject to an enforceable Railway Order, the scheduled completion date for the overall project is 2012.
Road Traffic Offences.
John Perry
Ceist:138 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport his views on the creation of a dedicated traffic court to fast-track road traffic offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/07]
This proposal is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Courts Service. My officials will liaise with their counterparts in the Department of Justice in relation to the assessment of this proposal.
Road Network.
Jack Wall
Ceist:139 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the progress in providing barrier free tolling on the M50; and when he expects same to be operational. [6568/07]
Michael Noonan
Ceist:152 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport the location of the new barrier free tolling gantry on the M50; if it will be a single tolling location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6603/07]
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:153 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the discussions his Department have had with the NRA and Dublin local authorities in relation to the plans for revised tolling points on the M50. [6558/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:270 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the precise location on the M50 where the barrier free tolling gantry will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6929/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 152, 153 and 270 together.
As Deputies are aware, issues relating to tolls on national roads are in the first instance a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) in accordance with Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).
As Deputies will be aware, in January of last year, the NRA decided to replace the West-Link toll on the M50 by a single-point barrier free toll on the same stretch of motorway in 2008. The installation of barrier free tolling is a crucial element of the M50 upgrade which is underway at present. In that context, following a tender competition, the NRA have recently entered into a contract for the provision of single point barrier free tolling arrangements with the objective of having such arrangements operational on the M50 by mid 2008.
Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 123.
Public Transport.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to ensure that all public transport services and facilities are accessible to people with a disability; the progress made with accessibility over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6440/07]
My Department's Sectoral Plan on Accessible Transport in accordance with the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, ‘Transport Access for All' addresses the accessibility needs of people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments across all transport modes and contains time bound targets for the progressive realisation of accessible transport in Ireland.
A number of measures to achieve the implementation of ‘Transport Access for All' have already been put in place, including the provision of funding under Transport 21 and the extension of the remit of the Public Transport Accessibility Committee (PTAC) to incorporate a monitoring role.
Since the year 2000 good progress has been made across a number of fronts. For example, all new buses purchased by the CIE companies for urban services are now low floor and wheelchair accessible. Similarly in the rail sector all new rail rolling stock is specified to full accessibility standards. Good progress has also been made by Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann in upgrading their respective stations to cater for the needs of people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. This work is continuing. Also, Luas has been designed from the outset to be a fully accessible system and the proposed new Luas and Metro services will incorporate the most up-to-date accessibility provisions.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation is also advancing measures to aid people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Each of the CIE operating companies, the Dublin Airport Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency/Veolia Transport have established disability users groups to advise them on accessibility matters at the company level.
My Department's Sectoral Plan contains a number of provisions to facilitate the monitoring of progress on its implementation. These include the incorporation of progress reports in the Department's annual reports as well as participation in interdepartmental co-ordinating and monitoring structures for the National Disability Strategy. In addition, each agency under the aegis of my Department is required to provide in their annual reports a progress report on the implementation of the relevant sections of the Sectoral Plan.
Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 105.
Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 100.
Road Traffic Act.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:144 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport when he proposes to fully commence all sections of the Road Traffic Act 2006. [6535/07]
The Road Traffic Act 2006 was passed by the Oireachtas on 6th July 2006 and was signed by the President on 16th July 2006. I signed a Commencement Order in July which brought a number of the provisions in the Act into effect from Friday 21st July 2006.
The key policy initiatives set out in the Act were commenced without delay including Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints, a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, and the legislative provision supporting the operation of privately operated speed cameras.
In addition, Section 16 of the Act was part-commenced with effect from 1 September 2006 in order to enable penalty points to apply to the offence of driving while holding a mobile phone.
Section 5 of the Act provides for the introduction of a fixed charge and disqualification for certain drink driving offences. This was not commenced immediately, pending the necessary administrative and enforcement preparations, which are now in hand. Neither section 5 nor the remainder of section 16 can be commenced until such time as the administrative and enforcement procedures are in place. Both sections require adjustments to the Garda Fixed Charge Processing and IT systems and in this context, it is proposed to commence these sections as soon as possible.
A number of sections in the Act relate to the imposition of disqualification orders and fines by the courts. I intend to commence these provisions very shortly.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 117.
Public Transport.
John Deasy
Ceist:146 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposal that all public transport bus services providing services to major hospitals should be full accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6619/07]
This is an operational matter for the bus companies concerned. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the introduction of wheelchair accessible buses by both Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann. Since 2000 all buses purchased for urban services are low floor, wheelchair accessible. I understand from Bus Átha Cliath that currently 58% of the fleet is accessible and that the company plans to have all of the fleet accessible by 2012. I also understand from Bus Átha Cliath that all of the Dublin major public hospitals are served by at least one route on which all of its vehicles are fully accessible. I also understand that Bus Éireann has already achieved almost 100% fleet conversion to fully accessible buses on its urban services in the major regional cites.
The policy of purchasing accessible buses will continue as the bus fleets are replaced and expanded over time.
Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 123.
Question No. 148 answered with QuestionNo. 125.
Rail Services.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:149 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the situation whereby many interurban rail services are now slower than they were twenty years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6587/07]
While journey times are important, the key issues in relation to railway services from a user's point of view are frequency, reliability and punctuality. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that railway services have improved significantly under all of these headings in recent years.
The growth in the number of passengers using the railway service from 29.41 million in 1997 to 43.15 million in 2006 — an increase of 46.7% — reflects the increase in frequency of the rail services and their improved punctuality record.
This improvement in rail services is due to the major Exchequer investment in the upgrade of the railway network in recent years. Since 1999 over €1.6 billion has been invested in upgrading the railway infrastructure and rolling stock. The pace and momentum of the upgrade programme is being maintained under Transport 21 and €395 million has been allocated this year to Iarnród Éireann for upgrade works.
This investment has enabled Iarnród Éireann to increase capacity and the number of services throughout the country. For example, on the Dublin-Cork Intercity service frequency has been doubled to provide an hourly service in both directions throughout the day. On the Dublin-Sligo line, service frequency between Sligo and Dublin has increased by over 60%. Service punctuality is also at a high level with Iarnród Éireann consistently achieving its punctuality targets and more than 90% of its trains arriving on time.
In relation to journey times, I understand from Iarnród Éireann that most InterCity point to point journey times have been maintained in recent years despite a significant increase in the number of trains operating on the network. Also, substantial infrastructure works are being carried out whilst still keeping services operating reliably.
Question No. 150 answered with QuestionNo. 123.
Transport 21.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:151 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the new evaluation process for Transport 21 projects. [6556/07]
All proposed public sector capital expenditure projects are evaluated in accordance with the requirements of the Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals published by the Department of Finance in February 2005 and available on its website. These comprehensive guidelines require the appraisal of the project at various stages from approval in principle to post project review. My Department and the State agencies responsible for implementing Transport 21 projects will comply fully with the Guidelines.
In addition, the Monitoring Group that I established to oversee progress on Transport 21 is in the process of engaging auditors to undertake independent assessments of the appraisals carried out on a selected number of projects. Audits will also be carried out on the physical and financial progress of selected projects.
Question No. 152 answered with QuestionNo. 139.
Question No. 153 answered with QuestionNo. 139.
State Airports.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:154 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the steps he and the Dublin Airport Authority are taking to reduce congestion at Dublin Airport during the 2007 high season. [6668/07]
The issue raised by the Deputy is a day-to-day operational matter for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), in which I have no statutory function. However, I understand from the DAA that the company will use slot coordination and operational planning to reduce congestion at Dublin Airport during the 2007 high season. The Commission for Aviation Regulation announced its decision on 12 February last to designate Dublin Airport as a coordinated airport for the Summer 2007 season and the DAA are confident that this will help reduce congestion during peak hours. Under this process an independent coordinator will allocate take off and landing slots at the airport, up to but not exceeding the agreed operating capacity limits. In common with other coordinated airports, airlines will have no discretion but to accede to the slots allocated by the independent coordinator.
In addition the company has informed me of a number of capacity enhancement projects that are planned for the 2007 summer season. These include: the opening of a new check-in area (area 14) to provide an additional 25 check-in desks and the arrivals roadway is being altered to facilitate additional passenger access to this area; additional security points at the security search area to increase the processing capability; additional customer service staff will be provided; and a new coach park has been built providing direct access to the arrivals and access to the departures area by way of a travelator.
Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 123.
Rail Services.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:156 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the project to extend rail services to Navan; and the timetable for the commencement and completion of the scoping study. [6565/07]
The planning and design of the Navan Rail Link is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand that the old Navan rail line will be re-opened in two phases with the first phase running off the Maynooth line, at Clonsilla, to the M3 interchange at Pace, near Dunboyne. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that design work is underway on this phase. Iarnród Éireann plans to lodge a railway order for this project in Autumn 2007 and if approved this section should be completed by end 2009.
Under Phase 2 it is proposed to extend the rail line to Navan within the period of Transport 21. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that a scoping study is underway looking at route options for Phase 2 between Dunboyne and Navan. This study commenced in January 2007 and will examine a number of route options and assess the physical and financial viability of reopening the section to Navan. I understand from Irish Rail that this scoping study will be complete in August 2007.
Question No. 157 answered with QuestionNo. 98.
Question No. 158 answered with QuestionNo. 117.
State Airports.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:159 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself with the current level of security at the State’s airports; the further requirements he will set down to improve security arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6549/07]
Regulation (EC) No. 2320/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security has been in force since January 2003. This Regulation and a number of implementing regulations adopted subsequently have been adopted into our National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP). A common position of the Transport Council on a Regulation to replace Regulation 2320/2002 was adopted on 11 December 2006 and is currently before the European Parliament for a second reading. The proposed new Regulation sets out to clarify, simplify and further harmonise requirements in relation to civil aviation security with the objective of enhancing overall levels of security.
I am satisfied that the aviation security practices and procedures implemented at Irish airports conform to the highest standards set down in the European Union common rules. These practices and procedures are subject to monitoring by my Department's Aviation Security Division and are also the subject of periodic reviews by international organisations, such as the EU Commission and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
It is not the practice to comment on specific security measures in place or that may be implemented at the State's airports; however, aviation security arrangements at Irish airports are kept under continuous review by my Department and the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, which is chaired by a senior official from my Department. The Committee comprises representatives of Government Departments, State Airports, airlines, the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Customs and Excise, An Post, Irish Aviation Authority, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the Regional Airports.
Light Rail Project.
John Gormley
Ceist:160 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport the feasibility study being considered for a proposed new Luas rail line to Rathfarnham; the timetable for the completion of the study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6642/07]
Transport 21 provides a very large funding commitment for the delivery of an extensive rail based public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area in the period up to 2015. This network is based on the Dublin Transportation Office strategy, A Platform for Change. It also includes funding for feasibility studies including the proposed Luas line from the city centre to Dundrum via Rathfarnham and Terenure. In this connection I announced, on 30 January last, that the RPA is to commence work on the Rathfarnham feasibility study in April. It is understood, from the RPA, that the feasibility study will take a number of months to complete.
Decentralisation Programme.
David Stanton
Ceist:161 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 2 November 2006, the details of the progress in the matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6646/07]
Bus Éireann has continued to pursue decentralisation to Mitchelstown. However, to date no employee has indicated a wish to move. The Company has informed my Department that it is still considering how decentralisation can be achieved as quickly as possible.
Road Traffic Offences.
Liam Twomey
Ceist:162 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Transport his position in relation to making motorists convicted of drink driving offences re-sit their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6577/07]
There is currently no requirement in legislation that a person must pass a driving test before a driving licence is returned following a conviction for a drink driving offence. This is an issue which can be kept under review.
Driving Instruction Regulation.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:163 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when it is proposed to introduce regulation of driving instruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/07]
On the 19 June last I launched a document entitled Consultation on the Regulation of Driving Instruction in Ireland, which was prepared by my Department. In the document it was proposed that from 1 July 2007 all new entrants to the driving instruction industry must be approved and registered before being allowed to instruct for reward and that existing driving instructors must be approved and registered by 1 July 2008. This area is now the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Submissions received from stakeholders on the consultation document are now being considered by the Authority.
Cycle Facilities.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:164 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself with the provision of cycle facilities here. [6479/07]
The main role in providing cycle facilities lies with local authorities. It is Government policy to encourage such facilities and Transport 21 includes funding for this purpose as part of the measures to encourage more sustainable modes of transport. A Cycle Policy for the GDA, published by the DTO in September, 2006, proposes to enhance the cycling environment and promote safe cycling by a variety of means, including a continuous cycle-friendly environment on cycle routes and training and education measures.
Outside of Dublin, the framework for the promotion of cycling in the regional cities is set out in the relevant local land use and transportation strategy or in the relevant Development Plan or Local Area Plan. My Department will continue to assist financially local authorities to implement their plans for cycle facilities through Traffic Management Grants under Transport 21. I am satisfied that the arrangements outlined will continue to deliver enhanced cycling facilities with all the attendant benefits.
Departmental Agencies.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:165 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the proposed future structure and role for the Railway Procurement Agency; the membership of the board of the authority; if the authority will have a national role in the future; and if it will exclusively work on projects in the greater Dublin area. [6633/07]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:246 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the proposed future structure and role for the Railway Procurement Agency; the membership of the board of the authority; and if the authority will have a national role in the future or if it will exclusively work on projects in the Greater Dublin Area. [6805/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 246 together.
I published the report of the Dublin Transport Authority Establishment Team last November. The Team in their report made a number of recommendations in relation to the future institutional arrangements in the Greater Dublin Area following the establishment of a Dublin Transport Authority. One of their recommendations was that the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) should be absorbed into the Dublin Transport Authority and that this should happen at a time of the Authority's choosing.
I invited interested parties to submit their views, prior to the finalisation of legislation, on the structure, functional area, functions and powers recommended by the Establishment Team for the Dublin Transport Authority. Officials in my Department met with a range of interested parties, including the Railway Procurement Agency, and a number of written submissions were also received.
Having taken the opportunity to consider the views expressed during the consultation process it is my intention to publish the Dublin Transport Authority Bill in the coming weeks during the current Dáil session. However, it would be premature for me to disclose the detailed provisions of the Bill prior to its consideration and approval by Government.
I recently appointed Mr. Tom Mulcahy as chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency. I also appointed Ms Jacqui Cross and reappointed Mr. Tom Wall and Mr. Brendan Malone to the board of the Agency. Mr. Frank Allen, Mr. Hamid Foroughi and Mr. John Maguire continue to serve as board members. In addition, in anticipation of the imminent publication of the Dublin Transport Authority Bill I also appointed Mr. Tom Mulcahy as Chairman designate of the Dublin Transport Authority.
Public Transport.
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:166 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if, in order that the needs of public transport users are met in full, he will add to the Transport 21 project an element that deals with the customer service and service quality elements of public transport provision; if, in view of the fact that numerous service providers are involved in the delivery of public transport, he recognises the need to introduce minimum standards of service quality and customer service to ensure that the Irish public transport network caters for all the needs of its users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6647/07]
Transport 21 is a capital investment framework for the development of transport infrastructure over the ten-year period to 2015. Implementation of the public transport projects funded by Transport 21 result in major improvements to the level and quality of customer services provided.
The question of delivery of standards of service quality and customer service standards are, in the first instance, a matter for the transport companies concerned. However, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on service levels and targets are agreed annually between my Department and each of the CIÉ companies. These Memoranda contain commitments relating to service delivery and quality including provisions relating to information for customers, cleanliness, customer charter and complaint handling. The contract between the Railway Procurement Agency and Veolia, for the operation of Luas services also sets out the standards for service delivery and customer service to be complied with by the operating company.
Question No. 167 answered with QuestionNo. 88.
State Airports.
Joe Costello
Ceist:168 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he has a role in determining whether extraordinary rendition flights through Shannon Airport have occurred or might occur in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2800/07]
I understand that the US authorities have confirmed to the Government that prisoners have not been transferred through Irish territory as part of an extraordinary rendition operation, nor would they be, without seeking the Government's permission.
Rail Services.
Damien English
Ceist:169 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport his views on the expanded use of the Phoenix Park rail tunnel for the provision of increased rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6610/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 39 on 6 December, 2006. The position remains unchanged.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:170 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the reopening of the western rail corridor; and the timescale proposed for these works. [6564/07]
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that detailed design is underway and that line clearance works have commenced in respect of the reopening of Phase I of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Athenry. Physical renewal of the track and signalling and the upgrading of level crossings will commence in mid year. Iarnród Éireann expects that work should be completed on Phase 1 by end of 2008. Transport 21 provides for the completion of Phase 2 (Athenry/Tuam) and Phase 3 (Tuam/ Claremorris) by 2011 and 2014 respectively.
Transport 21.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:171 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on a recent ESRI report which held that Transport 21 was a seriously flawed document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6581/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:254 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his views on a recent ESRI report which held that Transport 21 was a seriously flawed document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6632/07]
I propose to take Questions 171 and 254 together.
In December 2006, the ESRI published, as part of its Winter 2006 Quarterly Economic Commentary, an article entitled Evaluation Transport 21. While I welcome any constructive assessment of Transport 21, I do not accept the analysis in that article. Transport 21 provides unprecedented capital investment for the development of Ireland's transport system over the period to 2015. This investment will transform both the national road and public transport networks in the country. The investment programme being funded by Transport 21 is based on an extensive and robust body of research, analysis and policy work over a period of years and the projects identified for development are consistent with the results of that work.
The DTO's A Platform for Change provides the basis for the proposed investment in Dublin and this was subject to an independent economic evaluation, which is reported in the document itself. Iarnród Éireann carried out and appraisal of its Greater Dublin Integrated Rail Network Plan and this was reviewed by independent consultants and found to be robust. A full appraisal was also undertaken of the Strategic Rail Review by the independent consultants that prepared it and the proposed national roads investment was informed by the Roads Needs Study.
Each project in Transport 21 will be evaluated in strict accordance with the Department of Finance Capital Appraisal Guidelines and Value for Money criteria. They will also have to go through the necessary statutory approval processes, which, for most projects, will mean a public hearing before an inspector where the case for the project, including the business case, will have to be clearly set out. Indeed, I have gone further than Department of Finance Guidelines require in that my Department has commissioned independent consultancy reviews of the business cases for a number of major public transport projects presented by its agencies.
In addition, I have established a Monitoring Group, comprising representatives of a number of Government Departments, to oversee progress on Transport 21. The Group will satisfy itself that proper procedures are being followed in the appraisal, management and post project review of projects. In this regard, an independent audit is being put in place, which, among other things, will review how the implementing agencies are appraising projects, so as to satisfy Government of the robustness of these evaluation processes and their consistency with the Department of Finance Guidelines.
Already, the country is beginning to see the benefits of the significant investment that has been made in transport infrastructure over the past few years. The major inter-urban roads programme is on target for completion in 2010, with about 67% of the network either open to traffic or under construction. Most of the roads projects completed last year were delivered ahead of or on time and under budget. Our railways are also witnessing significant increases in passenger numbers, with Iarnród Éireann's carryings at a record high of over 43 million journeys and Luas carrying almost 26 million in 2006. I expect further significant progress in 2007.
The unprecedented funding provided in Transport 21 is needed now to develop a modern transport infrastructure that the country requires for its future economic prosperity. I am glad that the Government has re-affirmed its commitment to Transport 21 by including all of the projects for the period 2007 to 2013 in the National Development Plan.
Question No. 172 answered with QuestionNo. 135.
Proposed Legislation.
Séamus Pattison
Ceist:173 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Transport when he proposes to bring forward legislation, primary or secondary, in relation to the regulation of non-transparent windows in vehicles. [6534/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority is now responsible for vehicle standards. I understand that as recommended in the mid-term review of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), a Technical Advisory Forum to advise on future vehicle standards is being established by the RSA.
Question No. 174 answered with QuestionNo. 106.
Road Safety.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:175 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport if he has held discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to the capabilities of the proposed new speed camera system; the recommendations that have been made by him to ensure that this system will use technology which can contribute to improving road safety and to traffic management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6598/07]
The Government is pursuing the commitment given in the Road Safety Strategy to introduce a network of privatised speed cameras. Responsibility for the tender process, including the specification of technical requirements, lies with the Minister for Justice Equality and Law reform. The cabinet sub- committee on Road Safety, which I chair and of which the Minister for Justice is a member, oversees the integrated implementation of key road safety initiatives including the proposed speed cameras system.
Road Network.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:176 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for the Atlantic road corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/07]
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects and the allocation of monies to those projects, including projects on the Atlantic Road Corridor, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
Bus Services.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:177 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the projected demand for bus services in each of the remaining years of Transport 21 with a breakdown for each of main cities, interurban services and other services; the basis upon which these forecasts were arrived at; and his policy in meeting this demand. [6550/07]
Both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have projected future demand for bus services as a basis for their development plans. The Dublin Bus Network review identified a requirement for an additional 325 buses in the period to 2011 to meet projected demand of over 180 million passengers per annum in the Dublin area. Bus Éireann's regional development plans project a requirement for over 360 new buses, including 200 additional buses to meet anticipated increased demand in provincial city and commuter services. Interurban Expressway commercial services are funded from within the companies own resources.
In recognition of the critical role of bus services in meeting these transport needs, Transport 21 provides for substantial ongoing investment in bus services in Dublin and throughout the country. In this context, I approved funding of €80 million in September last for the purchase of 100 additional buses and 160 new buses by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann respectively. I have also allocated a further €15 million to Dublin Bus towards the cost of purchasing 100 replacement buses in 2007. The 100 additional buses in the Dublin area are now entering service and Bus Éireann are in the process of procuring the 160 new buses. Separately the companies and private operators are funding commercial services from their own resources.
The need for additional buses, over and above those referred to above, will be dealt with in the context of the proposals for legislation, which are currently being prepared, for the replacement of the Road Transport Act, 1932.
EU Directives.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:178 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport his views regarding the implications of Regulations EEC 3820/85, Article 6(I) for the coach tourism industry which is a vital component of the national tourism product here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5714/07]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:250 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the implications of the new working time directive for the tourism coach hire business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5710/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 250 together.
EU Directive No. 2002/15 is concerned with the organisation of working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities and supplements the existing drivers' hours legislation as provided for in EU Regulation 3820/85 — soon to be replaced by a new Regulation No. 561/2006 on the harmonization of certain social legislation relating to road transport. The provisions of the drivers' hours regulations takes precedence over the Working Time Directive in relation to driving activities.
Regulation No. 561/2006 applies to all EU Member States and comes into force from 11th April 2007 with the exception of certain provisions that came into effect from 1 May 2006. The overall objective of the new legislation is to improve working conditions for drivers and road safety. These new rules will replace the existing drivers' hours rules which have not been updated since 1985. As a consequence of the new Regulation, all professional drivers throughout the Community will be subject to the same rules in relation to driving times, breaks and rest periods.
While I appreciate that the new EU legislation will have implications for the coach tourism industry, the safety of passengers and other road users is paramount and the coach industry must play its part in relation to safety on our roads. The coach sector has over 1 year to reorganise their work practices in order to comply with the new rules and minimise the impact on their operations.
Rail Services.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:179 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport his views on the progress made in relation to the development of the Metro North project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6591/07]
The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), the Agency with responsibility for Luas and Metro projects has made progress on Metro North including completion of a comprehensive public consultation process on route selection. This consultation process included distributing over 100,000 newsletters, advertising widely on national and local radio and in national and local press, holding six public open days, and meeting with residents associations and other representative groups along the proposed routes. The merits of the consultation exercise were clearly demonstrated by the emergence of an alternative route to address concerns raised by local residents and key stakeholders. That route was also the subject of further public consultation.
I announced the preferred route of Metro North on 19 October 2006. On the 21 December 2006, the RPA announced the publication of an information notice for the Metro North project in the Official Journal of the European Union ("OJEU"). This is the first significant move in the tendering process for the Metro North public private partnership. The primary objective of the information notice is to encourage the widest participation in the project to achieve competition and value for money.
It is expected that the Board of the RPA will make a decision shortly to proceed further with the procurement process for the project. I expect the RPA to commence the Railway Order Application process in consultation with An Bord Pleanála before the end of this year. It will then be a matter for An Bord Pleanála to consider and make a decision on that application.
National Development Plan.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:180 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport the reason transport projects outlined in the new National Development Plan do not have price estimates and start or completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6599/07]
The National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013 is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities, together with indicative financial allocations, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken over the period of the Plan, although certain Chapters, including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure, refer to projects scheduled for delivery or progression between now and the end of 2013.
All of the transport projects included in Transport 21 for the period 2007 to 2013 are included in the new NDP and indicative completion dates for the projects have been publicly available since its launch in November 2005. As regards project costs, I have said previously that I do not consider it prudent to release commercially sensitive information in relation to the cost of individual projects within Transport 21 until the public procurement processes are complete. I must maintain that position in the interests of protecting the taxpayer and ensuring Transport 21 is achieved within its budget of €34 billion.
Driving Tests.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:181 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when compulsory basic training for motorcyclists will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight of the operation of the driver licensing system including the preparation of proposals for draft regulatory provisions relating to driver licensing and testing. In this context the Road Safety Authority is responsible for bringing forward proposals for the introduction of compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Joan Burton
Ceist:182 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in 2005, biofuels contributed only 0.05% to the Irish fuel mix, below even the Government’s target of 0.06% and well below the EU target of 2% for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3880/07]
The Government remains committed to meeting the indicative target agreed in the Biofuels Directive 2003/30/EC of 5.75% by 2010 through the use of obligatory fuel blending and excise relief. Ireland remains on course to meet its revised interim target of 2% for 2008, which was agreed by the EU, through the Mineral Oil Tax Relief (MOTR) Scheme II, announced by my colleague the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in November 2006.
This Scheme will place 163 million litres of biofuels on the market at a cost to the Exchequer of €200 million over the period 2006-2010. It is expected that, at full capacity in 2008, the Biofuels MOTR Scheme II will result in 2.2% of transport fuels being met by biofuels resulting in savings of over 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the five-year period.
State Airports.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:183 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to agreement of a reform programme at Shannon Airport; the input that he has made to secure agreement in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6590/07]
If Shannon Airport is to develop as a successful and sustainable business, it is clear that one of the issues that must be addressed in its business plan is the airport's uncompetitive cost base. If that obstacle can be removed the Airport has a real opportunity to develop new markets and to attract the airline customers that it needs for its commercial future.
While industrial relations are a matter for the DAA, I would point out that the company, under the auspices of the LRC, has made substantial efforts to find agreement with trade unions on how the airport can operate efficiently and sustainably. Unfortunately rationalisation proposals, on which the LRC worked closely with management and unions was put to ballot recently and rejected by staff. It is the priority of management that Shannon airport's uncompetitive cost base is now addressed as a matter of urgency in order to meet the business and operational needs of the airport. I am hopeful that there is now the right climate to initiate meaningful negotiations, with the assistance of the LRC, so that Shannon Airport's sustainability can be addressed once and for all.
Proposed Legislation.
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:184 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce mandatory standards for roadworks into primary legislation (details supplied). [6541/07]
I have no proposals of the kind referred to by the Deputy.
Road Safety.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:185 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he has requested the relevant State authorities to introduce measures to tackle driver fatigue related road accidents; the specific measures that are being pursued to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6627/07]
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has responsibility for road safety advertising and promotion, has acknowledged that driver fatigue could be a contributory factor in up to a fifth of driver deaths in Ireland. They also say that driving when very tired is as dangerous as driving while over the drink drive limit. The Authority revealed these facts at the launch of their winter road safety campaign in October 2006, which highlighted the dangers of driver fatigue. That campaign included a 30 second radio advert and poster advertising in garage forecourts that are designed to communicate the dangers of fatigue when driving. Details of the Authority's current campaign on dealing with driver fatigue are available on its website at www.rsa.ie.
The Question Bank for the driver theory test includes questions regarding fatigue so that learner drivers are aware before they commence driving of the dangers of driving while fatigued. In 2006 I requested that the National Roads Authority (NRA) examine their policy in relation to the provision of service and rest areas on the national road network. The NRA have subsequently issued a revised policy statement on service areas and rest areas on motorways and dual carriageways which provides for the provision of service areas at intervals of approximately 50-60kms and for rest areas (parking, toilet block, picnic facilities) at intervals of approximately 25-30kms. Full details of the strategy are available on the NRA's website at www.nra.ie.
Question No. 186 answered with QuestionNo. 115.
Question No. 187 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Railway Stations.
Shane McEntee
Ceist:188 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Transport his views on the suggestion that a new rail station should be built at the Mater Children’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6609/07]
The location of stations on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that, as with all major residential or commercial developments, it is reviewing what passenger business potential might arise from the Mater Children's Hospital development in order to assess what rail services could be provided for people travelling to and from the hospital and its surrounding area.
David Stanton
Ceist:189 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the current adult and child payments under direct provision; when these payment rates were last increased; the amount of the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6873/07]
The direct provision system seeks to ensure that the accommodation and ancillary services provided by the State meet the requirements of asylum seekers during the period in which their requests for asylum are being processed. In addition, a direct provision allowance of €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child was introduced some years ago and is paid by Community Welfare Officers (operating under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs) who also have the discretion to make once-off exceptional needs payments in special situations. The direct provision allowance seeks to reflect the value of the above-mentioned services to the asylum seeker and I have no plans to alter the amount.
Remembrance Commission.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:190 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of finance at the disposal of the Remembrance Commission fund; the amount given to victims; the amount remaining; and if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is granted adequate payment to cover their medical costs over the next few years. [6680/07]
The Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance to Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland is administered by the Remembrance Commission. As the Deputy may be aware I obtained Government approval to extend the term of Office of the Remembrance Commission until 31 October 2007. The Government has allocated up to €2 million to the Commission for 2007.
Up to 31 December 2006 a total of €5.45 million has been spent by the Commission, of which €4.92 million has been disbursed in grants to victims and their families, victims' groups and funding for memorials. All applications for payments are assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in the Scheme. The person referred to by the Deputy has received payments for medical expenses incurred to date and has, in addition, received the exceptional payment for medical expenses provided for under the Scheme.
I have been informed that the Commission will continue to meet this person's medical expenses, in so far as they relate to the injuries received in the conflict, as they arise under the terms of the Scheme and will sympathetically consider all applications from him.
Question No. 191 withdrawn.
Private Security Services.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:192 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take with other Government Departments who are using contractors to carry out the approved works of installing alarms or providing security services who are not registered with the Private Security Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6780/07]
The regulation of the private security industry is the responsibility of the statutorily independent Private Security Authority (PSA). The PSA has extensive statutory powers of enforcement under the Private Security Services Act of 2004. These powers are mainly set out in Sections 37 and 38 of the Act. It is an offence to contravene the provisions of either of these sections. A person who contravenes Sections 37 or 38 of the Act is guilty of an offence. The maximum penalties that can be imposed following conviction on indictment are an unlimited fine and/or up to 5 years in prison. Two security providers have been successfully prosecuted to date under Section 37 of the Act.
Citizenship Applications.
Liam Aylward
Ceist:193 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on the application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [6800/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Number 315 on Tuesday 13 June 2006. The position remains as stated.
Road Traffic Offences.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:194 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in responding to Parliamentary Question No. 406 of 27 September 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6878/07]
I can inform the Deputy that a reply relating to the subject matter of Parliamentary Question No. 406 of 27 September, 2006 issued to him recently.
Garda Strength.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:195 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda reserves; and the number presently in training. [6887/07]
The Garda Commissioner is proceeding with the recruitment and training of 1,500 members of the Garda Reserve. The first group of 36 Garda Reserves completed their training and were formally attested as members of An Garda Síochána on 15th December 2006. They have been deployed in Dublin (Store Street and Pearse Street), Cork (Anglesea Street), Galway City and Sligo. The second group commenced training in the Garda College at Templemore on 20th January 2007. This group consists of 52 Garda Reserve trainees who will be deployed in Blanchardstown, Santry, Dún Laoghaire, Tallaght, Limerick, Clare, Sligo, Galway and Kerry. It is expected that they will be attested in May.
The Deputy will also be aware of my recent announcement to change the recruitment procedures. Garda Superintendents at local level will in future have a direct role in the recruitment process. This should lead to a speedier achievement of the targeted strength of the Garda Reserve.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:196 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6905/07]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of Tuesday, 14th November, 2006 (ref: 37485/06) and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:197 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to earlier Government approval for a closed circuit television system in Finglas, Dublin 11 and approved plans for the erection of nine cameras, the reason these plans were not implemented as promised; the proposals for Finglas in respect of CCTV and the timescale proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6922/07]
As the Deputy is aware the Garda Town Centre CCTV system in Finglas is to consist of nine cameras. It was initially hoped that the monitoring equipment for this system could be accommodated in Finglas Garda station, however a problem arose regarding the provision of suitable space to accommodate the equipment. This is currently being considered, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, with regard to the overall accommodation needs of the Finglas Garda Station. As I indicated previously, immediate priority is being given to providing a new Garda Station and I am advised by the Office of Public Works that tenders have been issued for building the new station which is planned to be in place by mid-2008.
I have been advised that the Office of Public Works are currently examining options in Finglas with a view to providing short-term suitable accommodation for the monitoring of the CCTV cameras until such time as the proposed new Station is built.
Crime Levels.
Jack Wall
Ceist:198 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded and detected in each of the Garda stations (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6923/07]
Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.
John Perry
Ceist:199 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents of attacks on the elderly that have occurred in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 on a county basis; the number of incidents of burglary or larceny that have taken place on the homes of older people in 2004, 2005 and 2006 where the house was vacant at the time and where the occupants were not disturbed by the intruder; the number of incidents that have resulted in the older person moving out of their homes into care or with relatives; the number of injured parties who possessed socially monitored pendant alarms at the time of the incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6924/07]
Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him in relation to the number of attacks on persons over 65 years and the number of burglary and thefts from the person offences recorded when the injured party was over 65. The other information requested by the Deputy is not available and would require a disproportionate expenditure of time and resources to research.
Garda Recruitment.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:200 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal authority for the arrangement whereby a member of the Defence Forces who joined the Garda was only given reduced recognition for their years of service in the Army on transfer to the Garda pension scheme and who was required to have their existing contribution record for full pension downgraded to part of a pension reduced by coordination with social welfare entitlement. [6931/07]
The Public Sector Transfer Network provides that, in the case of transfers to and from certain groups with enhanced superannuation terms, i.e. An Garda Síochána and the Prisons Service, a system of "uniform accrual" must operate. Groups with enhanced superannuation terms are those where service in excess 20 years is doubled, so that 30 years actual pensionable service equates to 40 years for the calculation of superannuation benefits. The initial 20 years count year for year and each subsequent year counts as double. Army service does not attract the enhanced superannuation terms.
Under the system of "uniform accrual", service transferred from the Army to An Garda Síochána is credited at a rate of ¾ of the Army service. The reduced service, when added to Garda service, attracts the "doubling benefit" provisions for service in excess of 20 years. Conversely, service transferred from An Garda Síochána to the Army is credited at a rate of 4/3rds of the Garda service for the purpose of calculating Army superannuation benefits.
The Department of Finance Circular 6/95 provides that employees recruited on or after 6 April, 1995 are liable to pay full PRSI contributions from their pay. The occupational pension paid to such employees takes account of the value of the Social Welfare Contributory State Pension arising from the higher PRSI contribution.
Tax Code.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:201 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on reducing the VAT on bottled water in view of the number of householders who use bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes owing to contamination problems which occurred with their town water supply and while it is rectified are fearful or using same for drinking and cooking purposes. [6725/07]
The position is that bottled water was standard rated with effect from November 1992. This change was made to correct a competitive anomaly, as prior to that non manufactured bottled water was zero rated while similar competing products such as soft drinks were standard rated. The change in the VAT treatment coincided with the removal of excise duty from bottled water in November 1992.
Where a product was zero rated prior to 1 January 1991 but subsequently standard rated: it is not possible to reintroduce the zero rate for that product. However, under Annex III of the EU VAT Directive, Member States are permitted to apply a reduced rate to bottled water. It would therefore be possible under EU VAT rules to apply a reduced rate of 13.5%, rather than 21% to these products.
In any event, if there was a reduction in the rate of VAT applying to bottled water, I am not convinced, given the mark ups in the sector, that any rate reduction would necessarily be fully reflected in retail prices for bottled water.
Niall Blaney
Ceist:202 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Finance his views on full exemption of stamp duty for first time buyers on their first site to build their family home where the cost of site does not exceed €150,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6778/07]
The purchase of land, with an intention to build housing, by an individual or a developer normally attracts a stamp duty liability. Where a developer buys land and incurs a stamp duty liability, it is reasonable to assume that the stamp duty charge will be included in the final price being paid by home purchaser. The Deputy will be aware that I have introduced a Committee Stage amendment to the Finance Bill 2007 to deal with tax avoidance by developers using licensing and resting in contract arrangements where stamp duty is not paid on the use of the site by the developer. As regards the proposal by the Deputy, I will keep the matter under review but any such new relief for a site would need to be carefully devised to ensure that the first-time buyer would build a house on it within a short specified period and not sell it on for speculative purposes.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:203 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of PAYE workers in County Mayo; the numbers who pay income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6880/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that on the basis of P35 returns filed by employers for the income tax year 2004, the latest year for which the necessary detailed statistics are available, some 40,700 income earners were identified as being active on the PAYE record for the tax district of County Mayo, of whom 24,700 pay income tax.
A married couple which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Prison Redevelopment.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:204 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Office of Public Works to arrange the meeting with local residents in the Phibsboro area (details supplied). [6917/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works are fully committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders including local resident groups in connection with the redevelopment of the Mountjoy Prison site. In light of Dublin City Council recently changing the status of their Urban Framework Plan to a Local Area Plan, the Commissioners intend to instruct their Consultants to contact Dublin City Council's Local Area Plan Consultants, with a view to setting in train a consultative process with all concerned.
Industrial Relations.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:205 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to meet the concerns of the Waterford branch of the Irish Nurses’ Organisation in regard to the current nursing and midwifery issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6733/07]
The issues of nurses' pay and working hours have been fully processed through the State's industrial relations structures and procedures — the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. While health service management have accepted the Labour Court Recommendation, the Irish Nurses Organisation and Psychiatric Nurses Association state that they have neither accepted nor rejected this Recommendation and have instead served notice of industrial action. Discussions regarding impending industrial action have been led by the Health Service Executive — Employers Agency. These discussions form part of the process of established industrial relations practices and procedures. Officials from my Department have been included in these discussions as appropriate and have ensured that I have been fully briefed on the issues.
Social partnership agreements have created and sustained the conditions for economic growth over the last decade and significantly enhanced the position of employees in the public and private sector. The Government has agreed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions a basis on which pay and conditions for the public service as a whole should be managed and the second Benchmarking Body has been established to provide an objective means of assessing the appropriate pay for particular groups or professions. However, the Irish Nurses Organisation and Psychiatric Nurses Association are refusing to co-operate with the current Benchmarking process which is reviewing the pay of public servants and is due to report in the second half of 2007. The INO and PNA have so far declined to sign up to the new national partnership agreement — Towards 2016. Instead both unions lodged eight cost increasing claims for improvements in pay and conditions. The additional cost of these claims would be almost €1 billion per annum. The Unions are also seeking retrospection estimated to cost in excess of €500m.
These claims were lodged during the lifetime of the Sustaining Progress Agreement which prohibited cost increasing claims. Both unions had signed up to Sustaining Progress and their members had received increases of 13.16% under this agreement, in addition to Benchmarking increases of between 8% and 16%.
The claims lodged by the Unions were the subject of an indepth examination by the Labour Court which issued its Recommendation last November. The Court did not recommend concession of the major cost increasing pay claims. Instead the Court urged the Unions concerned to reconsider their position with regard to Benchmarking so as to have their pay claims examined through that process.
In relation to the claim for a reduction in working hours from 39 to 35 hours per week, the Court recommended that the parties should jointly explore the possibility of initiating an appropriate process aimed at achieving major reorganisation of working arrangements and practices within the health service generally. The Court also stated that such an initiative should take account of and support existing development involving other groups. It held the view that if such a programme of change could be successfully implemented, the efficiencies, cost savings and other benefits accruing may allow this claim to be processed within a reasonable timeframe to be agreed between the parties.
The Benchmarking Body is due to report in the second half of the year and is in a position to review the issues that the nursing unions feel strongly about. I believe that a solution to the current dispute can be found within the context of the Labour Court Recommendation and the prevailing national agreements. In this regard I arranged for exploratory discussions to be held between all the parties concerned at the offices of the HSE-Employers Agency on 19 January 2007. While I understand the discussions provided clarity as to the respective positions of the parties the meeting adjourned without agreement on the way forward.
It remains the Government's view that Benchmarking is the appropriate mechanism to resolve the pay issues. Management have offered to enter into discussions on an appropriate process aimed at achieving major reorganisation of working arrangements and practices within the health service generally and remain available for further discussions within the context of the Labour Court Recommendation and the prevailing national agreements. I would ask the INO and PNA to give further consideration to the Recommendation of the Labour Court and to make the case on behalf of their members, as other nursing unions have done, before the Benchmarking Body.
Medical Aids and Appliances.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:206 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who has been turned down for a refund for their hearing aid; if same will be re-examined and the money allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6876/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Ceist:207 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the domiciliary care allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that it has been approved. [6670/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
James Breen
Ceist:208 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the confusion that has arisen between the Health Service Executive at national level, HSE mid-west and the Department of Finance in relation to funding for a dementia unit at a centre (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6679/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Joe Callanan
Ceist:209 Mr. Callanan asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of children who qualify for domiciliary care allowance, who qualify for a general medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6701/07]
The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, provides for GP visit cards for adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE, and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Persons aged 70 and over are statutorily entitled to a medical card, regardless of income. In all other cases an assessment of means is undertaken.
In assessing eligibility, the HSE use guidelines based on people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of other factors which may impact on people's ability to meet the cost of GP services. These guidelines are not statutorily binding and a decision to refuse an application or renewal of a medical card may be appealed to the Executive for further consideration.
Domiciliary Care Allowance may be paid in respect of eligible children from birth to the age of 16 who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required rather than to the type of disability involved. Medical Reviews on recipients are carried out based on the recommendation of the Senior Area Medical Officer/Area Medical Officer in the HSE.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Joe Higgins
Ceist:210 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the provisions made in Irish hospitals for deaf patients in regard to sign language interpreters. [6703/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Food Labelling.
Mary Upton
Ceist:211 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority to address the ongoing deficiencies in relation to the labelling of beef at the catering level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6705/07]
The implementation of the Health (Country of Origin Of Beef) Regulations 2006 (SI 307 of 2006) is a matter for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
My Department is in touch with officials of the FSAI on an ongoing basis and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues — including the enforcement of food legislation where this is necessary.
EU Directives.
Mary Upton
Ceist:212 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if Ireland voted in favour of the proposed directive on processed cereal based foods and baby foods for infants and young children at the meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health Nutrition Section meeting on 26 and 27 October 2006; and if she will explain Ireland’s position on this issue. [6706/07]
This proposal relates to the codification of Commission Directive 95/6/EC on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children and its eleven subsequent amendments. As the codification involves no change to current provisions, Ireland voted in favour of it at the meeting in question.
Food Labelling.
Mary Upton
Ceist:213 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that there are sufficient inspectors to deal with the level of inspection required to monitor the beef labelling regulations at catering level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6707/07]
The implementation of the Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 307 of 2006) is a matter for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). I am advised that the number of inspectors and level of inspection required to implement these regulations is sufficient.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Ceist:214 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called to the Mater Hospital in Dublin for a by-pass operation; and when they were placed on the waiting list for surgery. [6727/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Irish Medicines Board.
Liz McManus
Ceist:215 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if in view of the fact that a product (details supplied) is available on an over the counter basis in the UK and Northern Ireland she will state her policy in regard to providing this on the same basis here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6728/07]
Ginko Biloba is currently licensed for use in this country for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, a disease caused by varying degrees of obstruction to blood flow through the arteries of the legs. This product has been classified as a prescription only medicine as its use is not considered suitable for self medication but more appropriate for treatment under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner.
The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the licensing of medicinal products in Ireland. If a licence holder wishes to apply for a change in the prescription status of their product they can apply to the Board who will review the application and make a decision as to whether a change is justified.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:216 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that a person qualifying for nursing home subvention of €300.00 per week will have this subvention reduced by €200.00 per week if they own a house worth €200,000.00. [6729/07]
From 1st January 2007 there are no longer three separate rates for subvention. Persons who apply may receive any amount up to a maximum of €300 per week. The payment of subvention is subject to means-testing.
The HSE has recently finalised National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme. Under the guidelines, the assessment of means will now be carried out using a national standard financial assessment method.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:217 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has requested the Health Service Executive to furnish her with her report regarding the operation of the warfarin clinic on Dublin’s northside; her views on changes which would give patients more direct access to doctors to interpret and advise on test results perhaps with the service relocated in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6745/07]
The monitoring and appropriate care of patients receiving anti-coagulation therapy with Warfarin comes within the scope of competence of general practice. The Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for services provided by General Practitioners to persons eligible for such services free of charge and, accordingly, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore asked the Executive to contact the Deputy on the matter.
The contractual arrangements for the provision by GPs of primary care services must ensure the provision of high-quality, person-centred services and for the maximum proportion of people's healthcare needs to be met in the primary care setting. A review of the present contracts commenced in 2005 under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. It is necessary however to ensure that any future contractual arrangements entered into by HSE for the provision of general practitioner services and the process by which they are arrived at comply with the terms of the Competition Act 2002. In this context legal advice is at present being sought in relation to the permissibility of negotiating contractual fee arrangements with organisations representing self-employed health professionals. My Department and the HSE will consider the legal advice, when received, in order to determine the most appropriate way in which to advance the putting in place of contractual arrangements which facilitate the delivery of a modern, high-quality and accountable general practitioner service as a key component of our primary care system.
Health Service Staff.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:218 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech therapists practising in the public health sector; and if there are future plans to deal with the shortage of speech therapy services. [6882/07]
Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
A particular priority for my Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates, including speech and language therapists. In response to concerns regarding labour shortages, my Department commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions to 2015 in the labour market for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists (Bacon Report).
The report was published in 2001 and arising from its recommendations additional courses in speech and language therapy providing 75 places were established in three universities. UCC, NUIG and UL each established courses in speech and language therapy with 25 places on each of the 3 courses. The first cohort of graduates from the UL masters level courses in speech and language therapy courses graduated in 2005 and the first cohort from the bachelor degree programmes in UCC and NUIG will graduate this year. This investment represents an increase in training capacity of 300% in speech and language therapy. The total number of speech and language therapy training places now stands at 100, the level at which the Bacon Report recommended as being sufficient to meet current and future demand to 2015 for speech and language therapists.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Homeless Persons.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:219 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children if, since the closure of a hostel for women in Middle Abbey Street in January 2007, homeless services at the Health Service Executive have been unable to offer accommodation to the majority of single homeless women in Dublin City who present to their service looking for accommodation; if this is the case, the reason for same; and the further reason a hostel for women run by the Health Service Executive in the Dublin 7 area is not operating to full capacity. [6883/07]
The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Questions Nos. 220 and 221 withdrawn.
Grant Payments.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:222 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of capital funding in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [6715/07]
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:223 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of capital funding in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [6716/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
While applications for funding for marinas at Cobh and Youghal, Co. Cork were received in 2002 under the Marine Tourism Grant Scheme, the scheme was subsequently suspended in December 2002 and the applicants so advised. No projects received funding under the scheme, which was not reactivated under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
I understand that the new Tourism Development Programme under the National Development Plan 2007–2013, will include the establishment of a fund for tourism infrastructure covering marinas. I expect further details will be available from my colleague the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, in due course.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:224 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a condition that the farmers involved in windfarm building will receive the option of investing in 25% of the windfarm and the balance on rent arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6720/07]
The commercial production of electricity is a fully liberalised market. I have no statutory authority to insist on any particular ownership arrangement in any independent undertaking proposing to harness wind-power to generate electricity.
It is a matter for each landowner to negotiate the terms and conditions under which any other party can occupy the landowners' land to construct and operate a windfarm.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:225 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of mico-generation units installed in Ireland; the breakdown of wind and solar micro-generation units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6769/07]
With regard to renewable heat microgenerators, under the Greener Homes Scheme Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has to date, approved grant assistance for a total of 11,000 such installations under this scheme. An indicative breakdown of the number of heat microgenerators approved for funding to date is as follows: Heat Pumps 3080; Solar Thermal Panels 2970; Wood Biomass Heating 4950.
Under the SEI House of Tomorrow Programme, funding has to date, been approved for the following numbers of renewable heat microgeneration installations: Solar Hot Water Heaters 1634; Heat Pumps 731; Wood Biomass Boilers 724.
ESB Networks have confirmed the numbers and breakdown of electricity microgeneration units connected to the distribution network as follows: Wind 5; Solar Photovoltaic 2; Hydro Power 10; CHP 1.
The Commission for Energy Regulation confirmed the number of licensed microgenerators in Ireland as follows: Solar Photovoltaic 1; Hydro Power 2.
It should be noted that these statistics relate only to grid connected electricity microgenerators and other electricity microgenerators who have complied with regulations by applying for a generating licence. There may be numbers of electricity microgeneration units operating in isolation from the electricity grid that are not officially recorded.
SEI has provided funding for the following numbers of electricity microgeneration units less than 50kW e in size under its Renewable Energy R,D&D, House of Tomorrow, Public and Commercial Sector and Micro-CHP Pilot Programmes: Wind 8; Photovoltaic 36; Hydropower 1.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:226 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of Ireland’s energy consumption being met by renewable fuel sources in total, and individually through wind, biomass, solar, geothermal or wave resources; the generating capacity for electricity that each of the above renewable sources are supplying; the breakdown which each renewable technology uses of renewable energy in the categories of electricity production, domestic and commercial use; his views on the potential contribution of wind, wave, biomass, CHP or solar technologies to a future more diverse and balanced energy mix up to 2020 and beyond; the wave energy technology projects in place here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6770/07]
Significant renewable energy resources are being harnessed to contribute to Ireland's energy consumption in the electricity, heat and transport markets. I have forwarded a graph detailing energy flow in Ireland in 2005 to the Deputy.
The graph and the following table, which are based on data supplied by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and additional data available from EirGrid, record the most up-to-date statistics available to my Department.
In 2005, use of renewable energy generally in the residential sector amounted to 44 kilo tonnes of oil equivalent, in the commercial sector amounted to 3 kilo tonnes of oil equivalent and in the industrial sector amounted to 163 kilo tonnes of oil equivalent. Biomass represented the majority fuel input in these sectors. I expect that the deployment of renewable energy technologies will increase significantly over the coming years, as a result of recent funding initiatives including the €26m Bioheat programme aimed at the commercial, community and voluntary sector, the €11m CHP programme and the €47m Greener Homes programme aimed at the domestic sector.
The following renewable electricity generating plant has been commissioned by end 2006:
|
Technology |
Hydro |
Wind |
Biomass |
|
Installed capacity |
236 MW |
744 MW |
35 MW |
I have established a target to increase the production of electricity from renewable energy sources from the EU target of 13.2% to 15% by 2010. The Taoiseach has announced a target of 33% of gross electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2020.
Wind energy will be the dominant technology in the electricity market to 2010. The contribution by technology to 2020 is more difficult to predict. The outturn will depend on the development of the all-island market and technological developments within individual technologies including energy storage from wind turbines and developments under RD&D programmes nationally and internationally in the other renewable technologies.
In 2006, I launched a new ocean energy strategy, which aims to put Ireland at the forefront of ocean energy development and position us to capitalise on this resource. The strategy was developed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and the Marine Institute.
As the first stage in implementing this strategy, we have recently upgraded the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre in UCC as well as opening an ocean energy test site a mile and a half off the coast of Spiddal, Co Galway. SEI and the Marine Institute are also currently supporting a number of other ocean energy research and development initiatives.
The second phase of the strategy will see the development of pre-commercial grid connected devices and provide for a grid connection to a suitable test site. This phase is expected to be activated in the period 2008 to 2010, pending the outcome of the tests in phase one.
Phase three of the Strategy, which is envisaged for 2011 to 2015, involves supporting a 10MW array of devices which would be connected to the grid.
Clearly the pace of technological development will have an impact on the dates for implementation of the strategy. This is an area that I will be requesting the Energy Research Council to examine, with a view to accelerating RD&D work in this developing and promising area. The recently announced Charles Parsons awards have also provided funding to University College Cork for the research activity focussed on two main areas — Ocean Energy Resources and Ocean Energy Device Modelling. The research into Ocean Energy Resources assesses the wave energy resources and the tidal stream resources while the Ocean Energy Device Modelling develops tools and methods for the prediction and optimisation of performance.
Ireland has one of the most promising ocean energy resources in the world, and the Government aims to position Ireland to take full advantage of this resource in the future.
The European Commission's Biomass Action Plan states that the EU could double biomass energy production by 2010. A series of measures are proposed including a possible heating and cooling Directive and Ireland is engaging proactively on this debate. The forthcoming White Paper on Energy Policy will address targets for renewables including biomass in the heating sector to 2020.
The development of an Irish biofuels market and the increased development and deployment of bio-energy resources in Ireland is a key priority for the Government. A range of initiatives are in place to support the development of a biofuels sector in Ireland. In 2005, market penetration of biofuels was 0.05%. I have introduced a number of measures in the past two years which will allow Ireland achieve targets of 2% in 2008, 5.75% in 2009 and 10% in 2010.
These targets will be delivered through the two excise relief programmes rolled out by my Department in 2005 and 2006, and through the introduction of a biofuels obligation, which I announced on Monday 12th February. The obligation will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales.
I will forward the Deputy a copy of SEI's publication "Energy in Ireland 1990-2005", published in November 2006, which provides detailed statistics on energy trends, forecasts and indicators.
Fishing Vessel Licences.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:227 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if an application has been received in his Department for a pot fishing licence by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the date the application was received; the decision made; if the decision was appealed; the grounds on which a licence has not been granted to date; if the application is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6784/07]
The function of the Licensing Authority for sea-fishing boats was transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats. The Act provides that the Licensing Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Act, subject to the law for the time being in force and policy directives in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing.
The Registrar General has informed me that his files show that the individual applied for a sea fishing boat licence under the scheme for the Licensing of Traditional Pot Fishing Boats in June 2003. He was refused a licence under this scheme as he did not satisfy the criterion "the applicant must not have or had a vessel licensed or registered on the Irish Fishing Boat Register since January 1990 other than in the Specific Segment".
The Applicant appealed this decision and the Independent Appeals Officer refused his appeal. The applicant must apply for a standard fishing boat licence should he wish to fish commercially.
Economic Partnership Agreements.
Mary Upton
Ceist:228 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timetable within which negotiations on the Economic Partnership Arrangements are taking place; when these negotiations will be completed; his view of the interpretation that these negotiations and the Economic Partnership Arrangements offer a real opportunity to developing countries to assess the impact of liberalisation of their economies; the circumstances in which he would seek an extension to already published deadlines in respect of the conclusion of the talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6773/07]
The Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are trade agreements currently being negotiated between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states.
The mandate for the negotiation of EPAs comes from the legally-binding Cotonou Agreement, the central objective of which is that of "reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy".
Negotiations began in September 2002 and the agreements are required to enter into force by 1 January 2008. For the purposes of EPA negotiations, the ACP states are organised into six regional groupings. The concept of regional integration is fundamental to the EPA process.
On their own, the small segmented markets of the ACP countries are poorly positioned to take advantage of the global trading system. I believe that stronger regional integration will facilitate an increase in production and competitiveness. This is the critical first step toward greater participation in international trade, with all the benefits of new markets which this promises.
I realise, however, that if the ACP States are to take full advantage of the trading opportunities afforded by EPAs, greater and more effective trade-related assistance will be required to be made available to them.
In this regard, EU Ministers for Development and the European Commission have already pledged to ensure that a substantial share of EU and national trade-related assistance will be devoted to the needs of ACP states, with the collective total allocation rising to some €2 billion per annum by 2010.
In Ireland's case and in line with the priorities outlined in the recent White Paper on Irish Aid, we have committed to increase substantially our funding for Aid for Trade initiatives in the coming years. I hope that the deadline envisaged under the Cotonou Agreement will be met and that the question of an extension will not arise.
The Government will continue to follow the negotiations closely and insist that they be conducted at all times in a manner sensitive to the development needs of the ACP states and their poverty reduction efforts.
Extraordinary Rendition.
Joe Costello
Ceist:229 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will refer the European Parliament Committee’s Report on Extraordinary Rendition to a Parliamentary Committee as recommended in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6726/07]
I have made clear on a number of occasions my disappointment with the content of the Report of the Temporary Committee of the European Parliament on extraordinary rendition. In particular, the Committee's figure of 147 allegedly-suspicious flights is grossly inflated, as shown by the identification of only 3 suspicious flights by Senator Dick Marty as part of the Council of Europe's separate investigations.
I was one of only two Ministers for Foreign Affairs to attend a meeting of the TDIP Committee. However, I regret that certain members of the Committee did not avail of the opportunity to produce a forward-looking document, and ignored my suggestions about the changes that, in my view, need to be made to the regulation of international civil aviation.
The Report's call for the Government "to agree to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the use of Irish territory as part of the CIA rendition circuit" ignores the fact that it is for the Oireachtas to decide its own work schedule. It also ignores the fact that Seanad Éireann has on three separate occasions—most recently on 31 January—voted not to institute a specific enquiry. These issues have been extensively debated in both Houses of the Oireachtas, and both have passed motions supporting the Government's policy in this area, the Seanad on 31 January, the Dáil on 14 June 2006.
Rather than calling for more enquiries, I would suggest that the time has come to focus on what concrete measures we might take to help prevent or deter extraordinary rendition in the future, which practice I have consistently condemned in the strongest terms. It is with this objective that my Department is exploring with European partners the issues I have raised in relation to the regulation of civil aviation.
Sports Funding.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:230 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide funding for the joint application made by a school and a club (details supplied) in County Kerry to redevelop the existing school field into an all-weather natural pitch and to develop a new multi-sport hardcourt area adjacent to the existing school field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6719/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme’s assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Sports Capital Programme.
John Perry
Ceist:231 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will give a firm commitment that funding will be sanctioned under the sports capital programme grant 2007 to a club (details supplied) for a synthetic playing surface, which will be floodlit and available all year round to members of the club and the greater surrounding hinterland; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no sports facilities in the Gurteen area for playing sports outside daylight hours and that the recreation centre is too small and unsuitable for persons over 10 years to engage in physical contact ball playing sports; the amount of funds that he has available under this scheme; the amount he will allocate to the club; when they will receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6743/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme’s assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed and cannot give any indication as to whether any application is successful until that time.
I will decide on the level of provisional grant allocations to be made this year having regard both to the quality of the applications received under the 2007 programme and the pattern of grant allocations and drawdowns on foot of earlier years' approvals.
Applicants who are successful under the programme will, immediately following the public announcement of the grant allocations, be informed in writing of the amount of their provisional grant allocations and of the requirements of my Department in having the funding drawn down. The length of time taken to receive payment in respect of an allocation depends on how quickly those requirements are met by the grantee.
Sports Funding.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:232 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding an application for lottery funding by a centre (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6768/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Sports Projects.
Jack Wall
Ceist:233 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of meetings he has had with the representatives of a club (details supplied); the dates of such meetings; the decisions reached; if there is other meetings planned in regard to the clubs project at Tallaght for a soccer ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6906/07]
Jack Wall
Ceist:234 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position of the development at Tallaght (details supplied); the amount of funding determined by him towards the project; the amount of funding drawn down towards the project; and if he will make a statement as to his Departments intentions towards the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6907/07]
Jack Wall
Ceist:235 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of meetings he has had with the representatives of the GAA in regard to the development of sports facilities at Tallaght (details supplied); the dates of such meetings; the decision reached at such meetings; if there are further meetings envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6908/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 235, inclusive, together.
In response to approaches from South Dublin County Council, the FAI and Shamrock Rovers FC, I gave a commitment on behalf of the Government that funding would be provided towards the completion of a soccer stadium in Tallaght. The specifications for the stadium is that it would be capable of hosting senior soccer fixtures and that it would provide capacity for 6,000 seated spectators, which is the capacity decreed under the planning approval. In supporting the provision of a soccer stadium at Tallaght, I am seeking to bring to completion a long-standing project for a stadium on this site.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, my Department has provided funding of €2.57m towards this project over the 3 years 2000 to 2002. €2.44m has already been provided to Shamrock Rovers Stadium Development Committee based on work, to the value of €3.3m, carried out prior to the end of 2002.
I have made my position clear to the GAA at both national and Dublin County Board level on a number of occasions. My Department has had meetings with senior officials of the South Dublin County Council, the FAI and the GAA in seeking to progress the project. I am deeply disappointed at the continuing impediment that is delaying this project and which could have serious additional cost implications for it's development.
While the stadium is scheduled for completion as a soccer facility, I would have no objections to South Dublin County Council, which will manage the facility, facilitating its use for other sporting events compatible with it remaining available for senior soccer fixtures. When it is feasible to do so I intend to work closely with South Dublin County Council to complete the stadium in a timely and cost effective manner.
Arms Trade.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:236 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason he proposes to equip himself with the power by order to prohibit, licence and otherwise regulate the provision of arms brokering activities undertaken outside the State by non-resident Irish citizens; if he has satisfied himself that the exercise of extra-territorial jurisdiction over the acts of non-resident Irish nationals outside the State accords with the generally recognised principles of international law and with established practice of this State; if it is necessitated by Article 2.1 of Council Common Position 2003/468/CFSP of 23 June 2003 on the control of arms brokering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6698/07]
Article 2.1 of the Common Position 2003/468/CFSP of 23 June 2003 on the control of arms brokering obliges EU Member States to take all necessary measures to control brokering activities taking place within their territory and also encourages them to consider controlling brokering activities outside of their territories when carried out by brokers of their nationality resident or established in their territory.
When framing the provisions of the Control of Exports Bill with regard to the regulation of brokering activities in the State, a key consideration was the highly mobile nature of arms brokering. A person normally resident here, could for example arrange for an arms transfer, while temporally outside the State, of goods that at no point transit through Ireland. In the absence of appropriate legislation, on his or her return to Ireland, no prosecution could follow, notwithstanding that an arms embargo may have been breached or that Irish export control laws may have been evaded.
A number of other EU Member States, including Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden have enacted legislation to provide for controls on extra-territorial activities by arms brokers and I am satisfied therefore that this principle has been established in international law.
I acknowledge that there are challenges with regard to the enforcement of extra-territorial controls. However on balance, I consider it preferable to have such controls in place so that if documentary evidence concerning illicit arms brokering does become available, for example as a result of the sharing of intelligence between law enforcement agencies, then the State has the capacity to mount a successful prosecution.
Airport Charges.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:237 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on Parliamentary Question Nos. 405 and 411 of 6 February 2007 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6879/07]
I have no responsibility for airport taxes or charges. Airlines determine the policy they will practice in situations where people voluntarily cancel flights. Different airlines have different policies in this respect. In most cases airlines will offer refunds only on payment of a service fee.
I must emphasise that the cancellation of a flight by a consumer and the financial consequences of such cancellation is a civil matter under contract law and thus not something for which I have responsibility. I would advise consumers to read the conditions in the contract to make themselves aware of the consequences of cancelling a flight ticket.
I have asked the Director of Consumer Affairs and Executive Chair of the Board of the National Consumer Agency to examine the terms and conditions imposed by different airlines to assess their conformity with consumer legislation including in particular the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations, 1995 (S. I. No. 27 of 1995) and to let me have her views on the matter.
Industrial Development.
Jack Wall
Ceist:238 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visiting itineraries for commercial or industrial projects that resulted from recent initiatives from the IDA or other State agencies within his remit that visited south Kildare (details supplied); the results of such itineraries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6913/07]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
During 2006 IDA hosted two site visits by potential investors to the IDA Advance Unit in Athy, but neither company found it suitable for their needs. There were no visits to Newbridge, Monasterevin, Kildare, Kilcullen, Castledermot, Rathangan or Ballymore Eustace in 2006.
A central goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of Balanced Regional Development. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for the achievement of this goal through the prioritization of development and investment in gateway towns and hub locations.
While IDA has sites in Kildare Town, Monasterevin and Castledermot, which they are actively promoting, decisions regarding where to locate are ultimately up to the individual investor.
Meanwhile, IDA Ireland continues to work with the existing client base in County Kildare to expand their presence in the County and to encourage increased cooperation with third level institutions in the County. In the 10 year period from 1996 to 2006 the number of permanent jobs in IDA supported companies in County Kildare has risen from 6,797 to 10,869 an increase of 4,072.
Trade Missions.
Jack Wall
Ceist:239 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of participants that accompanied the recent trade mission that were from County Kildare; the efforts or means that his Department uses to ensure that the widest areas of intent are facilitated on such trade missions; his plans for further trade missions in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6914/07]
From 14 to 19 January 2007, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, led Enterprise Ireland's very successful trade mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was accompanied by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin; Minister for Agriculture and Food Mary Coughlan, Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin, and a total of 114 Irish companies.
Four of the participating companies that accompanied the recent trade mission were from County Kildare. These were Ash Technologies, Ashbourne Meat Processors, Doyle Engineering and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.
Potential participants on any Enterprise Ireland organised trade event are canvassed in advance to ascertain their interest in becoming involved. The canvass is based on existing exporters to that particular market; potential exporters identified by Enterprise Ireland and companies which Enterprise Ireland has previously worked with, in the market. Organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce, County Enterprise Boards, Irish Exporters Association and bodies such as Bord Bia and BIM may also be approached, where appropriate, to ascertain their interest and that of their members in participation. For the Gulf mission, a web site was also created for potential participants, which outlined details of the Trade Mission and the procedures involved. Given the criteria as set out above, this overall process is not, obviously, undertaken on a county-by-county basis.
Further Ministerial Trade Missions are planned by Enterprise Ireland for the first half of this year to Croatia, Pakistan, Singapore/ Malaysia, Czech Republic/Hungary, UK, and Spain. The programme for later on in the year has not yet been finalised.
Enterprise Ireland will organize over 100 different events globally in 2007 promoting Irish companies internationally, of which these Ministerial led Trade Missions are an integral part.
Jack Wall
Ceist:240 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage increase he envisages in regard to imports and exports from and to the countries visited in the most recent trade mission as a result of the contacts made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6915/07]
From 14th to 19th January 2007, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, led Enterprise Ireland's trade mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was accompanied by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin; Minister for Agriculture and Food Mary Coughlan and Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin. The mission visited Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The mission involved a total of 114 Irish companies, organisations and educational institutions, primarily involved in the ICT, Educational Services, Environmental/ Engineering Services, Medical Devices and Food and Drinks sectors. Over 1,200 meetings took place between the Irish participants and their potential and existing customers.
Initial estimates from companies and organisations participating in the mission, place the value of agreements reached at €65 million over the next 12 to 36 months. In addition to these specific agreements reached and, also, for the longer term, we would envisage a steady increase in the level of trade between Ireland and these countries. The exact rate of increase for the future is not possible to estimate at this stage.
Drawing a direct one-to-one correlation between trade missions and their impact on exports or imports in the short or long term, is obviously extremely difficult. The objectives of participants can vary in nature, as some will be at different stages of export development.
Ireland has a very significant trade surplus with both Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. so in relation to imports from there, it is likely, given the very low level of imports at present, that the pattern will be upwards. While is not possible to make firm predictions, the pattern has been that the improved linkages and business contacts generated in export promotion, can also lead to an expansion in imports from those countries also.
Trade Missions are an important activity in overall export promotion strategy in Ireland and they play a key part of strategic business development in other industrialised countries. It should be noted that such missions are not simply focussed on developing trade but are now increasingly creating opportunities over a range of business areas — creating linkages and building contacts and networks that will produce benefits over the very long term.
Pension Provisions.
Barry Andrews
Ceist:241 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the pension inheritance rights for the surviving partner of a cohabiting couple in relation to the deceased’s pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6782/07]
Social welfare pensions, both contributory and non-contributory, are paid on the basis of a person's personal entitlement to a payment having satisfied the qualifying conditions and there is no right to inherit a pension on the death of the pensioner. The surviving spouse of a pensioner may apply for a widow(er)'s contributory pension which can be based on either the deceased's or surviving spouse's insurance contributions. Alternatively, a means-tested widow's non-contributory pension may be paid where the surviving spouse is under 66. Those 66 and over who do not qualify for a widow(er)'s contributory pension may apply for the means tested state pension (non-contributory) which is paid regardless of a person's status. Eligibility for widows and widowers pensions is confined to surviving members of married couples, it does not apply to cohabiting couples.
There are no ‘inheritance' rights in respect of occupational pension schemes in that a member cannot ‘will' his or her pension entitlements. Occupational pension schemes are set up as trusts and the trustees will pay out benefits to surviving spouses/partners of deceased members in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
Benefits are generally payable by pension schemes on the death of a member in service and on death-in-retirement and the trust deed and rules will specify the form and amounts of the benefits payable in the different circumstances. Death in service benefits in most schemes take the form of a lump sum but many schemes in addition also pay pension benefits to spouses and other beneficiaries.
Benefits paid in pension form will be a percentage of the deceased member's actual or prospective pension as the case may be and will be paid by the trustees to the relevant recipient (s) for their lifetime.
Some pension schemes provide benefits only for the ‘lawful spouses' of deceased married members without providing any equivalent death benefits for non-marital cohabiting, or non-cohabiting, partners. That is a matter of scheme design and schemes, being voluntary by nature, are not obliged by law to provide death benefits to either surviving spouses or surviving partners unless their rules so provide.
Other schemes may provide for payment of death benefits to ‘dependants' rather than spouses of deceased members. The scheme rules will generally define what is meant by ‘dependants'. The definition will generally include the spouse of the member and anyone dependent on the member for the ordinary necessities of life. Trustees may need to exercise some element of judgement in this regard in ensuring the benefits are paid in a form and in shares which reflect the needs of the dependants. Often there are discretionary powers given to the trustees in the scheme rules to enable them to decide on the destination of death benefits.
Most pension schemes provide for payment of lump sum death benefits to be made directly to spouses or dependants rather than to the estate of the deceased. The deceased member may have completed a form of nomination of dependant wherein they nominate the person to benefit from the lump sum payment. Such a letter or expression of wishes cannot bind the trustees but they will normally try to give effect to the deceased members' wishes. If the lump sum payment is made to the estate then it will devolve in accordance with the deceased member's will or under the rules of intestacy. It is only lump sum payments that may be administered through the deceased members' estate if these have been paid to the deceased member's personal representative by the trustees of the scheme.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:242 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be granted rent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6789/07]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to eligible persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation needs.
The Executive has advised that, the person concerned was in receipt of rent supplement up to June 2006. Payment ceased at that point as the person in question was deemed to have sufficient income to meet her rental costs. The Executive has further advised that she should contact the local Community Welfare Officer if she wishes to make a new application for rent supplement.
Employment Action Plan.
David Stanton
Ceist:243 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the National Employment Action Plan has been extended to lone parents and people with disabilities as per Towards 2016; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6872/07]
At present, people aged between 18 and 64 who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are systematically referred to FÁS for guidance in terms of returning to education, training or employment. Referral at 3 months commenced at the end of October 2006 following a Government decision arising from a commitment in Towards 2016 to apply the National Employment Action Plan referral process earlier than 6 months.
There is also a commitment in Towards 2016 to extend National Employment Action Plan to lone parents and persons with disabilities. This commitment reinforces the goal set out in my Departments Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 "Security with Opportunity" to provide income supports and access to relevant services to people of working age who cannot secure an adequate income from employment and to facilitate them in taking up relevant employment, training education or development opportunities. The activation of lone parents is also being considered in the context of the discussion paper ‘Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents' which I published in February 2006.
The management and administration of the National Employment Action Plan rests with an interdepartmental committee comprising representatives from my Department, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and FÁS. This committee is examining the issues to be addressed arising from the commitment given in Towards 2016 to extend the National Employment Action Plan to lone parents and persons with disabilities.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance should have been payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has participated in a FÁS training scheme at Loughlinstown, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6920/07]
The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme, including rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
As stated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question on 26th January 2007, the Executive has advised that it has not received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned.
My Department has been in contact with FÁS who advised that it refused an application for an accommodation allowance in respect of the person in question. If the person concerned has any queries in relation to the FÁS accommodation allowance he should contact the FÁS office which dealt with this application.
Pension Provisions.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:245 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the provision that entitles people in receipt of a non-contributory pension to claim 50% of a carers allowance and to retain their pension will be implemented immediately; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6928/07]
From September 2007 people in receipt of another social welfare payment who are also providing full time care and attention to a person will be able to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which will be equivalent of a half rate carer's allowance. A person currently in receipt of a carer's allowance who may have an underlying entitlement to another social welfare payment will be able to transfer to that payment and receive up to a half rate carer's allowance. This does not apply to persons in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or benefit, given the nature of these payments.
In order to qualify under these new arrangements people will have to satisfy all of the qualifying conditions which currently apply to carer's allowance. These include the requirement that applicants must be providing full time care and attention to a person who needs such care, be aged 18 or over, be habitually resident in the state and satisfy a means test. In addition, the person being cared for must need continuous supervision and frequent help throughout the day with their personal needs or continuous supervision to avoid danger to themselves and require full time care and attention for at least 12 months.
It is estimated that approximately 18,000 carers will benefit from this measure at cost of some €57 million in a full year. This provision was part of the overall Budget package which involved major improvements across the range of social welfare schemes. The implementation dates for these various provisions are determined having regard to the legal, financial and administrative implications involved.
Question No. 246 answered with QuestionNo. 165.
Road Network.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:247 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for the development of the Atlantic road corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6808/07]
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects and the allocation of monies to those projects, including projects on the Atlantic Road Corridor, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
Under the National Development Plan, 2007-2013 funding for the Galway-Limerick section of the Atlantic Corridor has been accelerated, with construction of approximately 50kms of dual carriageway on this route now set to commence in 2008, instead of 2011.
Motor Insurance.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:248 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the current levels of motor insurance premiums here; if he will provide comparison figures for 1997 and outline the issues that have assisted in the reduction of motor insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6433/07]
The level of motor insurance premiums is measured by the CSO using as a base the costs obtaining in December 2001 which is allocated an index of 100. Using this scale, the costs for motor insurance in January 1997 measured 64.8 index points. From that date, costs rose to a peak of 108 index points in April 2003. Since April 2003 motor insurance costs have reduced and at December 2006, the index stood at 71.2 index points, a reduction of 34% over the period.
There are various factors contributing to this reduction. Since 2003, the introduction of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board has been a major step, as was the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 which includes penalties for giving false or misleading evidence in personal injury cases. In addition, random breath testing, increased resources to the Garda Traffic Corps and the roll-out of the penalty points system are expected to deliver better driver behaviour and reduced frequency of traffic accidents. These initiatives are having a positive effect on motor insurance premiums and I am confident that they will continue to do so.
Air Services.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:249 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his plans to counteract the effects of the expected demise of low cost flying as oil supplies reach their predicted peak in the next ten years. [5655/07]
One of the key objectives of our aviation policy as set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 is to facilitate and encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, regular and competitive commercial air services for Irish tourism, trade and industry. Our success in this regard is evident in the increased number of direct services to and from Ireland that are now available to the travelling public.
The aviation industry is a global industry that has demonstrated a capacity for innovation and an ability to respond to the significant challenges that it has faced in recent years, as was particularly evidenced in the industry's response in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The industry has also made significant strides in improving fuel efficiency over recent years through technical innovation. I would, therefore, have a more optimistic view than the Deputy of the capacity of the industry to respond to challenges that it may face in the future.
Question No. 250 answered with QuestionNo. 178.
Question No. 251 answered with QuestionNo. 126.
Aviation Safety.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:252 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his views on the increase in aviation safety incidents in recent years; if he has discussed the problem with the Irish Aviation Authority; his views on whether reforms are necessary in the monitoring of aviation safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6630/07]
As I stated in my reply to Question 5821/07 the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 established the IAA and among the primary functions conferred on it under the Act is safety regulation of the Irish aviation industry. The Authority exercises its safety regulation functions in accordance with international standards set at both European level by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and globally by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO). To that end a total of 900 hundred plus inspections were conducted in 2006 as part of an integrated audit programme of flight operations and maintenance in Irish Aviation.
As Minister for Transport my responsibility in relation to the safety functions of the Irish Aviation Authority arises under Section 32 of the 1993 Irish Aviation Authority Act, which requires me periodically, to commission an examination of the performance by the company of its functions insofar as they relate to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards in relation to aircraft and air navigation. The most recent examination took place in 2004 and concluded that there is a general, positive and proactive attitude and competence vis-à-vis safety and the maintenance of a high safety level in the organisation. It is my intention to commission a further examination this year in accordance with the provisions of Section 32.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) in my Department investigates accidents and incidents on a case-by-case basis. None of the AAIU investigations and reports on recent Public Scheduled Transport category occurrences have identified broad industry deficiencies. Reports of accidents and incidents investigated by the AAIU, including any safety recommendations made and responded to are publicly available and are published on my Department's AAIU website, www.aaiu.ie.
Question No. 253 answered with QuestionNo. 117.
Question No. 254 answered with QuestionNo. 171.
Rail Services.
David Stanton
Ceist:255 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 2 November 2006, if the public inquiry has been completed; the outcome of same; if not, when he expects same to be completed; when he expects to be in a position to make a decision on the railway order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6871/07]
The Glounthaune-Midleton Rail Project Public Inquiry opened on 31 October 2006 and concluded on 3 November 2006. I received the report of the inquiry on 17 January 2007 and on 1 February last I announced that I had published the Report. I am now considering the relevant documentation, including this Report, as required under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act, 2001. I will make a decision on the application for the Railway Order as quickly as possible.
The report is available for purchase from the Government Publications Sales Office (price €4) and can be accessed on the Department's website at: http://www.transport.ie/transport/reports/ index.asp?lang=ENG&loc=845
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is proposed or expected in advance of Transport 21 or in the context of the National Development Plan to increase the capacity and frequency of the commuter rail services, provision of extra parking and feeder bus services at Sallins Railway Station, County Kildare with particular reference to the needs of the increased population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6888/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is proposed or expected in advance of Transport 21 or in the context of the National Development Plan to increase the capacity and frequency of the commuter rail services, provision of extra parking and feeder bus services at Hazelhatch Railway Station, County Kildare with particular reference to the needs of the increased population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6889/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is proposed or expected in advance of Transport 21 or in the context of the National Development Plan to increase the capacity and frequency of the commuter rail services, provision of extra parking and feeder bus services at Leixlip Railway Station, County Kildare with particular reference to the needs of the increased population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6890/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is proposed or expected in advance of Transport 21 or in the context of the National Development Plan to increase the capacity and frequency of the commuter rail services, provision of extra parking and feeder bus services at Maynooth Railway Station, County Kildare with particular reference to the needs of the increased population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6891/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is proposed or expected in advance of Transport 21 or in the context of the National Development Plan to increase the capacity and frequency of the commuter rail services, provision of extra parking and feeder bus services at Kilcock Railway Station, County Kildare with particular reference to the needs of the increased population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6892/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:261 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make the necessary provision for improved feeder bus services in terms of frequency and capacity to meet the requirements of rail commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6893/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:265 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated date for the further augmentation of commuter rail facilities to and from the capital in the context of the National Development Plan or in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6898/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce interim measure to improve the commuter rail services in anticipation but in advance of Transport 21 with particular reference to the need to substantially increase capacity on all trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6901/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 to 261, inclusive, 265 and 268 together.
There has been major investment in recent years in expanding the number and capacity of commuter services on the Kildare and Maynooth lines.
The provision of turnback facilities at Newbridge, the extension of platforms at Sallins and Hazelhatch and the introduction of new rolling stock on the Kildare route as part of the increased investment in public transport under the NDP 2000-2006 have increased capacity on the Kildare route by 160%.
Capacity on the Maynooth line has been more than trebled in the last five years due to the doubling of the track, resignalling and the upgrading of stations and crossings.
There are now 35 services per day in each direction serving Maynooth and approximately the same number in each direction serving stations on the Kildare line.
Irish Rail have implemented further recent improvements to their services with the introduction of their new timetable on 14 January 2007 which included the introduction, for the first time, of scheduled Sunday commuter services on the Kildare commuter line with services operating five times each way, at approximately two hour intervals.
In addition, Maynooth line Sunday service frequencies were further improved, with hourly services operating on the half hour from 09.30hrs to 18.30hrs from Dublin Pearse, and services operating approximately every hour from 10.30hrs to 19.30hrs from Maynooth.
A number of major projects being funded under Transport 21 will further improve rail services in Co. Kildare. The Docklands station, which is due to open in March, will facilitate extra services on the Maynooth line. The introduction of a fleet of modern intercity railcars to be delivered in the period 2007 to 2009 will release commuter railcars currently being used on intercity routes such as Sligo-Dublin and Rosslare — Dublin for use on the Maynooth line amongst others. The Kildare Route Project, which involves four tracking a section of track from Cherry Orchard to Hazlehatch, will enable the separation of long distance and commuter services thus reducing travel times and offering operational flexibility to increase the amount of services provided. As part of that project upgraded stations and increased parking capacity are to be provided.
Feeder bus services to/from, and car parking facilities at, commuter rail stations are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. However, in 2006 and 2007 my Department has allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann for:
expansion/improvement works at the car park serving Leixlip-Louisabridge railway station to increase the total car parking available at the station by 290 spaces;
expansion/improvement works at the car park serving Newbridge railway station to increase the total car parking available at the station by 300 spaces;
the planning and design of upgraded car parking facilities at other stations in county Kildare, including Kildare and Athy.
In addition, car park provision will form part of major new railway infrastructure works such as the Kildare Route Project.
Road Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:262 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if all tunnels expected to be built in the future will have a height restriction that will exclude supertrucks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6895/07]
I have asked the Road Safety Authority to draft a regulation providing for a national maximum vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres. The issue of setting a maximum vehicle height limit was the subject of a wide ranging public consultation exercise in 2005. A period of two years is proposed for the phasing out of the use of existing vehicles that exceed the proposed height limit of 4.65 metres. The draft regulation will be submitted to the European Commission for consultation shortly.
As with the Dublin Port Tunnel, the planned Limerick Tunnel will have a height of 4.65 metres. No other road tunnels are currently planned.
Public Transport.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:263 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if in the context of the National Development Plan of otherwise, it is intended to provide custom built, secure and safe bus shelters with a view to encouraging extended and safe use of public transport by the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6896/07]
Decisions on the provision of bus shelters, their location and type is a matter for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, in consultation with the local authorities.
Air Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:264 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his preferred options or expectations in relation to ownership of Aer Lingus in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6897/07]
It is my belief and that of the Government that Ireland's strategic interest in aviation is best served by the provision of regular, safe, cost-effective and competitive air services linking the country to key business and tourism markets around the world.
I am also firmly of the view that Ireland's economic interests are best served by having as many airlines as possible competing vigorously and seeking to exploit all possible opportunities for new services. I want to see a strong Aer Lingus and a strong Ryanair competing with each other. The Government has concerns about the potential impact of the proposed takeover on competition in air services to/from Ireland.
The European Commission recently announced that it has decided to initiate a Phase 2 investigation of the attempted takeover of Aer Lingus as notified by Ryanair pursuant to EC Merger Regulation. In effect, the decision by the EU Commission means that the Ryanair Offer to Aer Lingus Shareholders has now lapsed.
The decision by the Commission is consistent with my view that the proposed merger would raise significant competition issues. My Department will continue to outline to the European Commission the Government's concerns during the Phase 2 investigation.
Question No. 265 answered with QuestionNo. 256.
Departmental Expenditure.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:266 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which agreement has been reached in relation to wayleaves or land acquisition in regard to transport objectives set out in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6899/07]
The issues raised by the Deputy will be addressed by the relevant implementation agencies generally as part of the statutory approval process for each project. Most of the major projects will require motorway schemes, railway orders or compulsory purchase orders and substantial progress has already been made in this regard. For example, the statutory approval process for all the projects on the five interurban motorways are now complete. Recent months have seen Railway Orders signed for a number of projects such as the Kildare rail upgrade and the Luas extensions to Cherrywood and Docklands.
Question No. 267 answered with QuestionNo. 106.
Question No. 268 answered with QuestionNo. 256.
Road Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:269 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will bring forward interim measures to alleviate road traffic congestion in anticipation of Transport 21 with particular reference to addressing the most serious needs in this area at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6902/07]
One of the main objectives of Transport 21 is to alleviate traffic congestion. This will be achieved by providing vastly improved national road network that bypasses major towns and by providing a public transport system that acts as an attractive alternative to the private car.
As Transport 21 progresses and more projects are completed, the level of congestion on our roads will reduce. Already significant strides have been made since the launch of Transport 21. A record number of road projects were completed and commenced in 2006. Increased capacity has been provided on both the intercity and suburban rail networks.
Funding has been provided to both Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann for additional bus capacity and there is continuing substantial investment in bus priority measures in Dublin and the regional cities. The trams on the Luas Red Line are being extended to provide 40% extra capacity. My Department recently approved the purchase of additional trams for both Luas Lines. The Docklands railway system will open shortly and this will be accompanied by an increased level of train services on the Maynooth line from Clonsilla.
Question No. 270 answered with QuestionNo. 139.
Grant Payments.
John Perry
Ceist:271 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will ensure that funding is allocated under the Dormant Accounts Fund for a group (details supplied) in County Sligo who work and provide an invaluable range of activities; when funding will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6744/07]
The group in question was awarded Dormant Accounts funding of €129,010 by the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board under the initial round of funding. The grant was to fund a youth worker, administration and programme costs over a two-year period. My understanding is that this funding will expire at the end of the summer this year.
Deputies will appreciate that the Dormant Accounts Fund cannot of its nature be regarded as a source of indefinite funding for specific projects. However, I am keen to ensure where projects can demonstrate strong impacts in tackling disadvantage and are coming to the end of their funding term, full consideration is given by relevant Departments to their possible mainstreaming.
To assist in this process, I recently secured Government approval for the allocation of additional Dormant Accounts funding to enable a limited number of projects, approved by the former Board under the initial round of funding, to continue for a defined period. This funding will be targeted at certain projects that are awaiting decisions by Government Departments or Statutory Agencies on mainstreaming. My Department is currently considering the operational arrangements for this funding measure with other relevant Departments.
The group in question may qualify for further Dormant Accounts funding in this context.
Michael Ring
Ceist:272 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded a grant for a roof. [6877/07]
The grant in question was paid on 12 February 2007.
Community Development.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:273 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the bodies or voluntary groups on the northside of Dublin which are currently accepting applications under the scheme of community support for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6881/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is available on my Department's website www.pobail.ie at: http://www.pobail.ie/en/Community VoluntarySupports/CommunitySupportforOlder People/
Grant Payments.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:274 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who was a contractor for 34 years to the Carlow sugar factory will be entitled to compensation from the moneys allocated for that purpose from the EU. [6677/07]
The position is as set out in my reply to Question No. 1355 on 31st January 2007.
The restructuring aid must be implemented strictly in accordance with the relevant EU Regulations. Under the Regulations, eligibility for the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry is confined to three categories: processors, beet growers and certain specialised machinery contractors who worked under contract for the growers. Eligible machinery contractors shall be compensated for the loss incurred following the loss of value of specialised machinery, which cannot be used for other purposes. In accordance with the EU Regulations, the Government in July made certain decisions concerning the implementation of the restructuring aid, in particular the percentage to be reserved for beet growers and machinery contractors. These decisions were announced by press release on 12 July 2006. The Government decisions are now the subject of Judicial Review proceedings instituted by Greencore Group plc in the High Court. If the person named was not a specialised machinery contractor who worked under contract for growers, he would not be eligible for compensation under the Regulations.
Farm Inspections.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:275 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers penalised under the 2006 EU farm inspections scheme; the amount of penalties incurred; if all other EU countries administer this on farm system; if Germany operates this scheme by way of giving 24 to 48 hours prior notice to German farmers; if her attention has been drawn to whether prior notice is given in any other EU country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6717/07]
My Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme, compliance with EU legislation in the areas of the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition.
A minimum of 5% of Single Payment Scheme applicants are required to be inspected under the eligibility rule. Up to two-thirds of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit and using the technique of remote sensing.
The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance is 1% of those farmers to whom the 18 Statutory Management Requirements (including the Nitrates Directive) or GAEC apply. However at least 5% of producers must be inspected under the Bovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements as this level is prescribed under the relevant Regulations.
In 2006 the policy of my Department towards on-farm inspections was to give advance notification of up to 48 hours in all cases. However, this was unacceptable to the European Commission and my Department was obliged to perform a number of inspections without prior notification in 2006. 7,514 farmers had their holdings selected for on-the-spot inspection out of some 130,000 who applied for the Single Payment Scheme (over 100,000 of these are also applicants for Disadvantaged Areas Scheme). The vast bulk of on farm inspections 6,899 — 92% of the total farms selected for Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme inspection in 2006 — were all notified in advance to the farmers concerned.
A total of 1,421 farmers were subject to cross-compliance penalties under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme while a further 809 farmers, while technically in breach of the requirements, did not suffer any penalty because of the tolerance regime applied by my Department. The total amount withheld under Cross Compliance penalties amounts to €712,799.34 or 0.05% of the €1.3 billion envelope available for the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. The value of both schemes (SPS/DAS) to Irish farmers is some €1.55 billion.
The EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme would allow my Department to give pre-notification of inspection in all cases where certain elements of cross-compliance are involved e.g. the Nitrates Regulations. However, my Department is committed, in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007, to carrying out all Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Area Scheme checks during one single farm visit in most cases. This then obliges my Department to respect the advance notice requirements applicable to the most stringent element of the inspection regime viz. maximum of 48 hours notice but with no advance notice in a proportion of cases.
Since the inspection requirements are based on EU regulations applicable throughout the European Union it is my understanding that Member States including Germany, carry out a number of inspections without prior notification.
I am continuing to pursue a simplification agenda etc at EU level.
Grant Payments.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:276 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payments under the single payment scheme will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6718/07]
The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 12th January 2007. The application was accepted even though the closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.
During processing of the Transfer application it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the person named seeking further documentation relating to the application.
Upon receipt of the requested documentation my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named.
John Perry
Ceist:277 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the difficulties on the single payment for a person (details supplied) will be resolved; the reason for the delay; when payment will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6741/07]
The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 27th April 2006.
During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the person named to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested documentation was received and the application is now fully processed.
An application under the Consolidation measure of the Single Farm Payment scheme was also submitted on 24th April 2006. This application has been accepted and fully processed to payment stage. Payment will issue to the person named shortly.
Architectural Heritage.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:278 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans the Office of Public Works have to preserve the integrity and fabric of Johnstown Castle, County Wexford; the work carried out in recent years on the castle; the nature and cost of same; the future intended use of the castle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6776/07]
This is an operational matter for Teagasc.
Grant Payments.
Pat Breen
Ceist:279 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive the single payment for 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6785/07]
The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 13th April 2006.
During processing of the Transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to contact the person named directly to seek further documentation relating to the application.
Upon receipt of the documentation my Department will process the application and will correspond directly with the person named.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:280 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is waiting to be paid outstanding money from their single farm payment application; if same will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6875/07]
The above named submitted an application under the Consolidation measure of the 2006 Single Farm Payment Scheme. The Consolidation application has been processed and the outstanding payment will issue in the coming days.
Animal Diseases.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which she has examined the cause or causes of occurrences of suspected cases of swamp fever here; the way this might have happened; the way it could be prevented; the action taken to prevent a recurrence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6903/07]
Twenty-eight cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) have been confirmed in Ireland, the most recent on 10 December 2006. Most of the cases were concentrated, with some exceptions, in the Meath/Kildare/Dublin area with all but three of the cases in thoroughbred horses. 73 days have now elapsed since the last case, significantly longer than the interval between any two other cases.
A thorough investigation has been carried out in relation to all of the cases and at this stage, my Department is satisfied, based on the significant epidemiological data gathered, that all of the cases can be associated back to events related directly or indirectly to the initial outbreak and is further satisfied that there are veterinary treatment linkages in a number of these cases.
My Department is also continuing to progress its epidemiological investigation into the circumstances in which the disease was first introduced into the country as part of which officials have travelled overseas to consult with international colleagues. This investigation is a comprehensive one and an extensive amount of information has been gathered. That information is currently being assessed. It is not possible, at this stage, to say when the investigation will be concluded other than to say that it remains my position, and that of my Department, that if sufficient evidence is gathered to support a prosecution, we will seek to have the case prosecuted through the Courts. I do not intend to comment any further on the matter at this stage.
At one time or another movement restrictions were placed on 53 separate premises, of which only six remain in place. Two of these are due for de-restriction within days. Assuming no further cases, the last of the restricted premises will be de-restricted by the middle of March, on completion of the necessary testing regime. In all, movement restrictions were imposed on over 1200 individual horses, (the majority of them on their home premises) where their owners were advised by the Department to ensure that they were isolated from contact with other horses. Most of these restrictions have now been lifted and all outstanding restrictions are scheduled to be lifted by mid-March, assuming no new developments.
Between the Irish Equine Centre (IEC) and the Departments Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), over 42,000 samples have been tested for EIA, with still just the twenty-eight positive cases confirmed to-date. Since the beginning of January, the IEC has tested in excess of 14,000 samples, illustrating clearly the level of compliance in the industry with the recommendation of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association published in their Codes of Practice for 2007. It's estimated that a further 8,000-10,000 blood samples will be tested by the end of March, bringing to approximately 50,000 the number sampled since the initial outbreak in June 2006.
It remains the case that any horse owners whose horse(s) shows any clinical symptoms suggestive of EIA should immediately contact their private veterinary practitioner and have arrangements made to have the horse sampled and the sample analysed for the disease.
Further to its advice to horse owners, my Department is, in view of the apparent veterinary association in a number of the cases, reiterating the advice, consistently given over the past five months, that veterinary practitioners should, at all times, observe the highest standards of hygiene and should ensure that, in all circumstances, contaminated veterinary instruments are either appropriately disposed of or thoroughly sterilised (autoclaved) before reuse.
From the outset, we have treated the outbreak of EIA very seriously and have devoted considerable resources in the drive to contain and eradicate the disease and these efforts will continue. On-going vigilance will be necessary to ensure the ultimate eradication of the disease and we will continue to work closely with the various elements of the industry, including the breeding, racing, sports horse and sales sectors and are committed to the maintenance of complete confidence in the industry.
The combination of having had over 14,000 negative test results in January alone, along with the completion of the targeted surveillance programme, has significantly extended my Department's surveillance net and, with a further 8,000-10,000 samples to be tested before the end of March, is providing increasing confidence to the Irish and international equine communities that this outbreak is being contained and very good progress being made towards its eradication. The lengthening intervals between cases over the past three months, and in particular the period to have elapsed since the most recent case, give further comfort and reassurance that the situation in now stable and that the outbreak has been contained.
Forestry Sector.
John Perry
Ceist:282 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1367 of 31 January 2007 in relation to the 15% increase in the forestry premium rates which will be given to both new and current clients including those who entered the scheme in 1989, arrears will be paid to those clients who entered the scheme in 1989; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6926/07]
The 15% increase in forestry premium rates is being applied from a current date forward to all those currently in receipt of a forestry premium under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes. The main premium payments for this year will be made in April.
Forest-owners are paid an annual premium per hectare for up to 20 years at a rate notified to them at time of planting. This rate can from time to time be increased to ensure that it remains adequate and attractive to potential afforesters and to safeguard the real value of the premium. Increases are made from a current point forward and accordingly the question of paying arrears does not arise.
Grant Payments.
John Perry
Ceist:283 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review an application for plantation by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6933/07]
I understand that the decision to refuse grant-aid in this case has been appealed by the person in question. The appeal was received on 22 January 2007 and is currently being processed. A decision will be given as quickly as possible.
Schools Building Projects.
Joe Costello
Ceist:284 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has identified a site for a permanent school for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6724/07]
The Department is considering a number of options to address the long term accommodation needs of the school to which the Deputy refers. Among the options being considered is the possibility of securing a green field site in the area and the Department's agents in this regard — the Office of Public Works — is pursuing this in tandem with a number of other options being considered by the Department.
The Department acknowledges the need for a solution to the schools accommodation difficulties and is committed to working to achieve a satisfactory solution as soon as possible.
School Staffing.
Pat Breen
Ceist:285 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application for incremental credit will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6669/07]
The application in question was received in my Department on the 19th February 2007. The application is receiving attention at present and the applicant will be notified of the outcome in due course.
Schools Amalgamation.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:286 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects that the technical inspection into the proposal for the amalgamation of the primary schools at Lixnaw, County Kerry will be carried out. [6676/07]
Before progressing the application for the proposed amalgamation project further and in order to ensure that any capital funding allocated to assist in the amalgamation being provided represents optimal use of resources and is appropriate to meet the school's long term accommodation needs it will be necessary to give consideration to the possibility of using any of the existing buildings before pursuing a greenfield site for a new build project.
The Department, upon request, has recently received further technical documentation in relation to the school buildings from the schools. The next step is to carry out a technical investigation of the existing buildings to determine their suitability. When this inspection has been completed the project will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Computerisation Programme.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:287 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance available to a primary school of 150 pupils to upgrade and if required purchase new computer equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6678/07]
The recent investment priorities under the ICT in Schools Programme have been the provision of networking grants to schools and the Schools Broadband Access Programme. Schools were invited to submit proposals for the development of their networking capability in June 2004 and grants totalling some €23m have since issued to schools.
The roll-out of broadband connectivity to all recognised schools is being undertaken in partnership with industry, in the context of the joint Government /IBEC — TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) three year Agreement to fund local connectivity at school level. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet, in order to provide managed Internet access, email, security controls and content filtering. A broadband support service is being managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network. The overall costs of the Schools Broadband Access Programme, including the initial set-up and ongoing costs over the three years, are in the region of €30m.
Under the annual devolved grant scheme for minor works to national schools, all primary schools with full recognition receive a basic grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil and this grant must be spent on the physical infrastructure of the schools or on items of furniture and equipment for educational use, including IT related equipment.
The National Development Plan contains a provision of €252m for ICT in schools, the essential purpose of which is to advance the embedding of an e-Learning culture in teaching and learning in our schools. I intend to publish a new ICT strategy this year covering the period of the National Development Plan. As part of the development of this new strategy, it will be necessary to consider and address a wide range of issues including teacher education, teacher professional development, curriculum developments, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools, the upgrading and renewal of hardware and the provision of software and digital content for learning. The planned investment will also address maintenance and support requirements.
It is my intention to build on recent investment in networking grants to schools and the Schools Broadband Access Programme in developing the new ICT Strategy, based on the investments outlined in the NDP.
School Accommodation.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:288 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will sanction temporary accommodation for a primary school (details supplied) in County Laois; the position regarding the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6721/07]
I can confirm that the School Planning Section of the Department is in receipt of an application for additional accommodation from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers, under the Small Schools Scheme 2007.
Applications under this scheme are currently being assessed and a list of successful applicants will be published shortly.
Higher Education Grants.
Seamus Healy
Ceist:289 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will amend the higher education grant scheme by removing the condition which requires mature students, of such maturity, to be resident here for the 12 months period prior to commencing post graduate courses particularly where the applicant goes abroad to further their experience in their chosen profession as is the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6722/07]
The condition in the maintenance grant schemes relating to residency requires, in the case of an ‘Independent Mature Candidate' the candidate himself/herself must have been resident in the administrative area of a Local Authority from 1st October of the previous year.
I regret that in cases, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, where an Independent Mature Candidate is not ordinarily resident in the State from the specified date, 1st October of the previous year. he/she is ineligible for financial assistance.
The Local Authorities have discretion to waive the residency requirement in exceptional circumstances.
The decision on eligibility for a grant is a matter for the Local Authority, however, if an applicant is not satisfied that the terms of the scheme have been applied correctly in respect of their application they may submit a written appeal to the assessing body.
It is not open to me, or to my Department, to depart from the terms of the schemes in individual cases.
School Staffing.
Jack Wall
Ceist:290 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the way a person interested in teaching English to children, whose first language is not English or Irish would qualify for one of the 200 posts announced on 9 February 2007; the availability of application forms for these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6723/07]
The recruitment and appointment of personnel to fill teaching posts, including language support posts, in an individual school is a matter for the school authority (Board of Management or Vocational Education Committee as appropriate) concerned. Agreed procedures with regard to the filling of posts (e.g. compliance with any redeployment panel arrangements in place, composition of selection boards, advertising etc) must be followed.
It is the policy of my Department that only qualified personnel should be employed. Unqualified personnel should not be appointed except in exceptional circumstances and then only when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted.
Teaching posts that arise are normally advertised by the relevant school authority / VEC in the national press. It is a matter for persons wishing to be considered for appointment to submit their applications direct to the school authority / VEC concerned.
School Closures.
Pat Breen
Ceist:291 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the recent announcement of the imminent closure of a school (details supplied) County Galway, changes have been proposed to north Clare catchment areas in a recent review of catchment areas for south Galway, if not, if there is a proposed review of catchment areas in north Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6771/07]
Following the recent announcement by the Trustees of the phased closure of the school referred to by the Deputy, the Department will incorporate the existing catchment area of that school into the Gort Community School catchment area to allow the girls residing in the Kinvara catchment area have the same entitlement as boys to attend Gort Community School. The Department has no plans to review the catchment areas in north Clare.
School Staffing.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:292 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language resource teachers in Galway City and county which are needed for the increasing numbers of international students with limited or no knowledge of the English language; if, further to her response to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 8 February 2007 she will further make clear the breakdown outlined in the recent partnership agreement of the appointments of new numbers of such teachers with regard to the locations to which they will be assigned; the numbers to be allocated to Galway City and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6772/07]
In order to meet the language needs of students in our schools whose first language is not English, additional support is given to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional teaching posts or portions of posts.
The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled. The additional language support to an individual pupil is generally given for a period of two years.
Schools with between 3 and 13 eligible pupils receive grant assistance towards the cost of employing part-time teachers. Schools with 3 to 8 such pupils receive a grant of over €6,300, while schools with between 10 and 13 such pupils receive over €9,500. Over €4 million is being provided for such grants in 2007.
Schools with 14 or more such pupils are entitled to one or more language support teachers, the number of which has increased dramatically in recent years. There are now approximately 1,250 language support teachers in our schools. More than 400 of these teachers have been allocated in the current school year alone. As I announced last November, 200 extra posts were approved by the Government for 2007, bringing to 1,450 the number of language teachers that will be working in our schools this year. This compares with just 262 posts in the 2001/02 school year.
In line with the Government's commitments under the ‘Towards 2016' partnership agreement, a further 350 language support teachers will be provided between 2008 and 2009.
While details as to the schools to which the additional teaching posts will be allocated have yet to finalised, I can assure the Deputy that, in allocating the posts, I will be addressing in particular the position of those schools catering for significant numbers of such children.
Schools Building Projects.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:293 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1556 of 31 January 2007, and the recent examination of the school’s file, if she will approve the project and allow it to progress to tender and construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6786/07]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that on the 20th February, 2007 my Department gave devolved authority for the project in question to proceed to planning permission, tender and construction.
Teaching Qualifications.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:294 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to recognise all qualified Montessori teachers trained within the State for the purposes of providing home tuition for children with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6798/07]
The home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement.
Having reviewed a number of applications for home tuition, details regarding the qualifications of some of the proposed tuition providers gave rise to concern. The Deputy will appreciate, that as home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. The usual requirement is a fully qualified teacher. However, other qualifications are acceptable depending on the individual needs of the child. A comprehensive review of qualifications has taken place in consultation with my Department's Inspectorate, resulting in a definitive list of qualifications acceptable under the scheme as appropriate to the individual pupils. A list of relevant qualifications may be sourced on my Department's website on www.education.ie. In this context the clarity that now exists in relation to qualifications should assist the parents concerned in sourcing suitable tutors.
I can confirm that for the purpose of the home tuition scheme, my Department recognises certain Montessori qualifications.
Schools Building Projects.
Jack Wall
Ceist:295 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a classroom extension for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6910/07]
I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for an extension under the Small School Scheme 2007 from the school to which the Deputy refers. Applications under this scheme are currently being assessed and the list of successful applicants will be announced shortly.
Jack Wall
Ceist:296 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6911/07]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that on the 1st February, 2007 my Department gave devolved authority for the project in question to proceed to planning permission, tender and construction.
Pre-School Services.
Jack Wall
Ceist:297 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in Kildare that are currently receiving a pre school Education which is funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6912/07]
As the Deputy may be aware, the vast majority of support for childcare, including pre-school education, is not provided by my Department, but under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP), was provided by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
This Government has provided unprecedented levels of funding for childcare in recent years. €499.3 million was allocated to the EOCP 2000-2006 and some 41,000 places will have been created by the time the programme finishes.
Going forward, childcare provision will continue to attract substantial investment under the new National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010.
€575m has been allocated to the new programme, which will be administered by the Office of the Minister for Children and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare services by supporting the creation of an additional 50,000 places. 20% of these places will be for pre-school children.
My Department's involvement in pre-school education in Co. Kildare is limited to one pre-school for Traveller children which currently has an enrolment of ten children. My Department also provides funding to one stand-alone autism facility providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis for thirty children in Co. Kildare; some of these children are of pre-school age. Under the home tuition scheme, my Department also provides funding to twenty pre-school children diagnosed with autism.
The Deputy may wish to contact the Office of the Minister for Children for details of the number of children in pre-school provision in Kildare, supported by the EOCP.
Schools Building Projects.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:298 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances in which her Department would lease land as a site for a school building; if there are schools built on leased land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6918/07]
In general, schools are built on sites that are owned or controlled by school patrons. Alternatively, schools are built on sites that are in the ownership of the Minister for Education, a VEC or the Commissioners for Public Works.
It is not clear whether you are enquiring if my Department would take a lease on land to build a school or if my Department would grant a lease to a third party in order to build a school. I am assuming the former interpretation.
In one case, a school is built on a site that is leased by the Minister for Education on a long-term basis. My Department would (subject to legal advice) consider taking land on a long-term leasehold basis in order to build a school if that were the best option available to procure land for the school in question.
Army Barracks.
Joe Costello
Ceist:299 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if a figure was stated to Dublin City Council as the asking price for Clancy Barracks; if so, the amount stated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6697/07]
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 350 on 14th February, 2007, following on the Government decision to close and sell Clancy Barracks, Dublin City Council expressed an interest in having the property made available for affordable and social housing. Meetings were held between my Department, the City Council and the then Department of the Environment and Local Government. The view of the City Council and the Department of the Environment and Local Government was that the optimal solution would be to sell the land on the open market rather than have it purchased by the Local Authority for housing purposes.
With regard to the valuation of Clancy Barracks, in February, 2000, the City Council informed my Department that its planning officer had indicated that a large number of buildings on the site were of architectural merit and might be required to be retained on redevelopment. The Council notified the Valuation Office of the report from its planning officer. In March, 2000, the Valuation Office valued the property at about £40 (€50) million. It was pointed out, however, that the actual price to be realised would be determined by the market and the Department was advised by the Valuation Office that, subject to professional advice, it should sell the property by tender or public auction. The Council was informed of the valuation on 14th April, 2000.
Clancy Barracks, Dublin was offered for sale by public tender in June, 2001. Two bids were received, one of which was from Dublin City Council. Both tenders were considered too low to permit acceptance and the property remained on the market. Subsequently discussions took place with officials of the then Department of the Environment and Local Government and Dublin City Council. In the event, Dublin City Council did not proceed to acquire the property on the basis that it was considered that the public interest would be best served from a housing and planning perspective by selling the property on the open market rather than have it purchased by the Local Authority.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:300 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date on the application from a person (details supplied) in County Louth, to become a member of the 67th Reserve Infantry Battalion of the Army Reserve in County Louth, in view of the fact that an application was made in September 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6909/07]
I have been advised by the military authorities that an application for enlistment in the Reserve Defence Force from the individual concerned was made in September, 2006. Unfortunately, there was a delay in the processing of the application due to the fact that, during the course of staff redeployments at that time, the application was temporarily misplaced. I am advised that the application is currently being processed.
Traveller Accommodation.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:301 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will comprehensively address the serious concerns regarding the health implications of living in a location (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6799/07]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The Traveller specific accommodation scheme at Labre Park consists of 30 units of three and four bed, single storey houses and a small community building. I understand there is also an unauthorised encampment adjacent to the Labre Park scheme consisting of some 16 units, including mobile homes and modular prefabricated buildings. An area to the west of the site has been subject to illegal dumping from time to time, which necessitated a clean-up by Dublin City Council on a number of occasions.
Dublin City Council, in consultation with residents of the site, is advancing proposals for the comprehensive redevelopment of the entire site to provide 22 new units of accommodation, a new and expanded community centre, the under-grounding of ESB cables, securing the adjoining Gallanstown stream and the implementation of measures to prevent unauthorised dumping in the future. The Council also intend, as a separate development, to provide a Civic and Amenity Depot in the industrial estate adjacent to the site.
My Department is currently assessing the technical merit and financial viability of the Council's proposal with a view to an early decision.
Sustainable Development Strategy.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:302 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate complaints of shortcomings in meaningful public consultation and lack of citizens’ involvement in the decision making procedures in the planning processes, particularly in matters of the rights of land owners or developers versus the rights of citizens resulting in confrontation between the agendas of developers and community concerns regarding heritage and sustainability, most recently typified by the conflict between proposals for high density apartments and the Tallaght community campaigns for a heritage centre in Tallaght village, located in the South Dublin County Council area; his views on amending the Planning Acts to strengthen the rights of communities in such consultation and decision making processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6916/07]
The Planning Acts already provide for extensive consultation in relation to development at all stages of the planning process.
Extensive public participation is required in the making of development plans and local area plans. Before being adopted, a draft development plan must go on public display for at least 10 weeks and anyone may make submissions on it. The local authority must consider these submissions before the plan is adopted. In addition, any variation of the development plan must go through a further public consultation process.
When a planning application is made, it is also open to any person, on payment of the prescribed fee, to make a submission to the planning authority. The authority must, under section 34(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, have regard to any observations or submissions received concerning the proposed development in accordance with the relevant regulations. Furthermore, any person who makes a submission to the planning authority may appeal the decision of the planning authority to the Board. Furthermore, An Bord Pleanála in some instances holds oral hearings in relation to cases being considered by it, further adding to the opportunities to participate in the decision-making process.
Regarding the reference to development proposals for Tallaght, the Tallaght Town Centre Local Area Plan was adopted by South Dublin County Council on 17 July 2006. I understand from the Council that there was extensive public consultation and that all relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 were fully complied with.
I consider that the provisions for public participation set out in the planning acts are sufficiently robust to balance first-party and third-party rights and interests. Accordingly, I do not propose to amend the provisions concerned at this time.