Written Answers Nos. 315-325
315. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties in using the Bus Éireann website; his plans to make it more accessible for users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45270/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is an operational matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
316. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details in tabular form for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department, any body under his aegis or State agency for which he has responsibility; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; the nature of the work concerned; the fees paid to each consultant; if the matter was advertised for competitive tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45304/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of all companies or persons providing an external professional service to his Department such as ICT, legal advice, advertising, project management and including any other external professional service not listed; the amount invoiced by each company to him over the past 12 months, in tabular form. [45338/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 318 together.
Details of consultancy and other contracts are already published on my Department's website at the following link (http://www.dttas.ie/feature.aspx?id=82). This information is updated on a periodic basis.
Contracts are normally awarded following a competitive process and details from 2011 are included in most cases with the remainder in the process of being updated.
Details of any contracts over €25,000 which are awarded without a competitive process are also set out in the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for the relevant year.
Consultancy contracts awarded by agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the agencies concerned.
317. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details in tabular form for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 inclusive, of the arrangements entered into by him, any body under his aegis or State agency for which he has responsibility for the obtaining of advice from a senior or junior counsel and or a firm of solicitors; the subject matter for which advice was sought; the names of the barristers' and solicitors' firms concerned and the fees paid; the nature of the work concerned; if in each case the matter was advertised for competitive tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45321/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below.
With regard to legal advice provided to the agencies, this is a matter for the agencies themselves. The Deputy's question will be forwarded to them for direct reply. If you do not hear back within 10 working days please contact my Private Office.
|
Year |
Name of Senior/Junior/solicitor (Please state which) |
Payment Made |
Reason for Procurement |
Was service procured through competitive tendering (Yes or no) |
Reason if service was not procured by competitive tender |
|
2008 |
Mason, Hayes & Curran Law Firm |
€9,654 |
Legal advice sought in relation to the operation of Terminal 2 Dublin Airport. |
No |
Engagement complied with Department of Finance’s Public Procurement Guidelines. |
|
2008 |
A.F (Andy) Smyth, Solicitor |
€500 |
Fee for swearing Affidavits and countersigning documentation relating to legal case |
No |
(1) Cost was under tendering limit (2) Urgency to have affidavits sworn and documentation signed |
|
2009 |
Noel Whelan Barrister |
€2,111 |
Drafting, Advice & Consultations on Statutory Instrument (S.I. 87 of 2009 transposing the “Eurovignette Directive”) |
Yes |
|
|
2010 |
Noel Travers Barrister |
€1,283 |
Legal Advice in relation to the drafting of regulations transposing Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods insofar as it relates to the transport of such goods by rail. |
Yes |
|
|
2011 |
Mr. Remy Farrell Senior Counsel |
€7,563 |
Review of Road Traffic Act 2010 |
Yes |
|
|
2011 |
Conor Feeney B.L. (Junior Counsel) |
€1,000 |
Drafting regulations in connection with the transposition of EU Directive 2008/96/EC of 19 November, 2008 (Road Infrastructure Safety Management) |
Yes |
|
|
2011 |
Gallenalliance Solicitors |
Fee of €3,500 + vat agreed but not yet paid |
Legal advice on the behaviour and conduct of officers |
Yes |
|
|
2011 |
Mr Conor Feeney Junior Counsel |
€1,000 |
Provision of legal drafting services (Road Infrastructure Safety Management Directive) |
Yes |
|
|
2011 |
Noel Whelan, Junior Counsel |
€1,113 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC (Office of Parliamentary Counsel) |
|
2011 |
Conor Feeney, Junior Counsel |
€1,361 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2011 |
Noel Travers, Junior Counsel |
€2,057 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2011 |
Noel Whelan, Junior Counsel |
€363 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2011 |
Conor Feeney, Junior Counsel |
€1,392 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2011 |
Emily Farrell, Junior Counsel |
€1,452 |
Review of Road Traffic Bill, 2009 |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2011 |
Emily Farrell, Junior Counsel |
€327 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2011 |
Mr. Remy Farrell, Senior Counsel |
€7,563 |
Review of Road Traffic Act 2010 |
Yes |
|
|
2012 |
Noel Travers, Junior Counsel |
€1,691 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2012 |
Conor Feeney, Junior Counsel |
€308 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2012 |
Conor Feeney, Junior Counsel |
€1,107 |
Advice on Statutory Instruments |
No |
List provided by OPC |
|
2012 |
Ms Lily Buckley, BL |
€6,150 |
Research and Opinion in relation to Section 36 of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. |
No |
Expertise in criminal law needed urgently |
|
2012 |
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Brussels |
Not yet invoiced €5,000 + vat |
To assist the Department in drafting a submission to European Commission concerning competition issues arising from the July 2012 Ryanair Takeover Offer for Aer Lingus |
No |
Urgency and fees below threshold negated the need to engage in the tendering process |
|
2012 |
John Brosnan & Company |
€1,634 |
Representing Minister in Court |
No |
Sourced from Attorney General list of State Solicitors |
|
2012 |
Martin Linnane & Co. Solicitors |
€1,230 |
Representing Minister in Court |
No |
Sourced from Attorney General list of State Solicitors |
319. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the importance of cross-channel ferries to the Irish transport network and to the Irish tourism industry; his views on differentials in north European ferry route prices for car passengers and foot passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45353/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish ferry market is an extremely important element of the Irish tourism transport network. There are currently six shipping lines providing passenger services, with approximately 500 sailings weekly between Ireland and Britain and continental Europe depending on the time of year. The Irish passenger ferry market also played a vital role in keeping Ireland's foreign transport passenger networks open during the Volcanic Ash crisis in 2010, when it carried an additional 150,000 passengers over this period.
While the vast majority of our overseas visitors arrive in Ireland by air, 836,000 visitors came to Ireland by sea in 2011. Research has shown that visitors coming to Ireland by car are very important to our tourism industry as they tend to stay longer, they tend to tour around more (with consequential benefits for regional tourism) and they tend to spend more than those arriving by air. Accordingly, the State tourism agencies have continually targeted this segment and undertake co-operative marketing activity with ferry providers.
In terms of price differentials in northern European ferry routes, all ferry companies servicing routes to and from Ireland are independent commercial companies who operate in an open and competitive market. Strong competition on a route is the most effective way to ensure consumers get the best value for money. Therefore, my Department through its agency, the Irish Maritime Development Office, works closely with all existing operators as well as promoting Ireland as a location for new services.
It should be noted that the fares charged by ferry companies are influenced by a number of factors. The length of journeys and fuel costs are the most significant factors contributing to the difference in cost between routes. For example, the distance between Dover to Calais is about 41kms while that between Liverpool to Dublin is nearly 220 km and Rosslare to Pembroke is about 123 kms. This means that, for example, three to four times more fuel is burned on routes on the Irish Sea than on the Dover to Calais route. The exact costs of fuel used by a vessel is also dependent upon a number of variables such as volatility of the fuel market, currency fluctuations, length of journey, speed, prevailing winds, weather, engines specification, type of vessel, age of vessel, the mix of HGV, car and foot passengers, etc. In 2011, oil prices rose sharply with Bunker prices increasing by 40% over the course of the year, adding significantly to costs borne by ferry operators. To remain competitive ferry companies also offer promotional fares at various times during the year, which might influence price comparisons.
320. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the establishment of a sports museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45372/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that a sports museum would be an excellent addition to Ireland's sporting and cultural experience and has the potential to attract widespread public interest. A committee has been established to examine the feasibility of developing a Museum of Irish Sport. The committee, which is being chaired by Minister of State Michael Ring, is scheduled to hold its first meeting next week.
321. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Gathering project 2013; if he will provide details of the way local community groups can get involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45162/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to report continued good progress in the preparations for "The Gathering Ireland 2013" which will be Ireland's biggest ever tourism initiative.
Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of the initiative and has put in place a Project Executive Team to implement it. Tourism Ireland has specific responsibility for promoting The Gathering in overseas markets and has also provided staff for the Project Team.
The St. Patrick's day festivities were used for the overseas launch while a major domestic launch took place on Friday 11th May 2012 in Dublin Castle. Since then both Minister Ring and I have attended a number of events overseas to mobilise support for the initiative. The Gathering Ireland 2013 was the title sponsor of the Notre Dame Navy US football game in September which received widespread coverage in the United States. President Higgins also promoted The Gathering Ireland during his recent visit to South America and further publicity events in our main overseas tourism markets are planned for the remainder of the year.
In terms of domestic activity, local Gathering Coordinators have been appointed in each county and steering committees have been formed. Over 7000 people have attended 52 community meetings throughout Ireland since June. Individuals and community groups can see what is already planned in their area by logging on to the Gathering website where planned events are shown by county. The website also provides online supports and ideas for those interested in setting up their own event. I am informed that there are now more than 600 individual events pledged on "The Gathering Ireland 2013" website and this is increasing daily. Amongst the most common are clan gatherings, twin town trips, school and work reunions, genealogical projects and family reunions.
In terms of resources, this year my Department has allocated a budget of €5 million for the initiative. While in general the Gathering is intended to be a voluntary effort by communities at home and abroad, with some targeted funding for major events, details of arrangements for local authorities to fund Gathering events at county/local level are also being worked out at present and will be announced shortly.
322. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the event of an oil spill at the Dalkey oil site, the contingency plan in place to prevent the oil spill reaching Dublin’s coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43736/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe oil exploration site off Dalkey is the subject of an exploration licence awarded by the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources. The exploration company is required to comply with all the Rules and Procedures of the Petroleum Affairs Division of that Department prior to commencing operations at the site.
Also part of the conditions on the development of the site is the requirement to have in place an Oil Spill Contingency Plan approved by the Irish Coast Guard of my Department.
A thorough evaluation of the Contingency Plan will be undertaken prior to approval.
This requirement is outlined in Section 2.2 of the Sea Pollution Amendment Act 1999 and addresses issues such as the responsibilities of personnel reporting arrangements including on site operational control, time criteria for cessation of production and shut off of pressure, risk assessment and prediction of various pollution causes, consequences and areas under threat, taking into account the maximum volume of pollutant that could be released and the composition and properties of the pollutant, response to worst case and most credible likely emergency, clean-up facilities for first strike response and back up equipment, disposal of recovered oil, training of personnel, surveillance of and reporting on oil slick extent and movement, contact lists and site data.
323. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that the European Commission has launched a new call for a proposal (details supplied), his plans to develop the specific area of eco tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35428/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
324. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to boost employment in the tourist industry; if he plans to introduce a national cultural tourism policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42034/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop cultural tourism in fishing communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42031/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 324 and 325 together.
As demonstrated by last year's Jobs Initiative and the Action Plan for Jobs 2012, the Government recognises the vital contribution that tourism makes to employment. The VAT reduction on a range of tourism services from 13.5% to 9% enhances the competitiveness of our tourism product and this lower rate of VAT will be maintained during 2013. In addition, the Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to a trip to the UK, and the halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages will significantly reduce the cost of employing people.
To date the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey has been showing a positive trend. It shows that 6,300 more people were employed in accommodation and food services in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2011 (6,400 seasonally adjusted) and 10,600 more people compared to the first quarter in 2011 (10,500 seasonally adjusted).
The focus is now moving to 2013 when we will host the Gathering Ireland 2013. We want to make this the biggest tourism event ever held in Ireland, and ensure that jobs are created right across Ireland to the benefit of local economies everywhere.
With regard to the specific elements of developing cultural tourism, this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
