Written Answers Nos. 1 - 79
65. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Health, the sports authorities and the Health Service Executive regarding the possibility of establishing a sports and exercise department in the HSE, in order to ensure that the role of exercise fitness and well-being is given adequate attention in our health care system. [40896/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no responsibility in relation to the HSE or the operational structures established within the HSE. It is entirely a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE as to how their operational structures are organised.
The contribution of sport to health and the prevention of illness and disability is very significant. The health benefits that can be gained from participation in sport and physical activity are significant, not just for the individual but also for our health system, with the consequent reduction in the demand on health services. One of the most urgent health issues in Ireland is obesity, which costs Ireland € 1.13 billion per year. An increase in sport and physical activity would help reduce these costs and increase the overall health of the country.
One of the commitments in Healthy Ireland, the Government Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, is to develop a plan to promote increased physical activity levels across the population. A cross-sectoral working group, which will be co-chaired by the Department of Health and my Department, has been established to develop this plan. It will provide a strong focus for modifying unhealthy life habits and promoting awareness of the benefits of physical activity, not just for health, but also in a wider socioeconomic context. The group, which met for the first time on 12 September 2013, has agreed that the Plan will focus on operational issues to encourage greater participation in, and greater recognition of the importance of, physical activity.
66. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent National Transport Authority publication, City Centre Transport Assessment Study; the actions he will take following this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40828/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has examined the recommendations contained in the recently completed City Centre Transport Assessment Study; his views on this study in view of his Department's ongoing work in improving traffic management in Dublin city. [40434/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 84 together.
These questions are about the National Transport Authority's transport assessment study. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has a statutory responsibility for the strategic planning of transport in the Greater Dublin Area. In the performance of that function, they have commenced a transport assessment study in relation to Dublin City Centre. I understand from the NTA that this work is at a preliminary stage and that a draft document was prepared for the purposes of discussion and analysis with Dublin City Council. The NTA and Dublin City Council are jointly assessing and analysing these initial proposals, together with other proposals and initiatives, and are working towards producing a joint report which would then go through a public consultation process. It is anticipated that this joint report would be published for consultation early next year.
67. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering the introduction of lower rate on-the-spot fines for cyclists who break the law which could be more regularly applied and would take into account the lower level of danger presented by cyclists to the public. [40905/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom time to time, my Department receives complaints from the public regarding the behaviour of some cyclists, including cycling on footpaths, colliding with pedestrians and going through red traffic lights. These are all offences under the Road Traffic Acts. Section 108 of the 1961 Act places an obligation on a cyclist to give a name, address and date of birth on demand to a member of the Garda Síochána, where that member suspects that an offence has been committed under the Road Traffic Acts. Currently, such offences are prosecuted in court and where a conviction follows that prosecution, a fine not exceeding €1,000 may be applied. To date, the amount of the fine levied has been significantly lower than the maximum fine.
More recently, it has been argued that this method of enforcement does not represent best use of either Garda or Court resources. Accordingly, Action 92 of the 2013 to 2020 Road Safety Strategy provides that the Department should “legislate for the extension of fixed charge notices to other offences including those related to cyclists and driver’s hours”. The completion date for that Action is Quarter 2, 2014. In preparing the legislation to include offences committed by cyclists in the fixed charge system, I will be giving consideration to the level of the fixed charge amount for such offences. I will set that amount so as to give recognition to the offence itself and to encourage payment within the prescribed timeframes provided for under the legislation, thereby keeping those cases out of the courts.
68. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company has prepared a funding proposal in relation to the funding status of the defined benefit pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40888/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn common with many such schemes the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company defined benefit superannuation scheme is in deficit and must therefore submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board. The preparation and submission of funding proposals is a statutory requirement of the Pensions Acts and regulated by the Pensions Board. I am aware that the Company and the trustees of the scheme have held discussions with scheme members regarding the required funding proposal. The submission of any funding proposal to the Pensions Board is a matter for the trustees of the superannuation scheme and not something in which I or my Department have any role.
69. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of his Department's plans for the proposed construction of the Limerick to Cork motorway as part of the Government's capital expenditure budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40436/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question relates to the Limerick to Cork motorway the proposed M20. As 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.
Because of the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in roads expenditure over the past number of years and based on current figures there will be a further reduction next year. In 2007 there were grants of €2.375 billion available towards national, regional and local roads; these grants have fallen to €719 million in 2013. The NRA has a budget of €318 million for improvement and maintenance works on the national roads network in 2013. The reality is that the available funds do not match the amount of work which could be undertaken. For this reason it is not possible to progress a range of worthwhile projects and the main focus has to be on the maintenance and repair of roads and this will remain the position in the coming years.
In relation to projects of the scale of the M20, it is not feasible given current and future projections that the State would be in a position to build this from its own resources. Rather, it would be constructed through the PPP model. While this model involves the private sector carrying the construction risk, it does require the State to meet the initial design, planning and land purchase costs. In the case of the M20, to a significant degree more than any other roads project, these costs are prohibitive at present.
In 2011 I indicated to the NRA that they should withdraw their application to An Bord Pleanála for the M20 Cork to Limerick route. I was concerned that to proceed any further with the scheme to build the M20 would have exposed the NRA to significant costs arising from a consequent requirement to purchase the CPO'd land within a limited timeframe. This would have had to be done without the reasonable prospect of proceeding to construction stage quickly . I do not believe the basis exists at present that would give confidence that a PPP of the scale of the M20 would be affordable or achievable and thereby justify commencing the project through planning again. However, this position is constantly under review.
70. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality regarding the ability of sporting bodies to register as charitable bodies and the potential for this to enhance philanthropy towards sporting bodies. [40897/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question relates to charitable status for sporting organisations. In order to sustain the development of sport it is important that sporting organisations can secure alternative sources of investment, including philanthropic donations. I believe that there is potential for philanthropy and charitable giving for areas of sport such as programme development and high performance and that charitable status for sporting organisations would be very helpful in this regard. Sport contributes significantly to our society and benefits the community in a variety of ways and in my view sporting organisations should be eligible to apply for approval as charities. The introduction of this measure would also give recognition to the contribution that sport makes to Irish society in terms of the advancement of public health, the economy, tourism, enhancing community welfare and Ireland’s reputation abroad.
One of the benefits of charitable status is the opportunity provided by the tax relief schemes available for charities. While there is an existing scheme for donations to sporting organisations, under Section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, it is restrictive in that it applies only to donations for capital purposes. There is currently no tax relief available for donations for purposes such as programmes aimed at increasing participation and improving performance in sport. In many other countries, including the United Kingdom, such donations qualify for tax relief and have been shown to encourage people to sponsor particular athletes or programmes supporting participation and high performance. As taxation issues are a matter for the Minister for Finance, I have asked him to consider the matter of charitable status for the National Governing Bodies of sport in the upcoming Budget.
71. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has discussed with the Department of Finance the tax relief for donations to sporting bodies contained in section 41 of the 2002 Finance Bill; his views on the scheme; and if it has succeeded in its objectives of maximising donations to sporting bodies and generally contributing to the funding of sport. [40893/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question is about tax relief for donations to sporting bodies. Section 41 of the Finance Act, 2002 inserts Section 847A into the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 to provide a scheme of tax relief for relevant donations to approved sports bodies for the funding of approved projects. The Revenue Commissioners administer this scheme. Under the scheme, if the Revenue Commissioners certify an organisation as an "approved sports body", that body may then apply to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to have a project approved. If the Department is satisfied that the said project comes with the parameters of the scheme, and if the body provides the required documentation, the approved body is granted a certificate by the Department stating that the project is an approved project for the purposes of the tax relief. The nature of the tax relief for donations will depend on whether the taxpayer is a PAYE taxpayer, an individual on self-assessment, or a company.
It has not been necessary to have any discussion with the Minister for Finance regarding the scheme. I can confirm that the Scheme is well received by sports clubs. To date in 2013, the Department has approved 17 projects. Since 2010, 81 separate projects have been approved. For further information on the scheme, interested organisations should contact the Revenue Commissioners in Nenagh.
72. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the recently launched tourism policy review. [40872/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the tourism sector has developed or expanded in each of the past six years to date; the full extent of employment generated within the sector on an annual basis in each of the years referred to; the extent, if any, to which the tourism sector may become a vehicle for national economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40807/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the tourism policy review that was recently launched. [40516/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the tourism policy review that was recently launched; his views on the positive impact on the tourism industry of the 9% VAT rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40809/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra654. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which employment has fluctuated, stabilised or increased in the tourism sector in each of the past five years to date; the actual areas within the sector most positively/negatively affected in the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41128/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he can forecast job creation opportunities throughout the tourism sector over the next five years; the specific areas in respect of which most growth is expected resulting in job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41132/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 104, 118, 139, 654 and 658 together.
One of my priorities for 2013 was to commence a review of tourism policy and I, along with Minister Ring, commenced that review with the launch of a public consultation on tourism policy on 11 September 2013. The issues paper we published at the launch set the parameters for the most comprehensive and in-depth review of tourism policy in many years and I look forward to hearing the views of all stakeholders. As well as being published on my Department's website, a copy has been placed in the Oireachtas Library and it is also being sent to the Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport. I encourage the Deputies to make their views known on this important issue.
I aim to conclude consultation in November. This will allow consideration of the views raised and other relevant evidence and analysis before commencing drafting of the new policy in the New Year. The target date for finalising the policy review is Easter 2014. When finalised, my policy statement will form the basis for the Department to work with its partners in the agencies and the tourism industry, as well as stakeholders across Government, to develop a detailed strategy and action plan, setting out a range of specific measures to be pursued. What I hope to see at the end of this process is an ambitious but realistic plan, set within a clear policy framework of Government priorities, which will enable Irish tourism to continue to develop and grow, becoming in the process a world benchmark of excellence in tourism and a strong and sustainable source of export earnings and jobs.
Regarding the specific issues mentioned, I refer to the earlier answer on the 9% VAT rate. Issues relating to the development and expansion of the tourism sector along with job employment opportunities within the tourism sector will be issues which will be examined during the tourism policy review. Employment data, including employment in tourism businesses, is collected and published by the Central Statistics Office, which falls under the Department of the Taoiseach. Fáilte Ireland also carries out regular surveys of activity and employment in tourism businesses and I am referring that element of the Deputy’s question to Fáilte for direct reply.
74. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for making Dublin Bus a cost-effective organisation, providing a quality service befiting a capital city of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40727/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he has had with the Dublin Bus unions and management; if he will provide an update on the current impasse in industrial relations at the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40836/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work being done to bring a resolution to the industrial dispute at Dublin Bus; and the efforts he is making to ensure that future budgetary measures undertaken by his Department and implemented by public transport companies do not provoke further industrial unrest and strike action. [40909/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to Dublin Bus of the recent strike action and the likely implications of any future strike action to the financial well-being of the company. [40878/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 119, 120 and 136 together.
Dublin Bus has incurred accumulated losses of €75m over the period 2007 to 2012, a position which is unsustainable. Minister Varadkar and myself, along with our Departmental officials, have been engaged almost constantly over the past 18 months in dealing with the financial situation in CIÉ and the subsidiary companies, including Dublin Bus, to ensure a return to financial stability in order that they can continue to provide an essential service to the public.
The Government accepted a proposal from ICTU and IBEC that a Group should be established to carry out an urgent investigation of how the Labour Court recommendation in respect of cost reduction measures in Dublin Bus can be progressed. Mr. Noel Dowling, a former National Organiser with SIPTU, and Mr. Ultan Courtney, Managing Director of Courtney HR, were engaged by the Group to explore the issues underlying the rejection by the driver grades of the Labour Court recommendations. They have been asked to report back to the Group in the shortest possible timescale. It is vital that this process leads to an agreement that will ensure the long-term financial stability of Dublin Bus, the public transport services that Dublin Bus provide and the jobs of workers. Further industrial unrest is not in anyone's interest. The recent three day stoppage cost the company approximately €400,000 and the loss of approximately 700,000 passenger journeys.
Dublin Bus is in a precarious financial situation and is dependent on continued bank funding. Given the pressure on the public finances, there is no possibility of additional funding by the Exchequer. The cost savings recommended by the Labour Court have to be implemented. The company has been very patient in trying to find a way to do this in agreement with its employees; but the process to achieve this cannot be infinite. While I acknowledge that no worker wishes to be on strike and all sides have made sacrifices, the future of the company is at stake and the savings identified by the Labour Court will have to be found no matter what.
75. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken in response to the revelations by the Ryanair pilot group regarding serious concerns about aviation safety, which were broadcast by Channel 4 during the summer. [40615/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question is about allegations made in a Channel 4 programme on aviation safety. I refer the Deputy to my earlier response to Question 57 which deals with the same issue.
76. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions taken by his Department to progress the aims of the national ports policy; the legislation he plans to publish in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40812/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question relates to the progression of the new National Ports Policy that I launched in March of this year. The new policy provides an overarching framework for the future development of the Irish commercial ports sector. Since publication my officials have progressed implementation of the policy in a number of different areas:
- A Regulatory Impact Analysis in relation to the future transfer of control of the Ports of Regional Significance was published in August and submissions received on foot of the recently completed consultation period are under examination;
- Officials have met with stakeholders including ports, local authorities and others to discuss the proposed transfer of control of the Ports of Regional Significance;
- A strategic review of Rosslare Europort is now practically complete and I expect to be able to make recommendations on the report very shortly;
- A review of New Ross Port Company within the context of National Ports Policy has just been completed and its recommendations are now under examination;
- Officials have continued to liaise with their colleagues in the relevant Departments in respect of foreshore and Birds and Habitats Directive related issues.
One of the key proposals is the transfer of control of five current State commercial port companies from central to local government structures. This transfer of control will require legislative amendments to the existing Harbours Acts. The Regulatory Impact Analysis referred to above and the submissions received, as well as on-going discussions with relevant stakeholders, will help shape the required legislation which will of course be submitted to the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee for consideration at the Heads of Bill stage. I hope to progress the matter in as timely a fashion as possible.
77. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current financial position within the CIE transport companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40787/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the current financial viability of the CIE group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40788/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 88 together.
These questions relate to the current financial position of the CIÉ group. Since 2008 , the financial performance of CIÉ has been severely affected by the economic recession which has resulted in a significant reduction in passenger numbers. CIÉ recorded total losses, before pension cost adjustments, in the five years 2008 to 2012 of over €153m. The current CIE business plan 2013-2017 provides for almost break even by 2015 and a return to profitability of the Group thereafter. In July 2012 the Government approved an increase in the 2012 subvention to CIE by €36 million to €278 million to ensure that the companies could continue to operate PSO services for the rest of 2012. Given the pressure on the public finances there will be no additional funding from the Exchequer in 2013. The implementation of a credible business plan will therefore be essential to CIE's financial recovery in the period ahead.
The Board of CIÉ are pursuing a range of measures to address the financial position, including cost reductions across the three operating companies. At the end of 2012 a significant voluntary severance programme was implemented in Irish Rail and the Group generated cash of €20 million by selling its interest in the ground lease in Spencer Dock. CIÉ also benefitted from the introduction of a fuel rebate in July and, in addition, the Group has benefitted from fare increases approved by the NTA. The Group has also negotiated improved bank facilities in relation to refinancing of the Group, which will ensure that the Group has sufficient funding into the future.
79. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the current discussions at Irish Rail in relation to plans to reduce the company’s expenditure in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40841/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the future of Irish Rail company; and if he will resist any moves to privatise routes on the rail network. [40911/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 128 together.
These questions are about the future of Irish Rail. Since 2008, the financial performance of Irish Rail has been severely affected by the economic recession which has resulted in a significant reduction in passenger numbers. Irish Rail passenger numbers have dropped by 21% in the period 2008 to 2012 and has recorded total losses in the same period of over €131 million.
The Board of Irish Rail are pursuing a range of measures to address the financial position, including cost reductions. At the end of 2012 a significant voluntary severance programme was implemented in Irish Rail and the company has also benefitted from fare increases approved by the NTA. I understand discussions are continuing between management and unions, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, in relation to futher necessary cost saving measures. It is vital that these discussions lead to an agreement that will ensure the long-term financial stability of Irish Rail, the public transport services that it provides and the jobs of workers.
The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 provided for the granting of contracts by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on a direct award basis with Irish Rail in respect of existing services in accordance with EU Regulations. The 2009 direct award contract with Irish Rail is for 10 years to December 2019. The awarding of licenses for the services thereafter is a matter for the NTA, and not for Government.
The European Commission adopted a suite of proposals relating to reform of regulation of the European railways in January this year. Building on earlier reforms agreed by the Council and Parliament through the co-decision procedure the proposals span technical, safety and institutional matters as well as measures to promote further opening of the market to competition. Freight and international passenger transport service are already open to competitive service provision. The latest package of measures proposes that market opening should be completed through on the one hand the liberalisation of domestic rail passenger services and on the other through the introduction of mandatory requirements for tendering for the supply of public service contracts on the railways. My Department has undertaken a public consultation on the proposals. Taking account of the responses received and following further analysis, a decision will be made in the coming months on Ireland’s stance within the Council of Ministers in relation to the market reform proposals.
