Written Answers Nos. 652-670
652. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the new rural taxi licence, that is, the qualifying conditions and so on, the impact that this will have on existing taxi licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30125/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009, and is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011, including Action 46 concerning the introduction of a local area hackney licence.
The aim of the proposal is to facilitate the low cost entry to the hackney market for transport provision in rural areas that, otherwise, would be unlikely to have such services. The licensing requirement would be based on certain specified criteria in particular the validation of transport needs in the area of operation.
The NTA has prepared a proposal for the introduction of the local area hackney licence which is currently being considered by the Taxi Advisory Committee.
653. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the use of first care absence management system at some depots in Dublin Bus; if so, the reasons that this system has been put in place; if any analysis of cost/benefit was undertaken prior to implementation; the amount it is costing and the early indications of the effectiveness of the system. [30245/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is an operational matter for Dublin Bus 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.
654. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin Bus services such as those for music festivals outside of Dublin are required to have a tachograph fitted if travelling 50 km from their base and that this was not practised in instances such as at Slane 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30246/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter was recently brought to my attention. However, 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 enforcement in relation to road transport matters, and I understand that the matter has already been raised directly with that agency.
655. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Tourism Ireland to have a major tourism sales blitz in Florida, New York, California and Ohio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30254/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
656. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the provision of full wheelchair accessible transport by semi-State companies on intercity routes on this island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30296/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to both the company and the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
657. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 25 April 2013, if he will provide an update regarding the proposed national motorway maintenance and renewal contract being put forward by the National Roads Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30305/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
658. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the scoping study being carried out by Fáilte Ireland on the possible development of an Irish Diaspora Centre arising from the commitment contained in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016, published in November 2011, of support for a Diaspora Centre or Diaspora Museum should a suitable project and partner be available; when he expects Fáilte Ireland to have concluded its study; when he expects to receive the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30311/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. I have received the outcome of the scoping study and I am considering the appropriate next steps.
659. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Dublin Bus intends to roll-out free Wi-Fi on Dublin Bus services; if discussions have taken place between officials in his Department and Dublin Bus on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30315/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area, such as the roll-out of Wi-Fi on Dublin Bus services is provided by my Department to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for allocation to projects and programmes. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
660. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Dáil topical issue debates submitted to his Department following selection by the Ceann Comhairle since March 2011; the number of topical issues taken directly by him; the number of topical issues taken by a junior Minister in his Department; the number of issues taken by a Minister not from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30349/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding the information requested would involve a disproportionate use of Departmental resources. However, the information the Deputy requests is available from the publicly accessible Dáil record.
662. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current guidelines in relation to haulage licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30527/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it that the Deputy is referring to the criteria for obtaining a road transport operator licence. The four criteria are establishment (i.e. a place of establishment within the State), financial standing, professional competence (i.e. a transport manager with a certificate of professional competence in transport management) and good repute. There are also additional requirements, such as that the applicant must hold a tax clearance certificate and any vehicle authorised on the licence must meet motor tax, insurance, certificate of roadworthiness and tachograph requirements.
More information on application, licensing, and on the individual criteria is set out in the relevant legislation, i.e. EU Regulation No. 1071/2009, national regulations in the European Union (Occupation of Road Transport Operator) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 697/2011), and on my Department's website www.dttas.ie under Road Transport Operator Licensing.
663. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will direct the board of Córas Iompar Éireann to undertake enhancement works to a site (details supplied) in Dublin 1 pending its redevelopment in order to make a contribution to the enhancement of the city. [30533/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Córas Iompair Éireann and I have referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
664. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Bus Éireann to provide a bus shelter in Glenbeigh Village, County Kerry, in view of the fact that locals and visitors alike have to stand waiting for buses under appalling weather conditions; if he will take into consideration that this is a tourist area on the Ring of Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30541/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of bus stop improvement is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport provider and I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
665. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total cost of ministerial transport in his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the number of drivers employed in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30561/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
666. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total costs of photography incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013 in tabular form per event. [30577/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
667. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details and costs of any newspaper supplements his Department has been involved with in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [30593/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
668. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications made to the Marine Survey Office for the de-rating of engines in vessels; if a certain tolerance level has been introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30676/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to applications made to the Marine Survey Office (MSO) in respect of fishing vessels. In 2013 to date the MSO has received 2 applications in relation to proposals to technically modify existing propulsion engines.
The Sea-Fisheries (Community Control System) Regulations, as amended, implementing the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 of 8 April 2011, requires the holder of a fishing licence to inform the MSO before a new propulsion engine will be installed, or before an existing propulsion engine will be replaced or technically modified. Whereas the Regulation defines the scope of what is considered to be covered by the term “technically modified”, it does not provide for a tolerance level to be established.
It should be noted that the term “de-rating” is not used in the Regulation and the term “technically modified” includes both increases and decreases to the power rating of a propulsion engine.
669. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if decarbonisation of transport, prioritisation of energy-efficient transport modes and upholding of social inclusion principles are currently reflected in the remit and functions of the National Transport Authority; his plans to make some or any of these objectives as explicit functions of the authority; if he will consider changing the name of the authority to the National Sustainable Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30692/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe general objectives and principal functions of the National Transport Authority are set out in Sections 10 and 11 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended. Among the general objectives of the Authority is the development of an integrated transport system which contributes to environmental sustainability and social cohesion and promotes economic progress. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I am responsible for the development of transport policy. Decarbonisation, energy-efficiency and consideration of social inclusion impacts are key factors in policy development across the various sectors within my Department. There are no plans to transfer responsibility for policy development to the Authority or to change the name of the Authority.
670. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail on a centre-by-centre basis, when the last audits of all National Car Testing Service centres and facilities were conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30695/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 delivery of the National Car Test. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
