Thursday, 25 Oct 2018

Written Answers Nos. 325-338

Cycling Policy

Ceisteanna (325)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

325. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a penalty in place in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44433/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

To create a statutory obligation on the wearing of reflective clothing would entail making it a criminal offence under Road Traffic legislation for any person guilty of not wearing high visibility clothing.  A person in breach of such a provision would fall to be issued with a fixed charge notice or summonsed to court, depending on what procedure would be put in place for the processing of such offences.

I believe that the wearing of such clothing is best pursued by way of educational and publicity campaigns run by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) rather than by pursuing a punitive approach to the issue.

Indeed, the RSA, which has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising and the dissemination of road safety information, has already undertaken a number of campaigns to promote awareness among pedestrians and cyclists of the need for visibility on our roads.

Several million high visibility vests, armbands, rucksack covers and other such items have been distributed by the RSA, an Garda Síochána, Road Safety Officers, Age Action and the Vintners Federation in recent years.  A number of measures have also been included in the Road Safety Strategy 2013 - 2020 aimed at increasing the wearing of high visibility clothing among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The Rules of the Road also include a strong recommendation supporting the wearing of light, and preferably high-visibility, clothing.

Road Safety

Ceisteanna (326)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

326. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the protocols in place to deal with breakdowns on the M7 during the current roadworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44477/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads. 

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (327)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

327. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €10,590,000 capital allocation in civil aviation (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44506/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Capital allocation for Civil Aviation of €10,590,000 is mainly to support targeted investment in safety and security related projects under the Regional Airports Programme in respect of airports at Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West Airport Knock.

As part of the annual grant approval process, my Department will shortly invite regional airports to submit applications in respect of such projects.  Once received, the Department will assess all applications to ensure full compliance with the conditions of the grant schemes under the Regional Airports Programme as well as with EU State Aid Rules.  Assessment of the 2019 applications from the regional airports (Donegal, Knock and Kerry) will get underway early next year.  I expect that a recommendation on Capital grant allocations will be made to me by March with a view to announcing the breakdown of allocations shortly thereafter.

Full details on the allocations for each of my Department's subheads for 2019 will be set out, as usual, in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). In the meantime my Department is in discussion with relevant agencies regarding the details of allocations. 

In relation to 2019 in particular, I have published further details on the 17% year on year increase in the budget for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. These details are available at:

http://www.dttas.ie/press-releases/2018/ross-griffin-track-deliver-over-%E2%82%AC23-billion-transport-tourism-and-sport-2019.

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (328)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

328. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €1,493,080,000 capital allocation in land transport (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44507/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Capital allocation for Land Transport of €1,493,080,000 is broken down among the following subheads under Programme B :

Road Improvement Programmes, Road Safety Agencies and Expenses, Vehicle and Driver licencing Expenses, Carbon Reduction, Public Service Payments, Public and Sustainable Transport Programme, Public Transport and Expenses, Miscellaneous Expenses

Full details on the allocations for each of my Department's subheads for 2019 will be set out, as usual, in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). In the meantime my Department is in discussion with relevant agencies regarding the details of allocations. 

In relation to 2019 in particular, I have  published further details on the 17% year on year increase in the budget for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. These details are available at:

http://www.dttas.ie/press-releases/2018/ross-griffin-track-deliver-over-%E2%82%AC23-billion-transport-tourism-and-sport-2019

 

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (329)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

329. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €8,302,000 capital allocation in maritime transport and safety (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44508/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The bulk of capital expenditure under the Maritime Transport and Safety heading relates to programme spend by the Irish Coast Guard, including provision for a building programme, IT upgrades, vehicle and boat fleet renewal, pollution equipment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure. There is also provision for capital investment by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The distribution of the overall allocation by programme will be determined after the Revised Estimate is published in December.  In most cases, the specific project costs are only determined once a tendering process has been completed and as such, it would not be appropriate to release estimated project costs in advance of the tendering process.  

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (330)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

330. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €61,522,000 capital allocation in sports and recreation services (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44509/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Deputy the Capital allocation for Sports and Recreation services of €61,522,000 is broken down among the following subheads under Programme D :

Grants for Sporting Bodies (Nat Lott) , Sport Ireland, Dormant Accounts funding - Sports Measures , Provision & Renovation of Swimming pools

Full details on the allocations for each of my Department's subheads for 2019 will be set out, as usual, in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). In the meantime my Department is in discussion with relevant agencies regarding the details of allocations.

In relation to 2019 in particular I have published further details on the 17% year on year increase in the budget for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. These details are available at:

http://www.dttas.ie/press-releases/2018/ross-griffin-track-deliver-over-%E2%82%AC23-billion-transport-tourism-and-sport-2019.

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (331)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

331. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €39,531,000 capital allocation in tourism services (details supplied) within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced and completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44510/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

The breakdown of the total Exchequer capital provision for tourism services by subhead will be available in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for Public Services which will be published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will be available on that Department's website following publication.  It is not possible to provide any further detail in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (332)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

332. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the breakdown of staff in her Department by grade. [44349/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

At 30 September 2018 there were 277 staff in my Department as follows:

Grade	Number
Secretary General	1
Assistant Secretary General	3
Director	1
Principal Officer	24
Assistant Principal	57
Higher Executive Officer	41
Administrative Officer	28
Executive Officer	64
Clerical Officer	51
Services Officer	3
Special Advisors	2
Ministerial Drivers	2

Protected Disclosures

Ceisteanna (333)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

333. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the cultural and administrative dysfunction in Tusla that was identified in the Charleton report; the way in which she plans to respond to these issues; and the timescale for same. [44436/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The 3rd interim report of the Disclosures Tribunal makes clear that the root cause of Tusla's failures in the case of Sergeant McCabe were not a dark conspiracy but incompetence.  In the report, the Tribunal Chair has made stark and significant findings about the managers of the Cavan Monaghan area, and a litany of missed opportunities.  I find it appalling that if the case had been dealt with in accordance with existing policies then none of this might have been necessary.  The procedures in place at the time were, as the report says, simply ignored.  When I became aware of the problems in the area,  I instructed HIQA to carry out a statutory investigation into the management of retrospective cases of abuse by Tusla. 

HIQA made a similar finding in its report of the  statutory investigation; the policies were not being implemented. I have established an independent Expert Assurance Group to monitor  and advise on the recommendations made by HIQA, and work is ongoing in relation to this.

In the interest of balance I must note that there is also a recognition  for the good work of Tusla professionals in the report. I  believe that the majority of Tusla front line social workers act in good faith, and do very important work, to the best of their abilities. 

The report is clear in its criticisms of the standards of management and accountability within an area of Tusla, and it is clear that improvements are required.

While it is my belief that funding is not the key to delivering on these reforms, I have secured an increase in funding to Tusla by over €30 million for 2019, so this cannot be an excuse of lack of delivery.

I have met with  the Board of Tusla today and asked them to formally respond to the report.  The response will set out the evidence of change that will prevent these events from ever happening again. 

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (334, 335)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

334. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the breakdown of the €20,140,000 capital allocation in the children and family support programme, that is, Vote 40 of the budget 2019 expenditure report within her Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44559/18]

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

335. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the breakdown of the €11,860,000 capital allocation in the sectoral programmes for children and young people, that is, Vote 40 of the budget 2019 expenditure report within her Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44560/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.

Budget 2019 has made provision for a total allocation of €32 million in capital funding for my Department. The allocation is split between two programmes areas within my Department's Vote:

Programme	Capital Allocation
Children & Family Support	€20.140m
Sectoral Programmes for Children and Young People	€11.860m
Total	€32.000m

The Deputy has asked specifically about the Sectoral Programmes for Children and Young People. The aim of this programme is to support the provision of both universal and targeted services for the care, development and well-being of children and young people.

It is not possible at this time to identify the specific amounts that will be allocated to each project as this will be considered in the context of the finalisation of the REV 2019 in December next. However, at this stage I can confirm to the Deputy that the resources will support the continued investment in the following areas:

- Early Years and School Age Capital Grant Schemes - to ensure the quality and supply of childcare places;

- Youth Capital Funding Scheme - to support targeted youth projects across the country; and

- a Capital Grant Scheme to support new and existing play and recreational amenities for children and young people.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (336)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

336. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown of staff in his Department by grade. [44361/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

As of Monday 22 October 2018, I can confirm the staff breakdown of my Department, by grade, is as follows:

Secretary  General	1
Assistant Secretary	3
Principal Officer	11
Assistant Principal Officer	30
Higher Executive Officer	34
Administrative Officer	8
Executive Officer	36
Clerical Officer	49
Services Officer	1
Technical Grade	7
Minister Advisor	2
Minister Drivers	2
Total	184

 

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (337, 338)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

337. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown of the €125,882,000 capital allocation in rural development and regional affairs, that is, Vote 42 of the budget 2019 expenditure report within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44561/18]

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

338. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown of the €15,118,000 capital allocation in community development, that is, Vote 42 of the budget 2019 expenditure report within his Department for 2019 by specific project; the projects that will be commenced in 2019; the projects that will be completed in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44562/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 338 together.

The Abridged Estimates 2019, published as part of the Budget 2019 Expenditure Report, sets out a total gross capital allocation of €141 million in respect of the Department of Rural and Community Development. This compare to a 2018 capital allocation of €87.5 million.

It is my intention to ensure that the existing programmes delivered by my Department continue in 2019. These include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR, the Local Improvement Scheme, the LEADER Programme and Libraries Development. Given the increased allocation I also intend to allocate €55 million for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Applications under this fund are currently being evaluated and I hope to make an announcement regarding successful applications in November.

The Revised Estimates Volume 2019 will set out the breakdown of individual capital schemes to subhead level; the €125.882 million allocation under rural development and regional affairs and the €15.118 million allocation under community development. The Revised Estimates will be published in early December by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.