Written Answers Nos. 512-529
512. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Irish Aviation Authority will continue to fully recognise all training undertaken at pilot training organisations that transfer airfield status from registered training facility to the newer EASA DTO (details supplied). [23150/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Aviation Authority, which is the State regulator for pilot training and licensing, that it very recently wrote to the proprietor of the organisation in question (on 22/05/18). That letter, I am informed, explained the impact of the changes at EU level and confirmed that the organisation is free to operate according to the terms of its recent Declared Training Organisation declaration, under the responsibility of the "responsible person", a suitably qualified Chief Flying Instructor (now known as a Head of Training) and suitably qualified flight instructors.
513. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out the details of Luas usership; and the number of persons that enter and exit at each stop by month and year. [23173/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport 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.
514. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if media reports on the expenditure of €2 million by the Road Safety Authority in the design and building of an online application system for driver licences which involved the mandatory use of the public services card are accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23196/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra515. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if media reports of expenditure of €2 million by the Road Safety Authority in the design and building of an online application system for driver licences which involved the mandatory use of the public services card are accurate; if a new online application system is now being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23197/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.
The media reports were totally misleading. The expenditure referred to was incurred during the development by the Road Safety Authority of an online application system for driving licences. While the roll-out of this system has been delayed, the system is going ahead and the expenditure is not wasted. There was at no point any question of the system not going ahead. It is now due for implementation from 5 June 2018, rather than the original intended date of 30 April 2018.
It will be necessary for users of the online system to have a Public Services Card (PSC). This is because any online system must be underpinned by a robust 'real world' system of identity verification, which is in turn supportable through an electronic system. The Government's MyGovID portal provides this ID verification system for online applications, and is dependent on the PSC.
The PSC is not however mandatory for obtaining a driving licence - it will still be possible for applicants to apply through an office of the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) using the ID verification documents already accepted. People who apply at an NDLS office may also use a PSC as ID if they wish.
516. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the arrangement in place between his Department and an organisation (details supplied) with regard to the integrated information data service shared members' database operated by the organisation; the information in the database; the information provided by his Department; the position on access to the information on the database; if a non-member of the organisation has access to the database; if not, whether the same information can be accessed in another form; if there is an exchange of money between the organisation and his Department relating to the database or the information contained therein; the body that retains ownership and control over the database; the frequency with which his Department provides information to the organisation for the purposes of updating the database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor insurers are granted access to the penalty point data on my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) under Section 5(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2014. There is a signed agreement in place between my Department and the organisation concerned for the provision of penalty point data. The organisation in turn has signed agreements in place with insurance companies for the provision of penalty point data.
The Integrated Information Data Service (IIDS) is a centralised access point created and administered by the organisation concerned for its members. The IIDS does not store any penalty point data. The IIDS is the conduit through which the organisation's members query penalty point information from the NVDF. The organisation itself does not have access to query such data directly from the NVDF.
The data provided consists of the penalty point offence description, number of penalty points applied for the offence, date of the offence, start date of offence on the NVDF, the total number of days remaining for the offence; and the total number of penalty points applied.
Penalty Point Data is exchanged between the Department and the organisation via a secure web service interface mechanism which operates the IIDS. Information is made available in real-time to the organisation's members on a per query basis, with the system available 22 hours each day (unavailable for a period for resynchronisation of the web services system with the NVDF database). The organisation incurred a once-off charge for the development of this service. No charge is made to the organisation, or its members, for access to the NVDF data via this service.
The organisation's members do not have exclusive access rights to the NVDF. Penalty Point data on the NVDF is available to all vehicle insurers registered with the Central Bank of Ireland whether they are a member of the organisation or not. Any insurer can seek access to the same information by making an application to my Department. In such instances, similar to those of the organisation, once-off set up costs may be incurred by the insurer concerned.
517. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline his plans to designate Northern Ireland as a country of birth on driver licences for persons born in counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry and Tyrone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23223/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question of how to designate place of birth in these circumstances was considered last year by my Department and by the Road Safety Authority.
Previously, driving licences had designated 'Northern Ireland' as place of birth in such cases. However, it was decided that practice should follow that used on Irish passports, where 'place of birth' is given as the county of birth for all people born on the island of Ireland.
I have no plans for further change in this area.
518. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out in tabular form the number of taxi licence holders who have completed form S15N and the section 15 nomination process in each of the years 2014 to 2017; and the number of taxi licence holders by county. [23237/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the section 15 nomination process and the licensing of vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Accordingly, 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.
519. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that all contracts a company (details supplied) holds with his Department and State agencies under his aegis have been tendered for; if his attention has been drawn to contracts awarded to the company that have not been tendered for; if his attention has been further drawn to contracts awarded to the company that have rolled over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21667/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra520. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline his views on the number of contracts his Department and State agencies under his aegis hold with a company (details supplied) in view of its recent announcement regarding the need to raise an emergency €700 million; if contingency plans are in place if the company were to collapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21666/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 520 together.
With regard the questions raised by the Deputy CAPITA IB were engaged by my Department in 2014 following a European wide competitive tendering process, for the development of a computer based system for Seafarers Certification. I am satisfied that the necessary controls are in place, to allow the Department to continue to operate the system, should the need arise. Additional controls are in place to ensure that my Department can continue to support and develop the system in the future with alternative suppliers.
With regard any of the agencies under my Departments remit please note that I have forwarded the questions to each agency for direct response. If you do not hear from them within 10 working days please contact my private office.
521. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out the estimated cost of increasing the funding for the Rural Transport Programme by 5%. [23370/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation in 2018 to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), which now operates under the "Local Link" brand, is €14.996 million.
This is the confirmed RTP allocation for this year, and any percentage increases over whatever timeframe, using whatever basis, may be calculated from it. However, as I have previously advised the Deputy, I would caution that whatever calculations the Deputy might use, such figures would only be speculative. Future funding levels for the programme will be subject to the annual Estimate and Budgetary processes.
522. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the estimated cost of making all public transport services fully wheelchair accessible; and the breakdown of the cost including upgrading existing vehicles, upgrading existing infrastructure including bus stops and train stations and staffing costs. [23371/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the National Transport Authority (NTA) has functional responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, 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.
523. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out in tabular form the planned capital spend for 2018 and the intended allocation for 2019 for construction of the A5 motorway as contained in the current projected capital expenditure figures. [23372/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.
The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million towards the cost of Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane).
The funding allocated to my Department as part of the Capital Plan Review last year includes financial provision for meeting the Government's commitment regarding the A5 in three £25 million (sterling) tranches over the period 2019 to 2021. The project is the subject of legal proceedings at present.
524. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set down the estimated full year cost of restoring funding to Tourism Ireland to 2008 levels. [23373/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is funded through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland's funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in 2018 amounts to €42,492,000 in 2018 compared to €53,639,000 in 2008. Accordingly the full year cost of restoring funding to the 2008 figure would be €11,147,000.
525. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out in tabular form the allocation for Tourism Ireland in each of the years 2011 to 2017; the allocation for 2018; and the planned allocation for 2019. [23374/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is funded through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland's funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in each of the years from 2011 to 2018, inclusive, is set out in the following table. The allocation for 2019 is subject to the annual estimates discussions with the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.
|
Year |
Pay |
Non-Pay |
Tourism Marketing Fund |
Total Funding |
|
2011 |
€9,182,000 |
€7,824,000 |
€34,942,000 |
€51,948,000 |
|
2012 |
€9,067,000 |
€7,429,000 |
€29,335,000 |
€45,831,000 |
|
2013 |
€8,800,000 |
€7,049,000 |
€28,445,000 |
€44,294,000 |
|
2014 |
€8,576,000 |
€6,684,000 |
€28,363,000 |
€43,623,000 |
|
2015 |
€8,753,000 |
€6,005,000 |
€25,992,000 |
€40,750,000 |
|
2016 |
€8,911,000 |
€5,519,000 |
€25,106,000 |
€39,536,000 |
|
2017 |
€9,082,000 |
€5,519,000 |
€25,706,000 |
€40,307,000 |
|
2018 |
€9,267,000 |
€5,519,000 |
€27,706,000 |
€42,492,000 |
526. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out the estimated full year cost of increasing funding to Tourism Ireland by 1%, 2%, 3% and 5%, respectively. [23375/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is funded through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. Funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in 2018 amounts to €42,492,000. Accordingly:
- a 1% increase would cost €424,920
- a 2% increase would cost €849,840
- a 3% increase would cost €1,274,760
- a 5% increase would cost €2,124,600.
527. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the level of funding expended on the local improvement scheme in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the associated number of projects supported in each of those years; the average payment made in each of those years; the allocation for 2018; and the level of funding expected to be allocated on the scheme in 2019. [23376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the major cutbacks in roads funding resulting from the financial crisis it was necessary for my Department to cease making separate allocations to local authorities in respect of the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) in 2012. Details of LIS allocations before 2012 are included in the Regional and Local Road Grant Payment booklets which are available in the Dáil Library.
No provision was made for grants for LIS in 2012. In the period 2013 to 2017 local authorities had the option of using a proportion of their Discretionary Grant for LIS should they wish to do so. The decision on whether to allocate funding for LIS and the management of the allocation process was a matter for each local authority.
Minister Ring's Department is now the lead Department regarding the LIS having launched a scheme in 2017 and allocated further funding in 2018.
528. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out the estimated full year cost of increasing funding to secondary roads improvement schemes by 1%, 2%, 3% and 5%, respectively. [23377/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national (includes both national primary and national secondary routes) 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.
529. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the estimated cost of completing the next stage of all regional or secondary roads projects under construction or in planning. [23378/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within the budget available to it, the allocation of funding to individual projects is a matter for TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question in relation to national secondary roads to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. Each local authority is the contracting authority for the purpose of implementation of regional and local road improvement projects.
My Department is committed to providing grant funding to 13 projects at present under the capital investment plan. The current status and estimated grant commitment for each of these projects is set out in the following table.
|
Capital Plan Regional and Local Road Projects |
DTTaS Grant €m |
Current Status |
|
Dingle Relief Road - Phase 4 |
4 |
At construction |
|
Bettystown to Laytown Link Road |
5 |
At planning stage |
|
Adamstown & Nangor Road Upgrade |
18 |
At Construction |
|
Sallins By-Pass/Osberstown |
57 |
At Construction |
|
Shannon Crossing Bridge at Killaloe |
16 |
At land acquisition stage |
|
Athy Southern Distributor Road |
34 |
Land acquisition & advance works |
|
Portlaoise Southern Relief Road |
7 |
At tender stage |
|
Sligo Eastern Garavogue Link Road |
18 |
Land acquisition & advance works |
|
Sligo Western Distributor road |
11 |
Land Acquisition & advance works |
|
Tralee Northern Relief Road |
11 |
Detailed Appraisal |
|
R498 Latteragh Realignment |
15 |
At planning stage |
|
Killaloe Bypass/R494 Upgrade |
34 |
At land acquisition stage |
|
Coonagh to Knockalisheen |
42 |
At land acquisition & advance works |
