Written Answers Nos. 798-827
798. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason jobseekers are being encouraged to transfer their jobseeker's payment to their financial institution via electronic transfer, given the recent commitment to support the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6173/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Department of Social Protection, in line with the National Payments Plan, is seeking to reduce cheque usage in the economy; this is not only a matter of decreasing the significant costs associated with cheques in that Department and wider economy but also of enhancing customer convenience.
While such issues are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection, I understand that this process will not reduce the number of existing cash payments through Post Offices under the current contract between the Department of Social Protection and An Post. Furthermore, I am advised that there is no contractual relationship between that Department and An Post in relation to cheque payments to Jobseeker customers.
I published the final report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group on 20 January 2016. This represents an important step towards greater financial sustainability for the Post Office and the wider network. My Department is actively working with An Post and others on the implementation of recommendations contained in the final report, central amongst them the basic payment account, motor tax and network renewal.
The report clearly sets out the challenges that An Post and Postmasters face as they ensure that the network remains relevant in the context of an inexorable shift in consumer preferences, including the trend towards digital transactions.
Network renewal is one of the key actions emerging from the Final Report. A Post Office Network Renewal Group has been established, which is being independently Chaired by Mr. Bobby Kerr. The work of the Group will build upon An Post's existing five-year strategy for the network and will address the number and spatial distribution of branches, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees. It is anticipated that this work will take no more than 6 months.
799. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the availability of broadband in the Dublin 15 area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6186/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State-led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services in the last four years, and is continuing to invest. These very significant investments represent a step change in the quality of broadband services available.
On 22 December 2015, I formally launched the procurement process for the State intervention to provide high quality, high speed broadband to all premises in Ireland that may not be served through commercial investment. The formal procurement process commenced with the publication of the Pre-qualification Questionnaire and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March. The responses are now being assessed in line with criteria set down by the Department with a view to selecting qualified provider(s) to proceed to the next stage of the procurement i.e. Invitation to Tender (ITT).
The High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area.
The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services and includes The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services and includes large areas of Dublin 15. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that all of the 1.6m premises, where commercial operators have committed to providing services will have access to High Speed Broadband of at least 30 mbps.
The areas marked AMBER represent the target areas for Intervention. Members of the public can view whether their premises are in the BLUE or AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
The Intervention Strategy sets out a detailed service specification, including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high quality, high speed broadband of at least 30 mbps download and 6 mbps upload. It must also be capable of catering for higher performance in the future so as to keep pace with consumer demand.
The intention is to build out the network in the AMBER area as quickly as possible. The Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) on the optimum roll-out strategy, and on the sequencing of the network deployment to maximise efficiencies during network build, having regard to business and consumer needs, and to areas of particularly poor service and areas of strong demand. All these factors will need to be balanced against the most efficient network roll-out and will be agreed during the procurement process.
Engagement with industry stakeholders as part of the pre-procurement consultations has indicated that the roll-out in the Amber area could be achieved within 3-5 years of the contract award. In this context, the NBP proposes that through the combination of commercial investment and State intervention, 85% of addresses in Ireland will have access to high speed services by 2018, with all addresses passed by 2020.
800. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the pricing strategy, operated by Electricity Supply Board cars relating to the use of electric vehicles, is compatible with European Union Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in Article 4, section 9; his views on the pricing strategy and the way in which it will advance the development of electric and zero-emission vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6187/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent regulator. I understand that there is currently no charge for recharging electric vehicles at ESB operated chargepoints.
801. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware of the concern of local residents and business over the inadequate broadband telecommunications infrastructure in a town (details supplied) in County Cavan; when the residents in that town and its catchment area can expect to have a modern and up-to-date broadband infrastructure provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6259/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra802. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware of the concern of local residents and business over the inadequate broadband telecommunications infrastructure in a town (details supplied) in County Cavan; when the residents in that town and its catchment area can expect to have a modern and up-to-date broadband infrastructure provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6260/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra803. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to have modern broadband telecommunications infrastructure provided in an area (details supplied) in County Cavan; if he is aware that businesses and residents are very concerned regarding the inadequate broadband available in that area at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6261/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra804. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to have modern broadband telecommunications infrastructure provided in an area (details supplied) in County Cavan; if he is aware that businesses and residents are concerned regarding the inadequate broadband available in that area at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6262/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra805. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to have modern broadband telecommunications infrastructure provided in an area (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if he is aware that businesses and residents are concerned regarding the inadequate broadband available in that area at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6263/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 801 to 805, inclusive, together.
The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services in the last four years, and is continuing to invest. These very significant investments represent a step change in the quality of broadband services available.
On 22 December 2015, I formally launched the procurement process for the State intervention to provide high quality, high speed broadband to all premises in Ireland that may not be served through commercial investment. The formal procurement process commenced with the publication of the Pre-qualification Questionnaire and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadlinee of 31 March. The responses are now being assessed in line with criteria set down by the Department with a view to selecting qualified provider(s) to proceed to the next stage of the procurement i.e. Invitation to Tender (ITT).
The High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The areas marked AMBER represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
The townlands to which the Deputy refers are set out in the table below, which shows the percentage of premises that are expected to be covered by commercial investments, and the percentage that will be covered by the State Intervention.
|
County |
Name |
Townland |
Premises currently expected to be covered by State intervention under NBP |
Existing and Planned commercial High Speed Broadband |
|
Bailieborough |
Tanderagee |
|
100% |
|
|
Belturbet |
Kilconny |
100% |
||
|
Canningstown |
Tullylorcan |
100% |
||
|
Lavey |
Lavey |
96% |
4% |
|
|
Laragh |
Laragh |
27% |
73% |
|
|
Cavan |
Stradone |
Drunlaught (Ed Stradone) |
100% |
|
|
Monaghan |
Latton |
Lisdrumcleve |
100% |
The Intervention Strategy sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30 mbps download and 6 mbps upload. It must also be capable of catering for higher performance in the future so as to keep pace with consumer demand.
The intention is to build out the network in the AMBER area as quickly as possible. The Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) on the optimum rollout strategy, and on the sequencing of the network deployment to maximise efficiencies during network build, having regard to business and consumer needs, and to areas of particularly poor service and areas of strong demand. All these factors will need to be balanced against the most efficient network rollout and will be agreed during the procurement process.
Engagement with industry stakeholders as part of the pre-procurement consultations has indicated that the rollout in the Amber area could be achieved within 3-5 years of the contract award. In this context, the NBP proposes that through the combination of commercial investment and State intervention, 85% of addresses in Ireland will have access to high speed services by 2018, with all addresses passed by 2020.
806. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Air Cargo aeroplane which landed at Shannon Airport in County Clare on 25 March 2016 was en route to Bagram in Afghanistan; and if an exemption was sought under the 1973 order in this regard. [5618/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraShannon Airport Authority has informed my Department that a National Air Cargo Boeing 747 landed at Shannon on Thursday 24 March at 18.11 for a technical fuel stop. Due to a technical problem with the aircraft it over-nighted at Shannon prior to departing on Friday the 25 March 2015 at 19.05. The flight originated in Chicago and was destined for Bagram in Afghanistan.
The airline did not apply to my Department for a munitions exemption under the 1973 Order for this flight and my understanding is that no munitions of war were carried on the aircraft.
International airlines, such as National Air Cargo, are well aware of that a permit is required under the 1973 Order for the carriage of munitions of war through Irish airspace. National Air Cargo has applied for such exemptions in the past, the last being in 2014.
807. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if driving licence centres will accept a doctor's report from a doctor in Northern Ireland; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5393/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCertification of medical fitness to drive must be provided by a medical practitioner registered in the State.
The regulations on driver licensing require medical certification of fitness in a number of circumstances. In most cases, this must be done by a person who is registered as a general medical practitioner. In some specific cases, e.g. with endocrine disorders, a specialist opinion is required.
It is a requirement that medical practitioners who certify medical fitness to drive must be registered in the State so that their qualifications can be officially verified.
If a doctor working in Northern Ireland is also on the State register, then they could of course certify fitness to drive.
808. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt cad iad na cineálacha feithiclí, a choinnítear go buan ar oileán, nach gá scrúdú náisiúnta feithiclí a dhéanamh orthu; cé na haicmí feithiclí atá i gceist; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5406/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraBaineann an Scrúdú Gluaisteán Náisiúnta le feithiclí a bhfuil gluaisithe faoi chumhacht mheicniúil agus a bhfuil ceithre roth ar a laghad acu, á n-úsáid acu le hiompar paisinéirí agus a bhfuil ocht suíochán acu ar an méid taobh amuigh den suíochán tiománaithe – AE catagóir M1. Bíonn Feithiclí mar sin a bhíonn in úsáid ar oileáin amach ón gcósta díolmhaithe ón NCT, seachas sa chaoi ina n-úsáidtear iad mar fheithicilí seirbhíse poiblí.
Tuigtear dom nach bhfuil aon mhaolú ón tástáil mar gheall ar bhfeithiclí sna catagóirí M2, M3, N1, N2, N3, O3 agus 04 a bhíonn in úsáid ar oileáin amach ón gcósta. Tá sonraí i dtaobh na catagóirí éagsúla seo ar fáil ar an suíomh idirlín RSA ag http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Your-Vehicle/About-your-Vehicle/What-Category-is-my-vehicle/
809. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount each local authority requested to repair damage as a result of all storms since Storm Desmond in December 2015; the amount he has granted to each authority; the amount each local authority has drawn down as of 11 March 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5426/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government decided in January 2016 to allocate €106m to assist in the repair of storm and flood damage to transport infrastructure - this decision was taken on foot of initial estimates from local authorities of the cost of repairs. Following the Government decision, my Department requested (Circular RW 3 of 2016) local authorities to submit an immediate list of proposed road repair works by the 5th February 2016. It was indicated to local authorities that funding would be allocated in 2 tranches with the initial allocation facilitating local authorities to start repairs as quickly as possible and the allocation of a 2nd tranche in May intended to allow some time for the further investigation and evaluation of proposed works, for example in relation to bridges.
Following receipt and consideration of the returns received from local authorities, the Department announced on the 18 February €85 million in grant allocations to assist local authorities in commencing repairs on regional and local roads. Local authorities were informed that the Department of Public Expenditure, in approving the additional funding for repair works, has stipulated that the monies involved have to be drawn down this year and that for that reason works listed in returns for implementation in 2017 could not be considered for funding. Local authorities were also informed that it is very important for them to plan their work programmes so that funding can be fully drawn down by the 30 November 2016.
The cost of the proposed repair works to national, regional and local roads included in local authorities' returns, together with the allocation provided by my Department in relation to regional and local roads is set out in the table provided. In addition an €8 million allocation was provided to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for works on national roads damaged as a result of the storms and flooding. As details of allocations to local authorities in respect of damage to national roads is a matter for TII, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.
Local authorities have until the 29th April 2016 to submit a second return in relation to additional works on regional and local roads. Following the second submission, the Department will again assess the proposals received from Councils across the country and follow up as appropriate with a top-up severe weather allocation.
I understand that local authorities have already started the repair works to remedy damage arising from the recent severe weather and I expect the severe weather allocations to be fully drawn down during the course of the year. At the end of March 2016, one local authority (Waterford City and County Council) has drawn down severe weather funding of €517,093.
810. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has allocated funding for the Dalymount Park project; his views on the future funding and development of Dalymount Park including the potential role of Shelbourne Football Club within it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5452/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister Donohoe has previously indicated this Government's commitment to support Dublin City Council in the proposed redevelopment of Dalymount Park. I understand from Dublin City Council that discussions are taking place in relation to a possible role for Shelbourne FC at a redeveloped Dalymount Park and various issues remain to be resolved in that regard. While no financial allocation has been made to date, the Government remains committed to supporting Dublin City Council with this worthy project.
811. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the conduct of the National Sports Campus Development Authority, given the Information Commissioner's decision of 2 November 2015 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5589/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my replies to his previous questions on this matter and in particular my reply to Questions no. 640,641,642 and 652 on 15 December 2015. As I have already informed the Deputy, the processing of this FOI request and the decision of the Information Commissioner are matters for Sport Ireland and I have no role in the process. I have also already informed the Deputy that I am satisfied with the conduct of Sport Ireland and, before its establishment, the National Sports Campus Development Authority.
812. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to re-open the local authority swimming pool programme with attention paid to areas with large populations without a pool, such as north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5622/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million may be provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000. Since 2000, 58 projects have been, or are being, dealt with. 50 have been completed and the other 8 projects are at various stages of the Programme.
Last January the Department contacted local authorities seeking expressions of interest in a limited round of swimming pool allocations. Those expressions of interest are now under consideration.
813. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will announce the 2016 sports capital programme; and the amount he will allocate. [5636/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo decision has been made on any future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme. In the event that a further round of the Programme were announced, interested groups should register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Registration of interest would be necessary to apply under any future rounds of the Programme.
814. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received an application from South Dublin County Council for funding for a swimming pool for Lucan, County Dublin; when he will make a decision on this; and the amount of funding he will allocate to it. [5637/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million may be provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000. Since 2000, 58 projects have been, or are being, dealt with. 50 have been completed and the other 8 projects are at various stages of the Programme.
Last January the Department contacted local authorities seeking expressions of interest in a limited round of swimming pool allocations. Those expressions of interest, which include one for Lucan from South Dublin County Council, are now under consideration.
815. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why persons who already have the new identification card, pink driver's licence, cannot send the National Driver Licence Service forms by post, but instead have to present themselves when renewing their driver's licence. [5696/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen the centralised National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) was created under the Road Safety Authority (RSA), the opportunity was taken to enhance the identification requirements for applications. This was necessary to ensure improved ID security, not only for the licences themselves but in view of the fact that driving licences are often accepted as proof of identity in other contexts.
One element of the ID verification procedure is the requirement for face-to-face image capture. This means that people have to present themselves in person once, and once only, at an NDLS office in order to have their image captured digitally. Once this has been done, there is no requirement to appear in future when renewing the licence.
816. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the construction of the new N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom bypass which is included in the capital investment plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5701/16]
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 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII, formerly known as the National Roads Authority) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 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 TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
At present TII is assessing how best to progress national projects included in the 7 year transport element of the Capital Plan, including the upgrade of the N22 between Ballyvourney and Macroom, taking into account annual budget allocations. The timeframe for progressing individual projects will be decided once that process is completed. In the interim I understand TII has allocated a total of €3.8m to the Ballyvourney to Macroom scheme in 2016 which will facilitate land acquisition for the project.
817. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a sporting dispensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5712/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question relates to an employment rights matter, specifically whether a person has an entitlement to take time out from work for a particular reason, in this case to pursue a sporting career. I have no responsibility in this matter, which would be more appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
818. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the services that CIE carries out for Bus Éireann for each area of Bus Éireann's business, namely State carriage services, PSO services, expressway services, commercial and school transport services; the amount CIE received from Bus Éireann for these services from 2005 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5744/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for CIÉ 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 response within ten working days.
819. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on introducing a pilot scheme in which local tertiary back roads would be re-designated priority cycle routes between locations (details supplied); if this would be a cheaper and quicker way of developing family and tourist friendly cycling networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5756/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no doubt that there are some lesser trafficked roads around Ireland which could safely be recommended as part of a cycle route, indeed the National Trails Office, on behalf of my Department, are currently designating the route of Eurovelo 1 - a cycle route that traverses the country and is part of a Europe long route from Norway to Portugal - that will include sections on such lesser trafficked roads. This is being carried out in conjunction with local authorities who have the responsbility for reducing speed limits on these roads.
Under the National Cycle Network (NCN) Programme my Department has allocated approx. €23.5 million over the period 2012-2016 (including €10 million allocated under the Stimulus Package 2014) to local authorities to advance greenways and cycle routes that will provide valuable transport and recreational infrastructure, with the added potential to enhance tourist activity for the areas concerned. A significant allocation was made to Kerry County Council to develop the Glenbeigh to Cahiciveen South Kerry Greenway and I understand that a planning application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanala shortly.
The main aim of my Department under the NCN Programme is the creation of a network of world class greenways/cycleways which have real local, amenity and tourism value with economic benefit to the communities through which they traverse and link.
While we will not be able to fund off-road fully segregated routes all around the country the Deputy's suggestion is welcomed and will play an important part in linking the off-road sections to each other.
820. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to rename Rathmore railway station in County Kerry after Patrick O'Connor, a local volunteer, who lost his life fighting for Irish freedom in Moore Street during Easter Week 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5759/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue is a matter for Iarnród Éireann 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 response within ten working days.
821. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to devise new universal road safety signs, similar to the children symbol signs on approaches to schools, to indicate the presence of crèche, child care and preschool facilities; if these extra measures are warranted given the higher road safety risk involving young children and toddlers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5760/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Traffic Signs Manual published by my Department provides guidance and details of the traffic signs which may be used at or near schools, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which the signs may be used and the rules for positioning them.
Traffic Sign W 141 'School Ahead' to which the Deputy refers is used to warn of the likelihood of encountering children on the road where crossing to a school or a playground and could also be used to indicate the presence of a crèche.
While I share the Deputy's concern for our youngest citizens with regard to road safety I believe the current signage options in this regard are sufficient and have no proposals to devise any new signs.
Finally, may I draw the Deputy's attention to the Road Safety Authority's road safety resource pack 'Simon and Friends' available to Montessori Schools and Crèches and 'Beep Beep Day' which occurs during Road Safety week, both of which are initiatives targeted at preschool children.
822. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Iarnród Éireann and Fáilte Ireland will investigate the possibility and viability of running a steam locomotive out of Killarney railway station in County Kerry on the existing line through the countryside and stopping at other stations in the county as a visitor attraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5761/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I am responsible for, amongst other things, tourism policy. Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are the tourism agencies with responsibility for the implementation of that policy.
Fáilte Ireland is the National Tourism Development Authority and has responsibility for the development of quality tourism product. Fáilte Ireland does not directly run or provide tourist attractions.
I am advised that Fáilte Ireland is not currently aware of any proposals for a steam locomotive tourist attraction out of Killarney. The Agency would, in the context of available resources, examine any proposals submitted to it for project funding or for feasibility study funding.
The Deputy may be interested to know that various excursion services are facilitated on the rail network each year. Such proposals require approval from the Commission for Railway Regulation as well as Iarnród Éireann in its role as the rail infrastructure manager.
823. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt cad é an líon iomlán foirne atá fostaithe ina Roinn faoi láthair; cé mhéad duine acu siúd atá ag feidhmiú i bpoist atá daingnithe (i scéim teanga, nó ar aon bhealach eile) mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; an bhfuil sé i gceist aon phoist eile de chuid na Roinne a aithint mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5831/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra824. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt an bhfuil sé mar dhualgas oifigiúil ar bhaill foirne aonair ar leith de chuid a Roinne seirbhís a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge d’aon duine a lorgaíonn í nó an ar bhonn deonach amháin a thoilleann baill foirne a Roinne seirbhís trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5847/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhreacha 823 agus 824 le chéile.
Tá foireann 454 i mo Roinn faoi láthair. Tá Oifigeach Gaeilge amháin ann, ach níl aon phost eile a mheastar is gá Gaeilge chun an ról a urscaoileadh. Tá roinnt ball foirne líofa i scríobh agus labhairt na Gaeilge sa Roinn a chuireann seirbhís trí Ghaeilge ar fáil ar bhonn deonach amháin. Freagrófar as Gaeilge aon iarraidh nó aon chumarsáid a fhaightear i nGaeilge. Coimeádfaidh an Roinn an t-ábhar faoi hathbhreithniú lena chinntiú gur féidir léi leanúint ar aghaidh a cuid seirbhísí a sholáthar i nGaeilge nuair is gá é sin a dhéanamh.
There are currently 454 staff in my Department. There is one Irish Language Officer, but there are no other posts for which the Irish language is deemed necessary to discharge the duties of those posts. There are some staff in the Department who have written and oral fluency in the Irish language who provide a service through Irish on a voluntary basis alone. Any request or communication received in Irish will be answered in Irish. The Department will keep the matter under review to ensure that the Department is able to continue to provide its services through Irish when necessary."
825. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of civil and public servants who availed of fully or partially funded trips to the United States of America or elsewhere by CIE Tours to examine operations, or for any other reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5954/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of any official from my Department who has availed of fully, or partially funded, trips to the USA or elsewhere, by CIÉ Tours to examine its operations, or for any other reasons.
More generally, CIÉ has informed me that it is not aware of any trips funded by CIÉ Tours for Civil and Public Servants to the USA or elsewhere to examine the operations, or for any other reasons.
826. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the liabilities to the State in the event that a company (details supplied) enters into bankruptcy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5961/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCIÉ Tours International Incorporated is a wholly owned subsidiary company of CIÉ whose main business is to retail coach tour packages.
CIÉ Tours International Incorporated is a separate legal entity, and its results are included within CIÉ's publicly available Annual Report and Accounts. The company is actually incorporated and registered in the USA and governed by applicable company law in that jurisdiction.
Exposure of CIÉ to CIÉ Tours International would be governed by the relevant provisions of insolvency and company law in the US. However, it should be noted that CIÉ Tours International has a longstanding reputation in the coach tour business given its establishment in 1968 and is the largest tourism operator from the USA to Ireland. The most recent set of published accounts for CIÉ show the strong and positive contribution of its subsidiary with revenues of €77.8m and an operating surplus of €2.6m in 2014.
827. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his efforts to secure mutual recognition of driving licences between Ireland and the United States of America; the timeframe for progressing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5975/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which among other matters sets minimum standards for obtaining a driving licence. As such, there is mutual recognition of driver licence exchange with all fellow EU Member States. In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, we can make bilateral arrangements on mutual exchange.
Making bilateral agreements on driver licence exchange is not a straightforward matter. It involves the licensing authorities in each jurisdiction comparing the two licensing regimes closely so that each side may be satisfied that they are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The RSA looked into the possibility of mutual recognition of driving licences with the USA some years ago. However, driver licensing in the USA operates at State rather than Federal level. This means that there are 50 different systems in operation, with a wide range of different standards applied to getting a licence. The RSA concluded that it would not be practicable to make 50 separate arrangements, each of which would in turn have to take account of arrangements for exchange which these States have with each other.
Persons coming to Ireland on a licence which is not recognised for exchange may drive here on their own licence on a visitor basis for up to a year. After that, they must acquire an Irish licence by going through the Irish learner driver process. They are however not required to wait the usual 6 months as a learner before taking the driving test.
