Written Answers Nos. 1 -120
103. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport with reference to the review of the Marine Survey Office and Irish Coastguard Services, if he will provide an update on his ongoing work on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52696/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the review of the Marine Survey Office and Irish Coastguard Services. [52695/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 134 together.
Value for Money reviews into the Coast Guard and Marine Surveying functions of my Department, which were undertaken by independent consultants, identified a number of issues which need to be addressed in Ireland's maritime transport safety and marine emergency response regimes. These include enhancing Ireland’s pollution preparedness and response capability, improving Coast Guard volunteer oversight, training and management, addressing deficiencies in legislation relating to maritime safety and addressing various measures to promote greater efficiencies within the services. I have informed the Government that I will consider the reviews and prepare an action plan to address the deficiencies identified.
When I published the reviews in July last I made it clear that I would not accept or reject any of the recommendations until a full assessment of the proposals had been undertaken and actions prioritised to address the issues identified as requiring attention. This process of assessment and preparation of the action plan is in hands in my Department and I expect it will be completed shortly.
In publishing the reports I emphasised that preparing the action plan provides a valuable opportunity to create more efficient and effective maritime safety regulatory arrangements and emergency response services. At the same time, it is important to recognise that resources available to the maritime services are very limited and they have to be deployed on a prioritised basis and as effectively and efficiently as possible to address the most urgent needs.
104. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the development of the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52570/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the development of the Wild Atlantic Way and the efforts being made to include County Clare and maximise the potential for the tourism industry in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52677/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 159 together.
These questions relate to the development of the Wild Atlantic Way by Fáilte Ireland.
My Department’s role in relation to tourism is primarily concerned with national policy, and I do not have responsibility for the development of individual tourism projects. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I am advised that, over the past three months, Fáilte Ireland together with all the Local Authorities along the West Coast – and also the Local Action Groups (formerly known as LEADER companies), Údaras na Gaeltachta and the Western Development Commission - has examined a range of route options for the Wild Atlantic Way and is now seeking the views of tourism businesses and communities on a preferred route which has been identified.
Fáilte Ireland published a Route Identification Report on its website on Wednesday 14th November, which contains proposals on a ‘preferred route’ for the Wild Atlantic Way. Fáilte Ireland is inviting views and comments on the proposals, and anyone interested in making a written submission to Fáilte Ireland should do so by Friday 14th December. I would advise anyone with an interest in this matter to review the material published on the Fáilte Ireland website, where they will also find the address to which any written submissions should be sent.
In order to assist those interested in making submissions, public consultation meetings are being held at venues in each county on the Wild Atlantic Way route during November and December. With regard to County Clare, the consultation meetings took place at venues in Kilkee and Doolin last week.
105. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an outline of the events confirmed for the Gathering in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52568/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on the Gathering project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52652/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the recently announced supports available to groups for Gatherings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52583/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the Gathering has been damaged by recent comments; his plans to combat the suggestion that it is a shakedown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52634/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in relation to proposed tourism initiatives such as The Gathering, he has met with airline, rail and ferry companies to discuss the arrangement of special-purpose packages to encourage persons overseas to come and visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52683/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the recently announced supports available to groups for Gatherings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52673/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the details of the promotional efforts being undertaken to promote the Gathering 2013 overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52672/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Gathering 2013 project in terms of seeking voluntary effort for the various projects around each county; and if he intends to promote the voluntary input to the success of the Gathering [52697/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the recently announced supports available to groups for Gatherings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52698/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra723. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will advise on the marketing strategy for The Gathering worldwide; when the campaign was launched overseas; the cost of this project to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52723/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra729. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department have received any communication from the former Cultural Ambassador in relation to the Gathering 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49773/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra730. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have attended meetings in relation to the Gathering 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49748/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra737. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the promotional efforts being undertaken to promote the Gathering 2013 overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52762/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra738. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the recently announced supports available to groups for Gatherings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52763/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra739. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Gathering 2013 project in terms of co-ordination of efforts through each county steering committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52775/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra740. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide and update on the Gathering 2013 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52776/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra741. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the promotional efforts being undertaken to promote the Gathering 2013 overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52777/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra742. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an outline of events confirmed for the Gathering 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52778/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra743. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the recently announced supports available to groups for Gatherings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52779/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra748. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to involve and utilise sporting events in the context of The Gathering in 2013; if he has fully examined the potential in this regard; if he anticipated any specific steps arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53069/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 108, 109, 121, 124, 128, 135, 151, 158, 723, 729, 730, 737 to 743, inclusive, and 748 together.
The question all relate to the Gathering. Aspects of these questions were answered earlier as part of my response to Deputy Wallace's priority question on the Gathering 2013.
The full list of committed or pledged events for the Gathering Ireland 2013 is on the www.gatheringireland.com website and has already exceeded 1,300 events and activities. An announcement of the key headline events will be made in the coming week.
On the Gathering Ireland 2013 generally, there has been a fantastic response to the initiative across the board, from local communities, voluntary bodies, public bodies, businesses and Government. For example, a special fund of €2 million has been made available to support local Gathering events by IPB Insurance Ltd matching a contribution from my Department via the Gathering team. The funds will be distributed via the 34 city and county councils and the applications process is open until 30 November. The key qualifying criterion is the ability of the event to attract overseas visitors.
Meanwhile, Tourism Ireland has commenced a major promotional drive for the Gathering in markets across the world and has worked with business networks, clans, cultural and sporting associations, Irish Clubs and societies encouraging them to promote The Gathering to their networks and to mobilise members to organise events in Ireland during 2013. The second stage of Tourism Ireland’s strategy commenced in autumn and will continue into 2013 with a major consumer campaign to promote The Gathering Ireland 2013 in key markets including Britain, the US, Canada and Australia. Minister Ring, the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and I have attended events during the year to promote the initiative overseas. I saw myself in Australia last week the tremendous response to the call to come and join in the celebrations, from those with Irish roots and those with none.
Tourism is a valuable service export. Encouraging those from overseas, whether Irish or not, to sample our tourism offering is not a shakedown – any more than exporting other goods and services. With the hotel and accommodation sector already generating additional employment since this Government came into office, tourism can offer jobs to those who might otherwise face a choice between emigration and unemployment and I apologise to nobody for seeking to increase that employment still further by investing in the Gathering. There is also a parallel aim to further strengthen our connections to all of those overseas who have a kinship with Ireland and I saw myself in Australia how much our diaspora values that objective.
Finally, as well as regular briefings from the project team, the Gathering is on the agenda in many, indeed most, of my meetings, with the tourism industry, transport operators, sporting bodies, other Ministers and indeed overseas representatives. Even if some are carping, I am determined to continue to promote this unique opportunity for us to show the world all that is best about Ireland and I know the vast majority of Irish people, at home and abroad, will do so.
106. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the regulations governing the new driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52620/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question is in relation to the regulations governing the new driving licence.
I understand that the Deputy is interested in whether we could put emergency medical information on the new plastic card driving licence. This would involve details such as blood group, allergies to penicillin, for example, and perhaps contact information for next of kin.
The requirement to switch to a plastic card driver licence, and also the format of the licence, are set out in EU legislation, which I have transposed into Irish legislation in line with EU requirements. The precise format of the licence was set out in Commission Directive 2011/94/EU, which is now transposed into Irish law through the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 330 of 2012).
The EU requirements cover the design of the card and the categories of information to be included on the face of the licence. There is a relatively small amount of space left for Member States to add other printed information. I have decided that this will be used to include an indication of willingness to be an organ donor, should the holder wish.
While there would not be sufficient space to print much additional information, there is a facility for the licence to contain a microchip. Discussions are currently taking place regarding the information that will be contained on the active chip. There may be data protection and privacy issues, though, and it could be legally difficult to make the inclusion of medical information mandatory. However, I am certainly willing to consider emergency information as something which might be included there.
107. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the expansion of public bikes schemes in Dublin and other urban areas across the State. [52665/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraBuilding on the success of the existing Dublin Bikes Scheme, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority and has made significant progress both on the expansion of the Dublin Bikes Scheme and on exploring a range of mechanisms to seek to secure public bikes schemes in other cities in the state.
Regarding the expansion of the existing Dublinbikes scheme, I understand from the NTA (who is working closely with Dublin City Council on this) that the design of the extended scheme has been substantially completed at this stage. Discussions on the commercial elements are continuing between Dublin City Council and JC Decaux (the operators of the current scheme).
Funding provision to meet the capital investment costs of the roll-out of public bikes in other cities has been identified within the 5-year capital funding allocation for Smarter Travel and Carbon Reduction Measures. However, operational funding is not available from within the constrained current funding allocation. Their commercial viability requires a collaborative approach with the private sector.
The NTA has procured technical consultants who are progressing the design and arrangements for the bikes schemes in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Separately, the NTA, on behalf of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has sought expressions of interest in the provision of sponsorship to public bikes schemes in the regional cities.
I would be very hopeful that there will be considerable private sector interest in putting themselves forward and that a sponsorship deal will prove to be very attractive. This is a wonderful opportunity for the right partner to get involved and share in the success of smarter travelling in cities.
110. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with car hire companies prior to the 2013 tourist season and the Gathering to ensure that they sign up to a particular code of practice in relation to charges to ensure that all such charges are up front and are fair to ensure tourists get a fair deal. [52250/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to advise tourists coming here of some hidden charges that car hire companies add on to customers in relation to insurance which many of them are not aware of when they make their booking from overseas. [52249/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 120 together.
These questions relate to practices relating to car rental and the Deputy's concerns about practices in that industry. Firstly, I must state that I have no regulatory function in relation to the car rental industry.
The National Consumer Agency, which comes within the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, is responsible for the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. That Act provides for the regulation of quotes or other communications by traders to consumers relating to the price of goods and services, including car rentals. Consumers who have been subject to misleading or unfair practices by car rental companies may make a complaint to the Agency.
I am also informed by the NCA that under Article 22 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights, a trader must seek the express consent of the consumer to any extra payment in addition to the payment agreed upon for the trader’s main contractual obligation. If this express consent is not obtained but has been inferred by using default options which the consumer is required to reject in order to avoid the additional payment, then the consumer shall be entitled to reimbursement of this payment. While Member States are not required to transpose the Directive until December 2013, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation intends, subject to legal advice, to enact Regulations giving effect to Article 22 in early 2013.
Article 6 of the Directive will require car hire companies and other traders, before the consumer is bound by an online or other distance contract, to provide information in a clear and comprehensible manner about the ‘total price of the goods or services inclusive of taxes’ and, where applicable, about ‘any other costs’. If the trader has not complied with the Article’s provisions on such additional costs, the consumer will not be required to bear those costs.
The transposition of the Directive will greatly assist tourists travelling for The Gathering in obtaining clarity in relation to their online car hire bookings.
Furthermore, the two tourism agencies under the aegis of my Department are aware of this issue and have recently updated their websites to help make tourists aware of issues pertaining to car rental, and to help them avoid unnecessary charges.
111. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether sponsorship of sporting events by alcoholic drinks companies should be subject to the same regulations as tobacco sponsorship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52651/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully support the central aim of the National Substance Misuse Strategy in reducing the level of alcohol consumption and binge drinking in Ireland. However, I also recognise that moderate and responsible alcohol consumption is not harmful and that there is no case for denormalising alcohol consumption in the way that was appropriate for tobacco. Any measures introduced should be evidence based, effective and proportionate, and should have regard to the potential downsides that may occur.
As I have stated before, I believe that a legislative ban on sponsorship would have negative consequences for sport and tourism. There are huge economic, social and health benefits accruing from sport. From a health perspective alone, there are clearly significant benefits for individuals and for our health system in maintaining and increasing participation levels in sport. One of the goals of my Department is to contribute to a healthier and more active society by promoting sports participation. However, it is important that funding is available to sports organisations to ensure that sport is maintained at grassroots level so that as many people as possible can participate.
Also, it is my view that sport plays an important role in diverting young people away from alcohol. The financial support provided through sponsorship is integral to the availability of sport at grassroots level and I am concerned that placing constraints on the sporting organisations by eliminating the alcohol industry as a source of sponsorship will have a negative impact on the development and availability of sport, particularly in the current economic climate.
Furthermore, it must be recognised that many of the major sporting events in which Irish teams compete are international events and are directly or indirectly broadcast into the State by foreign broadcasters. Were Ireland to ban alcohol sponsorship, the only effect would be to exclude the Irish sporting organisation from sponsorship money while the advertising occurred anyway. I also note that Britain, having recognised the failure of the 'Loi Evin' in France to reduce alcohol consumption by young people, decided not to ban alcohol sponsorship of sport for evidence based reasons.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to a recent ESPAD Report on Substance Use Among Students in European Countries. This report monitors substance use among 15–16-year-old European students in order to monitor trends within, as well as between, countries. Given the 'Loi Evin' it is worth noting the comparisions between Ireland and France. Since 1999, the proportion of these young people reporting having had five or more drinks on one occasion during the past 30 days in Ireland this has decreased by 17% to 40%. In comparision this has increased by 11% in France to 44%.
My Department has engaged with and continues to engage with the Department of Health with regard to proposals which that Department is bringing forward.
112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has to help the haulage industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52630/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he proposes to help the haulage industry meet the challenges it faces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52644/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 118 together.
I recognise the important role of the haulage sector in the transport of goods and the difficulties it is facing in the current economic climate. I and my officials meet regularly with the sector's representative organisations.
One of the main concerns of the sector is fuel prices, and the sector has been interacting with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in relation to taxes and duties on fuel.
To improve services for road and passenger transport operators, my Department is developing an online licence application system. This will go live early in 2013 and provide the convenience of a 24/7 system for online applications, including in relation to changing the vehicles authorised on licences. As part of the project, forms, documents and processes are also being streamlined, all of which should lead to a more efficient service with faster processing times.
The new system will also incorportate linkages to other EU member states for the exchange of information on infringements. This will contribute to fair competition by helping to identify illegal or non-compliant operators, as will measures in last year's Road Transport Act which substantially increased fines for illegal hauliers and those who use them.
In relation to the vehicles used in the haulage sector, last year I extended the derogation for the carriage of 42 tonnes on five axle vehicles to December 2014. I have recently approved in principle proposals which will allow the carriage of 46 tonnes on six axle vehicles. I understand that the necessary legislation for this is being prepared in the RSA and I look forward to signing it into law as soon as possible.
113. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve urban cycling conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52639/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government set out its commitment to invest in the National Cycle Policy in the Programme for Government. The greatest potential for increasing cycling numbers will occur within urban areas as these trips are usually of a distance which lend themselves to cycling. Bearing this in mind, my Department has taken a two-pronged approach to include investment in the infrastructure for and promotion of cycling.
My Department works with the National Transport Authority (NTA) which provides funds to local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area and regional cities, while my Department provides direct funding to the other towns. In addition to NTA funding, this year my Department announced investment in sustainable transport of €65 million over the next 5 years, the majority of which will be invested in cities and towns around the country under the Smarter Travel Areas and Active Travel Towns programmes. Cycling infrastructure and the promotion of cycling are key elements of each of these programmes. Funding is also being made available for the development of the National Cycle Network to improve urban, inter-urban and rural cycling facilities.
The NTA has published a comprehensive design manual for the provision of cycle routes, particularly in urban areas, and this is available at www.cyclemanual.ie. Dissemination of best practice and facilitation of appropriate cycle infrastructure design training are also key roles of the Smarter Travel Local Authority Network developed by my Department.
My Department and the NTA are also committed to expanding the very successful Dublin Bikes scheme and to introducing similar schemes in regional cites.
114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he proposes to assist the hotel industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52643/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take to ensure a viable hotel industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52655/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra751. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department has regular interaction with stakeholders in the tourism sector with a view to identification of issues of concern; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to respond to any such issues such as credit availability or transport costs throughout the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53072/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra752. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions with the hotel and catering sector with a view to addressing issues of concern; if he expects to be in a position to positively respond to issues arising in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53073/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 133, 751 and 752 together.
These questions relate to support for the hotel and catering sectors.
I am in regular contact with representatives of the hotel and catering sectors and am kept advised of issues of concern to the industry.
The Government has already implemented a range of initiatives and measures to support the tourism industry. VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation and restaurant services and this lower rate of VAT will continue through 2013. 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 has reduced the cost of employing people.
In 2012 the Government will spend over €144m through its agencies to support the tourism industry, marketing tourism at home and abroad and supporting product development, competitiveness and enterprise capability. Fáilte Ireland also provides a range of business supports to tourism enterprises. These supports encompass financial re-structuring, business mentoring, productivity improvement, cost control, sales and marketing, e-business and customer care as well as assisting tourism businesses to engage constructively with their banks
The measures put in place to support tourism helped to contribute to growth of almost 8% in visitor numbers in 2011. In addition, the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey shows that 6,300 more people (seasonally adjusted) were employed in accommodation and food services in the second quarter of this year compared to the same quarter in 2011.
I am also very glad to see that in 2011 hotel room occupancy rose and, combined with more efficient resource management, profits per available room before tax rose by over 22%.
I am confident too that the tourism industry will be able to take full advantage of The Gathering Ireland 2013 initiative next year.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the transport sector has found it possible to achieve carbon reduction targets; if he has in mind any particular initiatives for the further enhancement of achievements under this heading; the extent to which achievement to date in this jurisdiction can be favourably compared with other jurisdictions throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52671/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent EPA figures for greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector are for 2011, and these figures show that they have fallen from a peak of 14.48 million tonnes in 2007 to 11.29 million tonnes in 2011, representing a decrease of 22%. A further decrease in emissions would be expected for 2012.
2011 was the fourth year in a row that a decrease in transport sector emissions has been reported following significant growth up to 2007. Whilst much of this reduction in emissions can be attributed to the contraction of the economy, savings are also being made due to policies and measures such as mobility management schemes, and promoting modal shift to cycling. In particular, the motor taxation and vehicle registration taxation rebalancing introduced in mid-2008 has encouraged the entry of more energy efficient new cars to the fleet, leading to significant reductions in the associated greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme started operation in mid-2010 with biofuels displacing petrol and diesel use in the transport sector.
However, the country faces considerable challenges in meeting EU 2020 targets and developing a low-carbon emission pathway to 2050.
Initiatives within the transport sector to address our carbon reduction targets are identified in Smarter Travel - Our Sustainable Transport Future, most of the actions in which continue to be pursued despite the current economic climate. An assessment of least-cost, effective, additional measures across all sectors including transport was recently carried out by the NESC Secretariat which highlighted again the key role being played by the motor taxation and vehicle registration taxation rebalancing to secure the earliest entry of more energy efficient cars to the fleet and proposed some potential new measures, mainly in the freight area, which my Department is examining. However, it is important to note that the potential savings from such measures remain small in the context of total sectoral emissions.
116. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on elite athlete funding in the context of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52512/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the allocation of funding to elite athletes.
The International Carding Scheme, which provides grant payments directly to high performance athletes, has been a central part of the high performance system in Ireland since its introduction in 1998. Currently the Scheme accounts for about 25% of the Irish Sports Council’s investment in high performance sport and it has contributed to the measurable improvement in performances in recent years. The Irish Sports Council published a review into the future of the International Carding Scheme on 16 November. This review includes a number of key recommendations. Details of the Carding Scheme for 2013 will be announced in the new year.
The Irish Sports Council is also carrying out a review of performances at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. A series of debriefs with relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport are close to completion. Recommendations from the debriefs will inform the performance plans of each targeted sport for the next Olympic cycle to Rio 2016.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the Irish Sports Council for a more detailed response. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
117. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to update regulations for taxi services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52641/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to support the continuation of full time taxi licence holders in the industry who are facing much financial hardship due to an oversupply exacerbated by part time drivers and taxi plate rental companies. [52662/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recommendations from the Taxi Commission Report that have been implemented to date; if he intends to take any further actions under the Taxi Commission Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52245/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the development of a Taxi Regulation Bill; when he hopes it will be before Dáil Eireann and if he has a time line planned for the following stages and enactment. [52661/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 139, 148 and 157 together.
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.
Overall the thrust of the reforms arising from the Taxi Review will mean better services for consumers and improvements to the operating environment for taxi drivers generally. The measures will seek to ensure that operators and drivers can operate under a robust regulatory framework that is supported by an effecctive enforcement regime. I am also aware that the NTA is undertaking a consultation process in relation to its review of taxi fares which is underway.
The Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011 contains 46 separate actions aimed at improving standards, administration and enforcement within the taxi sector. All of the recommendations of the Taxi Review are being progressed by the NTA, with 10 actions already completed, including those relating to the sharing of licensing and operational information between the NTA and the relevant agencies – the Revenue Commissioners, Department of Social Protection and An Garda Síochána. It is my intention that all of the actions arising from that Review will be implemented in full.
I understand that the NTA is to launch an IT portal which will be operational in January 2013 to facilitate a means of establishing the identity of the authorised driver of a small public service vehicle, as proposed under Action 40 of the Review. This will also support the implementation of and the submission of information with regard to taxi rental arrangements in line with Action 39 of the Review which provides that the practice of renting taxi licences only (i.e. without the vehicle) while facilitating the continuation of "full package" taxi rental which includes the vehicle, complete with roof sign, taxi meter and printer. The IT portal will facilitate a mandatory obligation on licence holders for self-declaration concerning details of other employment as proposed under Action 3 of the Review Report, which seeks to ensure, in the case of part-time drivers, improved compliance with working time legislation.
The Taxi Regulation Bill 2012, to be published in this quarter, will replace the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 in order to strengthen the legislative basis for the regulation of the taxi sector and give effect to many of the enforcement measures proposed in the Taxi Review. I hope that the new legislation can be enacted early in the new year.
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to monitor the main factors affecting transport costs in both the public and the private sector; the way this compares with similar factors in other EU member states; if transport provided in this jurisdiction is deemed to operate currently at a competitive disadvantage; the degree, if any, to which this may be determined in the context of the profitability of the sector in this country; if he has examined any possibilities which he might consider to be beneficial to the sector and as a consequence to consumers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52670/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra754. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has studied transport costs in other EU countries within and without the Eurozone with a view to achieving parity for the transport sector here with other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53077/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 754 together.
I refer the Deputy to the answer to Dáil Questions Nos. 14, 248, 250 and 251 on 18 October 2012. The position remains unchanged.
