Written Answers Nos. 689-710
689. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin was informed that he could drive under his Brazilian driving licence of 14 years for a year from when he received his work permit in July 2014 but that he must then sit the full Irish driving licence test without any acknowledgement of the years of driving experience both here and in Brazil. [26148/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of international Conventions dating back to the 1920s, visitors may drive in Ireland on their own national driving licences for up to a year. If a person is here longer than that and wishes to continue to drive, they must obtain an Irish driving licence.
Irish driver licensing rules operate within the framework of an EU-wide licensing system. The criteria essential for recognition of licences from other countries are testing and licensing regimes which meet the requirement of the EU directive on driver licences. On this basis Ireland recognises licences from, and has mutual recognition and exchange of licence arrangements with, other EU Member States and a number of other jurisdictions where research and discussion has shown that standards in those jurisdictions match those here. Brazil is not one of those countries with which Ireland has mutual recognition of licences.
In the absence of an exchange agreement, persons taking up residence in Ireland, who hold a Brazilian driving licence and who wish to obtain an Irish licence, must go through the normal procedures for obtaining a driving licence by passing the theory test, obtaining a learner permit and sitting the driving test. While this may seem demanding in cases where people have a safe driving record in another jurisdiction, the overriding policy concern behind these regulations is that people are properly qualified to drive on our roads. The six months waiting rule before sitting a driving test does not apply to applicants who come to Ireland with a full in date licence from their own country.
690. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding metro north (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26184/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to the collection and retention of levies under Section 49 Supplementary Contribution Schemes are the responsibility of the relevant local authorities, in this instance Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council.
In the event that the Metro North project is cancelled or amended it will be a matter for the local authorities concerned to address the issue of refunding the contributions already collected and held by them.
691. 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 berth and in the event of Dublin City Council not contributing €1.5 million as initially suggested, if he has consented to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company taking on this responsibility, thereby increasing its exposure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26241/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra692. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the event of funding for the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group's proposals for its cruise berth, expected from the Exchequer-Fáilte Ireland and other investment funds not being forthcoming, if he has provided his consent for Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company taking responsibility for this funding, thereby increasing its exposure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26242/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 691 and 692 together.
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company is a commercial State port company and is expected to fund its capital investments without recourse to the Exchequer.
The Harbours Acts require Ministerial consent in relation to certain specific activities, including certain investments in undertakings (other than a subsidiary) greater than €1.27 million, and borrowings. Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company has not applied for Ministerial consent in respect of funding for a cruise berth.
693. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders Group's proposals regarding funding for its cruise berth could be seen by the Competition Authority as a state aid by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council to a State company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26243/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe possible development of the cruise business was identified as one of the opportunities to be pursued in the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan. A Cruise Stakeholder Group was established, comprising of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and the Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District.
The expansion and development of the cruise business would undoubtedly offer significant economic benefits to the port and the surrounding areas; however the proposal for a new cruise berth is still at an early stage and has yet to proceed to planning.
It is a matter for the Stakeholders Group and the port to ensure that any funding proposals comply with State aid rules.
694. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the recent revelations in The Sunday Business Post, and the resignations of two directors (details supplied) and their concerns regarding the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, if he shares these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26244/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra695. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met the financial controller of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company regarding the concerns of the accountant (details supplied), since that person's resignation, given that the accountant cited concerns over the viability of planned projects and the future viability of the company itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26245/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra696. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the resignation of a person (details supplied) and that person's concerns that it would be unethical to continue as director of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, his views on whether it is also unethical for the remaining directors to continue in this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26246/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 694 to 696, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, as part of its development masterplan, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has a number of projects at different stages of conception or delivery, some of which require Ministerial consent and some of which do not.
As I informed the Deputy on 17th June, I recently had a constructive meeting with members of the Board of the Company in which I outlined clearly my position in relation to these projects and I have subsequently written to the Company highlighting what is required of them with regard to their obligations in respect of these projects.
In the meantime, as required under the Harbours Acts, a legal quorum is required and is in place for the Board of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company.
702. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) is required to maintain a national car test certificate for a vehicle which has been declared off-the-road; his plans to change this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26338/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with EU Directive 2009/40/EC, passenger cars are required to undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter. This is the minimum EU requirement. The Directive also allows Member States to provide for more frequent testing and an annual NCT for cars 10 years and older was introduced in June 2011.
Roadworthiness testing of vehicles in Ireland works well in terms of road safety and there are no proposals to extend these periodic testing requirements, or to suspend them, for vehicles which are declared off the road. Vehicles that are off the road, even for temporary periods, can deteriorate when not in use and it is important for road safety that all vehicles are adequately maintained and fit for use.
703. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the plans to remove the taxi rank from O'Connell Street in Dublin 1 for the duration of works relating to the Luas cross city project; his plans to ensure continued access for taxis in the area, given his Department's responsibility for the Luas works and the need for taxi access on Dublin's main thoroughfare. [26343/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the Luas Cross City project.
Dublin City Council (DCC), in consultation with the Commissioner of An Garda Siochána, is responsible for the making of bye-laws regarding the location and number of taxi ranks in the Dublin City area. The making of such bye-laws is a reserved function of the local authority and I have no function in the matter.
Planning for short-term and permanent taxi ranks arising from the Luas Cross City project is discussed by the Luas Cross City Taxi Forum which comprises representatives of Taxi Groups, the Railway Procurement Agency, the NTA and DCC. I consider it appropriate that all taxi concerns are discussed at this Forum where very specific and detailed issues can be addressed.
In the light of the NTA’s involvement in the Luas Taxi Forum, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Authority for a more detailed response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
704. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on and timeframe for the lifting of the derogation for the Irish language to be recognised as an official language in the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25791/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish language was given full official and working language status in the EU from 1 January 2007 under Regulation 920/2005. The Regulation included a partial derogation to be reviewed every five years, with the first period lasting until 31 December 2011. Following a review, the partial derogation was extended for a second period until 31 December 2016 under Regulation 1257/2010. Under the terms of the derogation in place since 2007, only legislation adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure (formerly the co-decision procedure) must be translated into Irish.
In order to achieve the required timelines, a decision is required by Government in 2015 on the optimal approach to the derogation, following which the Council of the European Union will review its operation. A unanimous decision by Council is required before the end of 2015 on whether to extend, amend or end the derogation. The action agreed by Council would then be implemented from 1 January 2017.
Officials from my Department and the Department of An Taoiseach have been actively engaging with the EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders for some time in order to formulate the optimal approach to the derogation. In this context, the legislative and non-legislative services, which are currently provided through Irish, and the potential to expand these services, are under consideration. Preparatory work on a draft Regulation has been underway in advance of the matter being brought to Government.
In logistical and reputational terms, it is important to note that the approach adopted by Ireland in relation to the derogation is seen to be a balanced and rational response that will have regard to prevailing circumstances and challenges, particularly in relation to issues such as the timely recruitment of the requisite personnel and the actual usage of Irish in the EU institutions.
705. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén fáth nach bhfuil aon scéim teanga daingnithe ag a Roinn leis an gCoimisiún um Chaighdeáin in Oifigí Poiblí agus cathain a bheidh ceann aontaithe. [25946/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEisíodh litir chuig an Choimisiún um Chaighdeáin in Oifigí Poiblí ar an 22 Meitheamh 2015 inar iarradh ar an chomhlacht poiblí sin dréachtscéim teanga a ullmhú faoi alt 11 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla. I gcomhréir leis an reachtaíocht, tá tréimhse sé mhí tugtha don chomhlacht poiblí chun an dréachtscéim a ullmhú.
706. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the promotion of the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26000/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 is the cornerstone of the Government’s policy with regard to the language and the implementation of the Strategy is a key priority for my Department. My Department is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy in conjunction with a wide range of key stakeholders. The Deputy may be interested in the latest progress reports on its implementation, which were published last year by the relevant Departments, 12 in total, including my own Department. These reports are available at: http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/20-YearStrategyfortheIrishLanguage2010-2030/ImplementationoftheStrategy/.
My Department administers a range of Irish Language and Gaeltacht Support Schemes. In addition, Foras na Gaeilge is responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland, while Údarás na Gaeltachta provides support for the Irish language in the Gaeltacht.
The Gaeltacht Act 2012, which forms a key part of the Strategy, provides the legislative framework for the systematic implementation of the language planning process under the Act. My Department is implementing this process in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge. Insofar as the Gaeltacht is concerned, 13 of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas have begun the language planning process. It is intended to continue the roll-out of the process in respect of the remaining 13 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas in 2015 and 2016.
Following a public consultation process, I published a list of towns which may be designated as Gaeltacht Service Towns in December 2014, with priority being given to Galway City, Letterkenny and Daingean Uí Chúis. In the case of the Irish Language Networks, Foras na Gaeilge has sought expressions of interest from organisations in areas which may be designated as Irish Language Networks.
707. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a decision to provide an extra €1.5 million of State funding, over and above the €6 million previously announced by her predecessor in Dáil Éireann on 22 October 2013, for Limerick City of Culture was taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26009/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn allocation of €6m was made in Budget 2014 to Limerick City of Culture. By letter dated 25 November 2014, Limerick City and County Council applied for an additional amount of €1.5m. Following consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the identification of possible savings on Vote 33, my Department applied for and received sanction for virement of up to €1.5m to Subhead A.14 National City of Culture. In the event, savings of just over €1.1m materialised and this amount was applied to the initiative in December 2014.
708. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for the delay in delisting bogs that were designated national heritage areas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26169/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network was published in January 2014 and concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. This will entail the phasing out of turf-cutting on certain natural heritage areas by 1 January 2017 and the partial or complete de-designation of certain natural heritage areas. 46 natural heritage areas (including parts of 7 natural heritage areas) are scheduled for de-designation. One of these sites is that referred to in the Deputy’s Question.
Regulatory change will be required to give full effect to the de-designation of the sites. The appropriate form of this change is being considered within my Department and I expect that the process will be completed by the end of the year.
709. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason a project (details supplied) in County Meath has been refused funding by her Department and-or the Arts Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26304/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach local authority has appointed a steering committee and a dedicated ‘Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme’ co-ordinator, to support engagement and facilitation within local communities to generate awareness of the national programme; and to develop and deliver a plan for a suitable programme of events and initiatives to take place at a county level in line with the national plans for Ireland 2016. In this context, I have allocated €1 million in 2015 to be distributed evenly across all local authorities. The purpose of this funding allocation is to support each local authority in developing and delivering a plan for a suitable programme of events and initiatives to take place at a county level in line with the national plans for Ireland 2016. In this context, a variety of different initiatives will be supported within each local authority area that are creative, inspiring and respectful and that will engage people of all ages.
The group referred to in the Deputy's question should, in the first instance, contact the local Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme’ co-ordinator in County Meath to discuss the options available. Contact details are available on www.ireland.ie.
The Arts Council is an independent statutory body, funded by my Department. I, as Minister of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht have no role in its funding decisions.
710. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the review of the Brú na Boinne management plan in respect of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage status; when the residents can expect to receive feedback on submissions made; the reason there has been no communication from her Department to residents in the interim; if the significant issues raised at a public meeting at Brú na Boinne will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26312/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brú na Bóinne Management Plan is currently under review and a public consultation forum was arranged by my Department in February 2015 to outline details of the new draft plan to local residents and other interested parties. The general public was also invited to provide observations on the draft plan through national and local media with a closing date of 10 April 2015.
The written comments received, and the proceedings at the public forum, are being examined by my Department and will be incorporated into an updated draft of the Management Plan, as appropriate, together with any other necessary additions. This process is nearing completion and a final draft of the Plan will be forwarded to the local Management Plan Steering Committee as soon as possible.
