Written Answers Nos. 667-688
668. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that two local authorities, Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, are members of the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group which is proposing a cruise line berth for Dún Laoghaire Harbour costing €18 million; if he gave his consent for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26247/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe membership of the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholder Group is a matter for that group. A public consultation was recently held by that group on plans for the development of a new cruise berth facility for large cruise ships in Dun Laoghaire Harbour and the Stakeholder group propose to lodge a planning application for the development with An Bord Pleanála later this year.
I have no role in the planning process and, as you are aware, there is no State funding for port companies.
669. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support the licensed road haulage industry by overhauling the draconian road tax structure and associated pricing (details supplied). [25694/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by my Department, was established last year to consider the potential for introducing a 'pay-as-you-go' road tax system for HGVs. The group has been examining the technical, regulatory and economic dimensions of introducing a HGV road user charge in Ireland. The work of the group was expanded to include a full review of commercial motor tax, which has led to the group taking longer than anticipated to finalise its proposals. The group held a targeted stakeholder consultation in November 2014 which concluded in February 2015 and in March held meetings with stakeholders, including representatives of the hauliers and their customers.
The report of the group is currently being finalised for submission to me and to the Ministers for Finance and the Environment, Community and Local Government. I expect to receive the report shortly.
670. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the traffic statistics that were used by the National Roads Authority, Galway City Council and ARUP in justifying the need for, as well as informing the route selection process for, the N6 bypass in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25721/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 (such as the N6 Galway City Transport Scheme) is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. 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 1993 (as amended).
Noting this 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.
671. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a sports capital grant in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Cork; when the grant will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25748/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDoheny GAA has submitted an application under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme. The assessment process is ongoing but will take several months to complete due to the number of applications received and the detailed information provided in each application. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application when the assessment process is completed.
I intend to announce the allocations later this year.
672. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the National Transport Authority's plans to provide a bus service for the residents of Dublin 15 to the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25833/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
673. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the correspondence he has received from the National Transport Authority and-or CIE and its subsidiary companies regarding the need for additional capital or current funding for transport stock across all companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25836/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are in regular and ongoing contact with the agencies under my remit, including the CIE Group of Companies and the National Transport Authority, in the context of the annual Estimates exercise and the development of multi annual budgets and plans for both current and capital funding. In that context, the funding requirements for rolling stock are regularly discussed and assessed.
674. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide full discretion for local authorities in the spending of State grants on regional and local roads within their area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25837/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The grants programme is structured to allow Councils considerable flexibility in using grants while also ensuring that there are clear outputs for the monies allocated in terms of length of road maintained or rehabilitated.
The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded under the various grant programmes is a matter for the local authority and in recent years my Department has given additional discretion to local authorities to transfer funding between grant programmes in certain circumstances during the course of the year.
It is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is to supplement the own resources of local authorities and I have been emphasising to local authorities the importance of prioritising expenditure on roads when allocating their resources. The Dublin Councils which are in a position to self fund their main roads programme have full discretion over how they spend their resources.
675. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the Tuam to Athenry railway line in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25882/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe extension of the Western Rail Corridor was postponed by the Government in 2011. Furthermore, under the current capital plan the key priority with the level of resources available for heavy rail is to protect existing infrastructure and to maintain safety standards. In 2015 capital funding of €118 million will be provided for this purpose from a total budget of €269 million for public transport. This is still below the required level for the existing network. My first priority therefore if additional Exchequer funding is made available for heavy rail is to increase the funding for steady state maintenance and renewal programmes. This will improve the performance of the existing network. There will not therefore be Exchequer funding to reopen heavy rail lines anywhere on the network.
For such projects to be prioritised there would have to be a very strong business case and clear evidence of need such as an ability to address congestion.
676. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether he is satisfied with the sale of the State's 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus to the International Airlines Group, in view of the fact that the group is proposing to fund its purchase of the airline with a bridging loan from Santander, Deutsche Bank, Luxembourg and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch. [25902/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have set out the Government's position in relation to IAG's offer for Aer Lingus on a number of occasions recently in the House. IAG posted its formal offer document to all shareholders on 19 June 2015 and that contains full details of all aspects of the offer including financial arrangements to facilitate the offer which is a matter for IAG.
677. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the chief executive officer of Iarnród Éireann to increase the capacity on the 9.35 a.m. train service from Drogheda, County Louth to Connolly Station, Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25906/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród 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 response within ten working days.
678. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the response of his predecessor to previous parliamentary questions which stated that the salary of the chief executive officer of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (details supplied) was very high for a relatively small company, if he, as the major shareholder in the company, agrees with that statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25923/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra697. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the reply to this Deputy's previous parliamentary question that the previous chairperson of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (details supplied) had authorised a payment of €19,877 in lieu of unused annual leave allegedly not taken by the chief executive officer (details supplied), if this issue was discussed by the board of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company prior to payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26248/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra698. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the reply to Question No. 902 of 16 June 2015 that the current co-chairpersons of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (details supplied) were appointed as directors in 1997 and 2004, respectively, and were also on the audit committee at that time and, in addition to the current controversies over his concerns regarding corporate governance issues and the setting up of the Irish International Diaspora Centre Company without consulting his Department or receiving ministerial consent, if their positions as directors of the company have now become untenable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26249/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra699. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport given that a payment of €19,877, in lieu of unused annual leave allegedly not taken, was paid to the chief executive officer of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (details supplied), the way this figure was arrived at; the number of unused annual days the chief executive officer claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26250/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra700. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to this Deputy's previous parliamentary questions regarding an explanation of the term "other" as it appears in Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company's profit and loss accounts since 2001 and regarding the previous chief executive officer's (details supplied) remuneration, benefit-in-kind and performance-related bonuses, if he will allay public concerns and for the sake of transparency disclose details of payments to the previous chief executive officer made under the category of "other"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26252/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra701. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport given that the Minister of Finance directed the chief executive officers of commercial State bodies to reduce their pay by 10%, when ordinary workers' remuneration was reduced, the reason the remuneration of the chief executive officer of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (details supplied) was not reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26253/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 678 and 697 to 701, inclusive, together.
The CEO's salary is in line with Government policy at that time. I agree it is high for a company whose revenues have reduced substantially since the contract was signed.
My predecessor was informed at the time by the then Chair that the payment of €19,877 in lieu of unused annual leave paid to the CEO in 2011 was in respect of untaken leave of 38 days in 2009 and 2010. My predecessor made his view known that the payment should not have been made. I agree with this and the Harbour Company have acknowledged this also and confirmed that it will not happen again. On the matter of Board discussions, I have referred the question to the Harbour Company for their direct response as I have previously done with the Deputy's earlier questions on this matter.
Under the then 2006 Guidelines on Contracts, Remuneration and Other Conditions of CEOs of Commercial State Bodies the published annual report and accounts of the body must disclose the CEO's annual basic salary, the actual payments made to the CEO under the performance related pay schemes and the all in cost of the CEO's total remuneration package (including superannuation provision, company car and any other benefits). I understand that the matter of the word "other" in the Notes to the Company's Financial Statements relates to the payment of a car allowance to the CEO. This differs from the previous CEO who chose to avail of an expensed company car which attracted a benefit in kind charge. The current CEO avails of a car allowance which is paid through the computerised payroll system and therefore PAYE and PRSI is deducted and is not subject to BIK.
Regarding the Irish International Diaspora Centre trust and corporate governance issues, my predecessor wrote to the Company to highlight his concerns at the approach adopted and raised the issue of Ministerial consent in respect of the Diaspora project. The Company has informed me that the Centre is being wound up.
I do not know the basis for the Deputy's reference to a 10% reduction. There was no direction from the Minister for Finance or from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to cut the salaries of existing CEOs by 10%. There was a review in 2011 of CEO salaries in Commercial State Bodies but it did not alter the contractual arrangements of incumbent CEOs.
Again I will forward the Deputy's questions to the Harbour Company for direct reply on the aspects which are not covered in this reply. If you do not receive a response within ten working days please contact my private office.
679. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that there is very little commercial marine activity taking place in Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company in County Dublin, his views on whether it is appropriate that the company makes more money from car parking and property rental than it does from port business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25924/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to their location and historical development it is a common feature of many of our commercial ports that revenue streams accrue from other sources in addition to commercial shipping. The Deputy is fully aware of the fact that in recent years commercial shipping has been in decline in Dún Laoghaire harbour and that this year witnessed the complete cessation of the remaining Stena service, albeit that some welcome cruise activity occurs in summer months.
The Deputy has been repeatedly informed of my firm belief that the future of Dún Laoghaire harbour is best vested in a local authority led governance structure.
I was delighted to receive Government's approval last week for the Harbours Bill 2015 which will provide the legislative basis for that later transfer to more appropriate local authority led structures. I expect the Bill to commence its passage through the Oireachtas in July.
680. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that under the Harbours Acts there is a requirement that Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company in County Dublin must employ a harbour master, if he is aware that this position is now being carried out on a consultancy basis by the former harbour master (details supplied) who is retired and in receipt of a company pension; if he will confirm if this person carries his own public liability insurance or if the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is carrying the liability for this person in the event of any claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25925/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment of a harbour master under Section 37(1) of the Harbours Act 1996 is the responsibility of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company. I have no role in the matter.
681. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the role of the harbour master of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company in County Dublin, in the event that the current harbour master (details supplied) should have to take annual leave or sick leave, who will be acting as relief harbour master; the qualifications necessary to fill this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25926/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of harbour master services at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, including cover over annual leave periods is an operational matter for Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company.
682. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company in County Dublin had a relief harbour master employed up to 2010, who was a former pilot of Dublin Port Company, and given that Dublin Port Company had to send a pilot and boat to the aid of a cruise liner berthing in Dún Laoghaire last week, if it should be a requirement that the harbour master of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company have this qualification, in view of its entry into the cruise liner market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25927/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment of a harbour master is an operational matter for Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company. Dublin Port Company is the pilotage authority for Dublin Bay and provides pilotage when requested by masters of ships operating in the bay.
Dublin Port provided a pilot and a tug last week upon the request of the master of the ship. The tug 'stood by' during the berthing of the ship. Using tugs in this manner is a standard maritime operation.
683. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that a document sent on 22 August 2013, obtained under a freedom of information request, by a person (details supplied) concerning the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group which intends to set up to attract cruise liners to Dún Laoghaire Harbour, sets out the way this group will finance the construction cost of €18 million for a cruise liner berth, to which the following parties are expected to contribute: €3 million from Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group, this €3 million being made up of €750,000 from the private sector-Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District, €750,000 from Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, €1.5 million from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and the remaining €15 million being made up of €1.5 million from Dublin City Council, €2 million from the Exchequer-Fáilte Ireland-other investment funds, €3.6 million from grant-aid from TEN-EU Commission and €7.9 million from Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group - European Investment Bank 40-year loan; if he will confirm if he is giving his consent for Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to be part of the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25928/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Harbours Acts require Ministerial consent in relation to certain specific activities, including the establishment of any subsidiary company, certain investments in undertakings (other than a subsidiary) greater than €1.27 million, and borrowings.
In addition, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies requires Ministerial consent for any 'action which would extend or change significantly the nature, scope or scale of activities in which [the State Body] ... engages' and also where any joint venture is proposed.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company does not require my consent to be part of the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group.
The objects of a State port company are clearly set out in Section 11 of the Harbours Act 1996. As previously highlighted to the Deputy, these include the promotion of investment in the harbour and engaging 'in any business activity, either alone or in conjunction with other persons, that it considers to be advantageous to the development of its harbour.'
684. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group is set up as a company under the Companies Acts; if he has consented to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company contributing an initial €750,000, in addition to consenting to the company being a party to a loan application for €7.9 million to the European Investment Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25929/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group is made up of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Business Improvement District Company. I am not aware of the Group's status under Company law: that is a matter for the Group.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company has not applied for Ministerial consent in respect of the Cruise Stakeholders Group and, from the information available to me, its involvement in the Group to date does not require any such consent.
685. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group's proposals regarding funding for its cruise line berth and in the event of the private sector-Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District not being able to raise the initial contribution of €750,000, or being able to afford its portion of the loan of €7.9 million to be borrowed over 40 years, if he has consented to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company taking on this responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25930/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Harbours Acts require State commercial port companies to seek Ministerial consent in relation to certain specific activities, including the establishment of any subsidiary company, certain investments in undertakings (other than a subsidiary) that are greater than €1.27 million, and borrowings.
Additionally the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies requires Ministerial consent for any 'action which would extend or change significantly the nature, scope or scale of activities in which it....engages' and also where any joint venture is proposed.
If at some future point Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company's involvement in the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group falls under any of the statutory requirements outlined, then the Company will be required to seek my consent and I will consider the issue at that time.
686. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of carriages on the trains from Maynooth, County Kildare to Dublin city centre which facilitate commuters travelling to work on weekday mornings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25989/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra687. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of carriages on the trains from Dublin city centre to Dublin 15 and to Maynooth, County Kildare which facilitate commuters travelling from work on weekday afternoons and evenings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25990/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 687 together.
The issues raised are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
688. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has held with the Department of Finance to restructure commercial vehicle road tax in line with comparable costs in Northern Ireland; if his Department has conducted a review of this restructure and the possible positive impacts it would have on the haulage sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26045/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by my Department, was established last year to consider the potential for introducing a 'pay-as-you-go' road tax system for HGVs. The group has examining the technical, regulatory and economic dimensions of introducing a HGV road user charge in Ireland. The work of the group was expanded to include a full review of commercial motor tax, which has led to the group taking longer than anticipated to finalise its proposals. The group held a targeted stakeholder consultation in November 2014 which concluded in February 2015 and in March held meetings with stakeholders, including representatives of the hauliers and their customers.
The report of the group is currently being finalised for submission to me and to the Ministers for Finance and the Environment, Community and Local Government. I expect to receive the report shortly.
