Thursday, 18 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 20-31

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (20, 24, 43)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

20. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to tackle drug driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45186/12]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

24. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on drug driving; the measure he will take to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44943/12]

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

43. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on drug driving; the measures he will take to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44940/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 24 and 43 together.

These questions relate to drug driving.

Drug driving is a matter of great concern particularly as evidence suggests a growing prevalence of people driving under the influence of drugs in Ireland. In order to better inform our understanding of the drug driving problem and the options available to tackle it, I asked the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, earlier this year, to undertake a study on roadside drug testing and related matters.  The associated report and its recommendations were published yesterday (17 October).

One of the main objectives of the study was to determine whether there are currently available any suitable devices, similar to breathalysers, that can detect and measure the level of drugs in a driver’s system.  The Bureau has advised that, while research in the area is continuing, oral fluid is emerging as the specimen of choice for use in roadside chemical drug testing devices.  As a result, I have approved the establishment of a Working Group to consider the issues associated with introducing such devices.  I am advised that, while there is now the potential for a suitable roadside device to be used for the testing of a number of commonly used drugs, there is still no device available for the testing of all drugs.

In advance of any technological measures, I also propose to introduce impairment testing for use by An Garda Síochána in determining whether a driver is incapable, from intoxication, of having proper control of a vehicle.  This testing will consist of simple, physical, cognitive tests such as walking a straight line, tipping one’s nose or counting while standing on one leg.  In order to implement this measure, I intend amending a previously uncommenced provision of the 2010 Road Traffic Act for inclusion in the next Road Traffic Bill currently being prepared by my Department.

I will examine all the recommendations arising from the Bureau's study and will support any measures aiming to enhance the detection and deterrence of drug driving in this country. 

Public Sector Staff Issues

Ceisteanna (21)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

21. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to deal with the fact that cuts to staffing and financial resources in the public sector will have a negative impact on tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45118/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

In keeping with the reforms and economies that are taking place across the public sector, the tourism agencies have reconfigured and prioritised the services they provide in order to ensure that the core services required of the tourism sector are delivered.  

Over the last year, Fáilte Ireland has merged with Dublin Tourism and is pursuing a merger with the tourism arm of Shannon Development. It has engaged with tourism groups, chambers of commerce and local authorities to deliver tourist information services, rationalised its property requirements and where appropriate pursued shared services and activities with Tourism Ireland and other agencies. 

Tourism Ireland has also delivered the required efficiency savings for north-south bodies through better procurement and other efficiency programmes. Among the measures undertaken in this regard have been the renegotiation of a number of leases on Tourism Ireland’s overseas office network and the securing of better rates for the purchasing of advertising space.

More broadly the Government is committed to supporting the tourist industry and last year's Jobs Initiative and the Government's Action Plan for Jobs 2012 recognised the vital contribution of tourism to employment, economic activity and foreign revenue earnings.  For example, the VAT reduction on a range of tourism services from 13.5% to 9% has enhanced the competitiveness of our tourism product.  This lower VAT rate will be maintained until the end of 2013 and represents a substantial resource commitment on the part of the Government.  Furthermore, the Government is funding the biggest ever tourism initiative "The Gathering Ireland 2013" through Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland which it is projected will deliver 325,000 extra visitors next year.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Ceisteanna (22, 45, 46, 82)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

22. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the sports capital programme; when he expects to be in a position to announce the outcome of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45026/12]

Joe Carey

Ceist:

45. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the sports capital programme; when he expects to be in a position to announce the outcome of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44957/12]

Heather Humphreys

Ceist:

46. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the sports capital programme; when he expects to be in a position to announce the outcome of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44949/12]

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

82. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the sports capital programme; when he expects to be in a position to announce the outcome of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44941/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 45, 46 and 82 together.

My Department has received over 2,170 applications for funding under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme.  This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme (previous estimates of the number of applications received have been revised downwards as the assessment process has revealed issues such as duplicate forms submitted from the same applicants).

Departmental officials are processing all applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received. 

I expect to be able to announce the list of successful applicants later this year.  All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application at that stage.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 13.

Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 20.

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (25)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

25. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the implementation of uniform decals for taxis. [45129/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly)

Action 31 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report in 2011 proposes the introduction of a distinctive branding on taxis and wheelchair accessible taxis by means of a semi-permanent decal to be applied to the doors on either side of the vehicle, incorporating the umbrella 'Transport for Ireland' design. The aim of the branding is to provide greater recognition of taxis, promote greater professionalism of the industry and to reduce the potential for unlicensed vehicles to operate as taxis.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, and is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011. 

I understand that the NTA has already supplied information on its website concerning the taxi branding, which will be an application requirement for new vehicle licences and renewal of existing vehicle licences from January 2013, and that the NTA will notify the industry concerning the authorised suppliers of the decal in due course.

Questions Nos. 26 and 27 answered with Question No. 8.

Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 19.

Diaspora Centre Establishment

Ceisteanna (29, 64)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

29. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to the development of a diaspora centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45027/12]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

64. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to the development of a national diaspora centre; the possible location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44942/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 64 together.

There is significant potential for Irish tourism in the development of an appropriate centre focusing on the Irish diaspora.

The Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016, published in November 2011, includes a commitment of support for a Diaspora Centre or Diaspora Museum should a suitable project and partner be available.

Accordingly, I asked Fáilte Ireland to carry out a scoping study on the development of such a centre and the most suitable means by which it could be financed, developed and managed. A small group, under the chairmanship of broadcaster John Bowman, was set up to inform the terms of reference that will guide the scoping study. That group's work is complete and the tender documents for the study including the terms of reference will be available on the eTenders website in the coming week. I look forward to reviewing the outcome of the scoping study which will inform future developments and next steps.

Ports Development

Ceisteanna (30)

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

30. Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans regarding the future of Rosslare Europort, County Wexford, and its future role within or otherwise with Iarnród Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44944/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rosslare Europort is an important part of our commercial port network and the fourth largest port in the State in terms of total tonnage handled. In addition to its importance as a commercial freight port, it also serves as the State's second biggest passenger port after Dublin. Clearly therefore the port has functions of a national significance in terms of trade facilitation as well as a tourist gateway to the south-east and beyond.

As you are aware, I am currently finalising a review of national ports policy. In that context, my Department has just launched a tendering process in regard to a strategic review of the current and future role of Rosslare within the context of national ports policy.

I look forward to the completion of this important work which will provide recommendations as regards the optimal operational arrangements for the port.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 9.