Written Answers Nos. 664-673
664. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alter the arrangement whereupon if a person accepts the national car test offer for early testing that this then results in the person losing credit or time for this early testing being accepted (details supplied). [16673/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, there are two options available to motorists who wish to have their vehicles tested before their NCT due date.
They may either have their vehicle tested up to 90 days in advance of their test due date without affecting the validity period of the test certificate issued or the next test due date. Alternatively, a vehicle may be submitted for voluntary early testing more than 90 days in advance of the test due date. Under this voluntary early testing option, depending on the age of the vehicle, that is whether the vehicle is subject to biennial or annual testing, the certificate issued will be valid for either two years or one year from the date of a successful test.
As the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Car Test, I have therefore referred the details of the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
665. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure more funding for the installation of electronic timetables across Dublin city in view of the fact that the National Transport Authority has said plans for the expansion of the network of real time passenger information signs are currently on hold due to a lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16687/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the RTPI programme continues to be rolled out by the NTA in the Greater Dublin Area and in the regional cities.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) over the next two decades. The strategy includes the proposal to increase the availability of on-street RTPI at bus, BRT and Luas stops. The NTA is preparing an Implementation Plan for the delivery of the strategy for the period 2017-2022. Key to implementation over this period is the capital funding that will be available for investment in public transport infrastructure over the period.
There are currently over 700 RTPI signs in operation nationally displaying easy-to-read departure times and passenger information. In addition, 24 flat screen displays showing real time information for nearby bus stops and associated transport information maps have been installed in public areas such as train stations, hospitals and universities. I have been advised by the NTA that the balance of the 54 sites that were due to be completed under the the 2016 RTPI programme will be addressed in 2017. The further roll-out will be dependent on the availability of funding in future years and as I have stated previously, I will be seeking to increase the funding available for public transport in the review of the Capital Plan that is currently underway.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
666. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a project (details supplied) will be progressed to the next stage; if funding has been provided by his Department to Transport Infrastructure Ireland in 2017 to carry out preparatory work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16752/17]
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 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
667. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of sports capital grant applications received in 2017; the total value of grants which have been applied for; the value of the sports capital fund available to him for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16770/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra2,320 applications were submitted under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme by the deadline of the 24th of February.
These applications are seeking a total of €155m in funding.
The total amount available for allocating under this round of the Programme is €30m. An announcement on allocations will be made later this year once the assessment process has been completed.
668. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of current road safety laws that provide for the passing of cyclists by motorists on roads; and if there is statutory requirement for motorists to leave a safe passing distance when passing cyclists. [16773/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation in this area is contained in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997) as amended.
Regulation 10 (as amended) of these Regulations sets out the rules for overtaking. Under Regulation 10(1) it is illegal to overtake, or attempt to overtake, if to do so would cause danger or inconvenience to another person. As Regulation 10 and its amendments are long and are in the public domain, I shall not list every detail but the Deputy may wish to consult it.
The rules on overtaking in Regulation 10 apply to all overtaking. There are no specific rules relating to overtaking of cyclists by motorists and there is no statutory passing distance. The issue of such a distance has been proposed a number of times but An Garda Síochána have stated consistently that specifying a distance in law would be unenforceable.
There is also an offence of careless driving under section 52 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and an offence of dangerous driving under section 53. A person guilty of dangerous or careless overtaking may be charged under these provisions as well as under Regulation 10.
669. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department, in conjunction with other Departments, has been or is in the process of examining or conducting an analysis on a country and sector basis of the way Brexit will impact Ireland's trading relationship with the remaining EU member states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16319/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince before the UK decision to leave the EU my Department has been analysing the potential implications and impacts of the UK decision across all policy and operational areas.
Given the importance of trade to our economic well being, it has been a particular area of focus. Analysis has concentrated on the possible impacts of various scenarios in terms of the future UK relationship with the EU.
A research project currently underway in my Department is examining the implications for our most exposed sectors, at a firm level, in terms of trading and economic relationships of the UK being outside the European Single Market and the Customs Union. This study will also assess the associated implications for Foreign Direct Investment in terms of the freedom to invest in/own/manage enterprises, and undertake certain financial transactions.
My Department is also supporting a study which InterTrade Ireland has commissioned the ESRI to undertake examining the impact of Brexit on goods trade with a particular focus on the Border region.
Finally, my Department will shortly commission a further study to profile the composition of trade and investment of Ireland and a range of key EU Member States with the UK to further inform policy negotiating positions to be taken by Ireland.
670. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made in reviewing the amount of money allowable for the cost of bed and board which can be deducted from the weekly payment due to au pairs; when she expects the review to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16020/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September last, my colleague, Pat Breen TD, Minister for Employment and Small Business, asked the Low Pay Commission to review the board and lodgings rates* that are provided for under the national minimum wage legislation. Minister Breen had indicated during the Dáil debate on the Au Pair Placement Bill 2016 in July 2016 July that he was very conscious of the passage of time since the board and lodgings rates were set in 2000, and he indicated his intention to ask the Low Pay Commission to review these rates as part of their 2017 Work Programme.
The closing date for submissions to the Low Pay Commission Review was the 10th of January last. The Commission is currently considering the submissions received. It will then examine all the available evidence and prepare its report and recommendations for Minister Breen.
The Low Pay Commission has been requested to report back to Minister Breen by the end of April 2017.
It should be borne in mind, Deputy, that the Review is not a review of the employment status of au pairs. It is confined to only examining the board and lodging rates for all employees that are covered by the national minimum wage legislation.
* Under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (National Minimum Hourly Rate of Pay) Order 2000 (SI No. 95/2000) certain reckonable components may be taken into account for all workers to determine an employee’s average hourly rate. The Act provides for the following amounts:
€54.13 for board and lodgings per week, or €7.73 per day;
€32.14 for board only per week, or €4.60 per day;
€21.85 for lodgings only per week, or €3.14 per day.
Thus, if an employer provides an employee with full board and lodgings, or lodgings only or full board only, the monetary allowances set out above can be included as reckonable pay.
671. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide jobs in a town (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16037/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regional Action Plan for the North East/North West region aims to support the creation of 28,000 jobs across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth by 2020. There has been strong progress to date, with 5,600 more people at work across the region since the Regional Action Plan initiative was launched at the start of 2015.
The Local Authorities, LEOs, and other key public and private sector stakeholders in Monaghan are key drivers of the North East/North West Regional Action Plan.
As part of the national Action Plan for Jobs 2017, my Department, through Enterprise Ireland, has committed to support the Regional Action Plans for Jobs and provide Regional Competitive Funding of up to €60m over the period to 2020 to drive balanced regional enterprise development. Applications for funding will be invited through a public call for submission of projects and I would urge private and public organisations from County Monaghan to apply. The initiative will be announced in the National Press over the coming weeks.
Enterprise Ireland supported clients currently represent 5,168 jobs in 180 companies in County Monaghan. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with enterprise players and client companies in the Border Region to foster job creation. Enterprise Ireland has recently launched a new SME Brexit scorecard to help businesses assess areas of potential risk and opportunity arising from Brexit and to develop a plan of action in response.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business in County Monaghan (one of 31 LEOs nationwide). During 2016, LEO client companies in County Monaghan created 129 net new jobs and LEO Monaghan will continue to provide a range of supports for the micro and small business sector in 2017 and beyond.
Further information on the services available from the LEOs can be accessed at www.localenterprise.ie.
I should also draw your attention to the ‘Supporting SMEs’ Online Tool https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Supporting-SMEs-Online-Tool/ which is a cross-governmental initiative to help start-ups navigate the range of Government business supports for which they could be eligible.
672. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of work contracted out by her Department to an agency (details supplied); and the nature of that work. [16158/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister, my Department has paid €21,263.83 to the company in question. This was in respect of a contract the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, an Office of my Department, had with the company for the provision of temporary legal secretary services. This contract concluded in August 2016.
673. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the monetary value of all work undertaken by consultant firms for her Department; and the nature of that work. [16159/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have interpreted the Deputy’s question to relate to work undertaken by consultant firms since I took up office on 6th May 2016. The following is the monetary value of all work undertaken, and the nature of that work, by consultant firms for my Department.
6 May 2016 – 31 December 2016
|
Name of Consultant Firm(s) |
Nature of Work |
Value of Work € |
|
Strategem |
Prompt Payment Awareness Campaign and the development of a new portal |
48,966.00 |
|
Ward Solutions |
Security services for Irish Patents Office |
5,125.00 |
|
Espion Limited |
IT Consultancy |
10,258.00 |
|
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
External Quality Assessment |
16,974.00 |
|
Ward Solutions |
ICT Security Assessment |
16,187.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Survey of Economic Impact 2015 |
32,287.00 |
|
Economic & Social Research Institute |
Review of Expansion & Diversification of Irish Exports |
50,000.00 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Study to Examine the Affordability of Irish Housing and its impact on economic competitiveness. |
25,240.00 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Review of RD&I Supports available to businesses in Ireland |
23,646.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Data Analysis to feed into Knowledge Based Capital study |
13,776.00 |
|
Technopolis Ltd. |
Evaluation of Overseas Office Activities of the Enterprise Development Agencies |
58,837.00 |
|
Z_Punkt GmbH The Foresight Company |
A Technology Futures Exercise |
42,312.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact Tender for 2 years to cover the 2015 and 2016 surveys |
32,288.00 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Study to Examine the Affordability of Irish Housing and its impact on economic competitiveness. |
12,620.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Employment Survey 2016 |
6,494.00 |
|
PA Consulting Services Ltd. |
Horizon Scan of Global Markets and Identification of Opportunities for Ireland and Irish Based Enterprise |
59,963.00 |
|
Capita Business Services Ltd. |
Review of S and T Development Programme |
3,383.00 |
|
Sabeo |
Health check on email archive system |
1,750.00 |
|
Gas Package Solutions Ltd. |
Assessment of application for recognised third party recognition status under EU Pressure Directive 97/23/EC |
6,685.00 |
|
Capita Business Services Ltd. |
Review of S and T Development Programme |
8,250.00 |
|
Ward Solutions |
ICT Security Reviews |
3,198.00 |
|
Sabeo |
Patents Office ICT System Architecture Review |
4,305.00 |
|
Storm Technology Ltd. |
Health Check on Microsoft SQL Server Systems |
3,690.00 |
|
Trigraph Professional Services Ltd. |
Implementation of Employment Permits Online Facility |
11,734.00 |
1 January 2017 – 29 March 2017
|
Name of Consultant Firm(s) |
Nature of Work |
Value of Work € |
|
Behaviours & Attitudes |
Market Research - Business Survey |
52,520.00 |
|
Espion Limited |
IT Consultancy |
6,855.00 |
|
Alan Nuzum t/a Allen R Nuzum & Associates |
Design Skills for the Economy |
615.00 |
|
Indecon (Ireland) |
Review of RD&I Supports for Small Business and Increasing SME Engagement in R&D |
2,952.00 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Business Survey on Economic Impact 2015 and 2016 |
1,974.00 |
|
Z_Punkt GmbH - The Foresight Company |
Technology Futures |
31,734.00 |
|
Behaviour & Attitudes Ltd. |
Survey of SMEs Brexit, Initial Scoping & Regional Meetings |
64,268.00
|
My Department awards contracts and procurements based on the most economically advantageous tender and endeavours to ensure that all contracts or procurements offered provide the greatest value for money possible. Officers of my Department closely monitor these contracts for their full duration.
|
Name of Consultant Firm(s) |
Nature of Work |
Value of Work € |
|
Barberry Ltd T/A Keating & Associates |
Communication Services, (including PR; Media Monitoring; advising on the design, content and production of reports & brochures and assisting with website content) |
2,398.50 |
|
Fuzion Communications |
Communication Services, including the provision of strategic public relations advice |
442.80 |
|
Ward Solutions Ltd. |
Security Consultancy and forensic investigation |
18,062.55 |
|
Mazars |
Taxation compliance advice on new structures |
11,047.86 |
|
Campion Accountants |
Financial accounts preparation |
2,570.70 |
|
Name of Consultant Firm(s) |
Nature of Work |
Value of Work € |
|
Fuzion Communications |
Communication Services, including the provision of strategic public relations advice |
1,107.00 |
|
Ward Solutions Ltd. |
Security Consultancy and forensic investigation |
19,987.50 |
