Written Answers Nos. 198-217
198. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting times for driving tests at each driving test centre throughout the country; the numbers on the waiting list for each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49498/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
199. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when grant aid under the sports capital programme 2017 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49508/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received.
When the programme was launched, it was envisaged that €30m would be available which would have made the allocation of grants particularly challenging. Following the conclusion of the budget discussions and in order to allow as many worthwhile projects as possible to receive some funding, I am pleased that significant extra resources have been secured to allocate under this round.
The assessment of all the 2,320 applications is now nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce full details of the allocations in the coming weeks.
200. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role in oversight his Department has in respect of the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49536/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published its Corporate Governance Framework in April 2016. This Framework sets out the role and responsibilities of the Department and the practices and procedures used in both internal corporate governance and in the Department’s relationship with its agencies.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published the Revised Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies in August 2016. This Code provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance for State bodies.
Under the Code, the Department is required to establish Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreements (OPDA) with Agencies under its remit and as such, there is an OPDA in place between my Department and the National Transport Agency (NTA). The Board and Management of the NTA are accountable for the proper management of the organisation, and the OPDA makes it clear that the NTA will ensure all necessary frameworks, including those for risk management, internal audit, the Public Spending Code, the Common Appraisal Framework and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies are fully complied with.
Good governance in the public sector encourages better informed and longer term decision-making as well as the efficient use of resources. It is clear that high standards of corporate governance in all State bodies, including the NTA, are vital to ensure a positive contribution to the State’s overall economic efficiency, competitiveness, social cohesion and regional development.
201. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the design stage of the bus rapid transit scheme in Dublin; when the design stage will be completed; the provision under the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 - 2035; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49537/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the BusConnects programme.
Budget 2018 provided a four-year capital envelope for public transport of over €2.7 billion to 2021. As I have previously outlined to the Deputy, this includes a multi-annual capital envelope of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme. This significant funding will enable us to put in place the kind of bus system that is needed to cater for Ireland’s future economic growth and growing transport needs, with high quality infrastructure and services, coupled with major improvements in ticketing and information, all providing a modern, faster, reliable, convenient and attractive public transport solution.
Given the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a more detailed reply regarding the current status of BusConnects. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
202. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some taxi drivers have seen their motor insurance premiums rise by 130% over the past two years; his views on the reason this is happening; the position regarding work by his Department to bring down motor insurance premiums for all drivers and particularly for taxi drivers and other professional drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49541/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe increased premium costs of motor insurance for all drivers in recent years is certainly cause for concern. It is clear that this, particularly in the couple of years up to 2016, has also affected those working within the Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) industry. While I am informed that there some early signs that this trend is beginning to revert, with recent CSO figures showing that motor premiums generally were 14% lower in September 2017 compared with a year earlier, it is certainly concerning to hear of some very significant motor insurance premium increases, such as cited by the Deputy.
As he may be aware, the pricing of insurance products is a commercial issue for insurance companies, based on an assessment of the risks that they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products.
Notwithstanding this, I am keenly aware of how insurance issues are affecting the taxi industry. As the Deputy may also be aware, the Department of Finance Working Group’s Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January of this year. Based on recommendations from this report, the Advisory Committee on SPSVs met with Insurance Ireland on 22 May to discuss cost of insurance issues relating to the taxi industry and a report on the same was issued to me on 21 June. I have forwarded that report to the aforementioned Working Group, which is already pursuing many of the recommendations arising from the meeting, including the need for further engagement to take place between the Advisory Committee on SPSVs and Insurance Ireland.
It is my hope that this cooperation and engagement will deliver better rates for all motorists, including taxi drivers.
203. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he plans to take to assist a group (details supplied) that has been promoting the tourism potential of the towns of Roscrea and Birr since 2005 in view of the fact that its funding under the community services programme is to be withdrawn. [49562/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding under the Community Services Programme is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. My Department has no role regarding this programme. There is no mechanism by which similar funding could be provided to the organisation mentioned by the Deputy by either my Department or the tourism agencies.
Nonetheless, I can assure the Deputy that much work is being done by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to develop and promote tourism in the midlands region. As this is an operational matter for the boards and management of the two tourism agencies - Tourism Ireland in regard to overseas tourism marketing and Fáilte Ireland in regard to regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion - I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for consideration and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received replies within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
204. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop and brand midland tourism in the same way as the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ancient East have been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the development, implementation or management of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. Similarly, I do not have a direct role in relation to the development, implementation or management of branding strategies.
In line with the Programme for Government, Fáilte Ireland commissioned a Destination and Feasibility Study to ascertain the potential growth and best mechanism to unlock those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, which includes the Lakelands, in the final quarter of 2016. The completed study suggested a number of options to create a distinctive tourism brand for the midlands. I understand that Fáilte Ireland is currently in the process of testing brand concepts and is engaging with relevant stakeholders.
While a draft proposal has been submitted to my Department, Fáilte Ireland is currently developing a more detailed proposal for this project, which I expect to receive in December. An initial capital investment of €1 million was secured in Budget 2018 to allow Fáilte Ireland to progress its work on a brand for the Midlands during 2018.
205. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new schedules that have been submitted by Dublin Bus to the National Transport Authority will be approved and become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49567/17]
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.
206. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of consultants hired by Fáilte Ireland in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the purpose for which each of these consultants was hired. [49579/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the fees paid by Fáilte Ireland to consultants in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [49580/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
This is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information and direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to address issues arising from Ireland's failure to attract the Rugby World Cup here; if these issues will be addressed in early date to ensure that further opportunities in this regard have a better chance of success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49618/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBefore I respond to the deputy's question, I wish to congratulate France on their win. I wish them every success as they turn their attention to delivering what I hope will be an outstanding tournament in 2023.
Wednesday's result was disappointing, particularly after the years of work put into the bid. However, in our disappointment, we should not lose sight of the fact that the technical report found that Ireland would be an excellent host for a Rugby World Cup. Though we were not successful, it is important to highlight that fact.
Ireland was up against two previous hosts and in the evaluation report we fell behind them based on the quality of their stadia, many of which are recently built as result of hosting Euro 2016 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We presented a different, more sustainable vision, that involved investment in existing stadia to meet tournament standards. Unfortunately, RWCL’s (Rugby World Cup Ltd) evaluators did not agree. In any event, ultimately the voters did not support the RWCL recommendation.
We did not win the bid due to the votes cast last Wednesday and in a competition of this nature there always will be a winner and losers. That does not take away from the excellent work that was done in preparing our bid.
The question as to whether or not the bid might have been altered is a matter in the first instance for the IRFU. This I am sure will be a matter for reflection over the coming weeks and months. For my part I responded positively to every request that was made of me to ensure that Government support was available at all times.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the representatives of Scotland and Wales favoured France to host the Rugby World Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49619/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe vote on 15th November was a secret ballot and how and why the various delegates voted is a matter for them.
The IRFU have stated that Scotland said for some time that they would be guided by whoever promised to put most money into the tournament. The IRFU also believe that Wales decided to support the Evaluation Report recommendation in order to support Mr. Gareth Davies who is on the board of Rugby World Cup Limited. However, only the Scottish and Welsh Rugby Football Unions can answer those questions.
In a competition of this nature, there will always be a winner and losers. That does not take away from the excellent work that was done in preparing our bid.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions taken to ensure the viability and freedom to operate for the air transport sector in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49620/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit and its potential implications for Ireland are being managed on a whole-of-government basis. My Department is represented on the Economy and Trade Group and also on the Aviation and related Tourism sub-groups under these structures.
I and my officials are engaged in regular consultations with our EU counterparts and industry stakeholders in order to plan for and mitigate the risks associated with Brexit and to identify opportunities arising.
Most recently, in October, I welcomed the European Commissioner for Transport, Ms Violeta Bulc, on her visit to Dublin to undertake a range of meetings on transport and Brexit-related matters. I am currently planning on attending the Transport Council in Brussels in December. This will provide me with further opportunities to meet with my European counterparts.
The Government has been clear that its approach is aimed at minimising the impact of Brexit on our trade and economy and an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
Aviation is vital for our social and economic relations with the outside world and will be one of the priorities areas for Ireland in the phase 2 negotiations. Ireland will be ready for those negotiations when they begin and the necessary preparations and consultations are underway.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department have identified the need for alleviation of congestion of various arterial routes throughout the country, having particular regard to the M50 and the M4 from Kilcock to Dublin city with particular reference to the Maynooth to Leixlip section; the degree to which he expects major or minor investment requirements in such areas in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49621/17]
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 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism sector to develop further over the next five years having regard to the sectors already showing growth and potential such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49622/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's tourism policy, People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025, sets out targets of achieving 10 million visitors, €5 billion in revenue from overseas visitors and employment of 250,000 in the tourism sector by 2025. In 2016, there were over 9.5 million visitors, over €4.5 billion in revenue and the tourism employment figure was in the order of 225,000.
I am pleased to say that funding of almost €108 million will be provided up to 2021 in the Capital Plan for Tourism Product Development. This will allow Fáilte Ireland to continue to invest in the development of tourism product, including continued capital investment in the experience brands, including the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. It will also enable Fáilte Ireland to commence work on the development of a brand for the Lakelands region as a separate proposition to sit alongside the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.
214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department continues to evaluate the transport system, road and rail, public and private, to ensure the development of efficient and effective transport in all areas of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49623/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur objectives for the sector, as set out in the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2016-2019, is to seek both to address the challenges that exist today and to plan for and enable future development of the land transport networks and services, with an emphasis on safety, enhancing service, facilitating and promoting more sustainable forms of transport including cycling and walking, achieving value-for-money, and promoting sound governance. The Programme for a Partnership Government also has several important commitments on land transport.
Our Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport (SIFLT), published in 2015, identified a number of implementation priorities and actions for the land transport sector. The National Transport Authority (NTA) published a Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035, which provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades that will be the subject to a number of influencing factors including funding availability. Other strategic pieces of work that either have only recently, or are expected shortly, to come to completion include: the Mid-Term review of the Capital Plan which has provided enhanced capital allocations for the coming 4-year period; the 10-year National Investment Plan to be published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that will include Exchequer funding envelopes for the period up to 2027; the Rail Review and recent consultation by the NTA; and the Government’s forthcoming new National Planning Framework which is being finalised under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. All of these will be key enablers to ensuring the development of efficient and effective transport in all areas of the country.
In the public transport area, we have a shareholder role for the main service providers. The land transport sector also has a number of agencies: the NTA, the Commission for Railway Regulation, Road Safety Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Each has important statutory functions and responsibilities in various aspects of land transport regulation, planning, funding and delivery. We work closely with all of these service providers and agencies, providing policy and legislative leadership, aggregate funding, and governance oversight.
215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department has continued to evaluate rural transport requirements with a view to bringing transport to persons rather than forcing the persons to converge on towns and villages as the population increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49624/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP). The RTP now operates under the 'Local Link' brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which Ireland's strategy needs to change in order to become a more attractive location for international sporting events; the lessons learned arising from the Rugby World Cup bid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49625/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBefore I respond to the Deputy’s question, I wish to congratulate France on their win. I wish them every success as they turn their attention to delivering what I hope will be an outstanding tournament in 2023.
Wednesday's result was indeed disappointing, particularly after the years of work put into the bid. However, in our disappointment, we should not lose sight of the fact that the technical report found that Ireland would be an excellent host country for a Rugby World Cup.
My Department took the lead role in co-ordinating the input of Government Departments and public sector, as well as putting in place the legislation and guarantees required by World Rugby. I am satisfied that the Government gave the IRFU all the support that was asked of it in its drive to secure the Rugby World Cup in 2023. The question as to whether or not the bid might have been altered is a matter in the first instance for the IRFU. This I am sure will be a matter for reflection over the coming weeks and months.
More generally, the hosting of major sports events provides great opportunities to showcase Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. Accordingly, I am very supportive of the work of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events.
For example, the Government assisted the IRFU in its bid to host the Women's Rugby World Cup which took place this year. The Government also supported the FAI in its successful bid to host four games as part of the upcoming UEFA EURO 2020 football championship. This year, with the support of Government, Ireland hosted a number of other international sports events. They include the International Taekwon-Do World Championships, European Senior Bowling Championships, Junior Touch Championships, Japan Karate Association World Championships, Youth World Coarse Fishing Championships, Grand Masters Hockey Celtic Cup, and the FIBA Under 18 Women's European Basketball Championships.
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to accommodate the various community sporting organisations throughout the country with particular reference to the need to cater specifically for active and passive sports, the young and mature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49626/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to assistance for capital projects, the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level.
The 2017 round of the SCP closed for applications on the 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. When the programme was launched, it was envisaged that €30 million would be available which would have made the allocation of grants particularly challenging. Following the conclusion of the budget discussions and in order to allow as many worthwhile projects as possible to receive some funding, I am pleased that significant extra resources have been secured to allocate under this round.
The assessment of all the 2,320 applications is now nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce full details of the allocations in the coming weeks. It should be noted that the likelihood of increasing participation is a key consideration at assessment stage.
With regard to current expenditure, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. This includes responsibility for the development of strategies for increasing participation in recreational sport for all age groups, and to co-ordinate the implementation of those strategies.
Sport Ireland channels funding through the relevant recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships. Accordingly, I have also referred the question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
