Written Answers Nos. 193-197
193. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to introduce legislation compelling motor insurance companies to insure vehicles that are ten years or older and which have a valid national car test certificate and not to victimise persons who possess what may be perfectly sound cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3410/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra194. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that insurance companies will no longer provide quotes for cars that are aged ten years or older; his views on this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3411/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together. My responsibilities, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, with respect to motor insurance, are limited to the requirement under the Road Traffic Acts relating to compulsory insurance for drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles. I have no role regarding legislation concerning the matter raised, or for the regulation of insurance companies which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance and the Central Bank The Central Bank also has responsibility for conduct of business rules for motor insurance companies here. The provision of motor insurance is a matter for the motor insurance companies operating in the private sector. At present there are over 30 insurers writing motor insurance in Ireland, as listed on the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) website. I understand from Insurance Ireland that the practices of insurance companies regarding insuring older cars vary, with some not quoting for new customers for certain older cars. However, Insurance Ireland has assured me that no one will be left without insurance for a car aged 10 years or older. Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. If a person is unable to obtain a quotation for motor insurance or feels that the premium proposed or the terms are so excessive that it amounts to a refusal to give them motor insurance, they should contact Insurance Ireland, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, DO1 E7E8 - see http://www.insuranceireland.eu/contact - quoting the Declined Cases Agreement. Under the Agreement, the Declined Cases Committee of Insurance Ireland deals with any cases of difficulty in obtaining motor insurance.
195. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reintroduce a funding stream for specific improvement grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/16]
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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
In recent years, in order to protect funding for road maintenance and repair, regional and local road improvement schemes, including the Specific and Strategic Grants Schemes, have been curtailed. I have also been emphasising to local authorities the importance of prioritising expenditure on roads when allocating own resources, including revenue from Local Property Tax receipts.
My Department's road budget will continue to be tight for the next number of years and the primary focus will continue to be on maintenance work. The 7 year transport Capital Plan does, however, provide for the gradual build up in capital funding for the road network from the current relatively low base towards the levels needed to support maintenance and improvement works.
196. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a submission (details supplied); if she will reply to the requests in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3281/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that no such cases, as referred to by the Deputy, have been made against my Department.
197. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to urgently approve the required staff for Killarney House and gardens in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3320/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is nearing completion in relation to this project. The landscaping and planting of the grounds and ornamental gardens is expected to be concluded during Spring 2016. The interpretation/exhibition phase of the project is also advancing. Staffing requirements at this location, as with all other areas of my Department, remains the subject of on-going consideration in light of the overall business needs and within the pay framework approved for 2016. Once this interpretation/exhibition phase has been moved forward sufficiently, the staffing requirements of the project will be addressed. In this regard, the nature of the posts required, as well as the numbers involved and the budgetary implications, will be determined in due course.
