Written Answers Nos. 167-190
167. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the hardship schemes in place from 2005 to 2008 and 2008 to 2013 to support fishermen under financial pressure or with fishing boats which did not meet the required safety standards at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52542/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department did not implement any hardship schemes as described in the Deputy's question. However, during the years in question, Bord Iascaigh Mhara implemented a Fleet Safety Scheme, which provided grants to the owners of fishing vessels to improve the safety of the vessel and crew, including for the purposes of meeting National and European Union safety standards. Details of the grants awarded by BIM under the Scheme are presented in tabular form in the BIM Annual Reports for the years concerned, which are available at the following link:
http://www.bim.ie/our-publications/corporate-&-other-reports/.
A Salmon Hardship Scheme was implemented by BIM on behalf of the then Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Scheme was introduced following a decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery in the sea. In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. Under the Scheme, fishermen active in the fishery could opt to voluntarily cease fishing in the commercial drift net and draft net sectors and undertake not to seek a licence in the future. Payments to individuals were based on verifiable track record and recorded catches in the five years prior to its introduction. The average payment under the Scheme was almost €23,000. The Scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008 and all funds were expended.
168. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the area of Stonehouse, Kilmeaden, County Waterford, was not included in the review of areas qualifying for payment under the areas of natural constraint scheme; the criteria used to determine these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52550/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation) Member States are required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme. To date my Department had been identifying eligible areas using a range of socio-economic indicators such as family farm income, population density, percentage of working population engaged in agriculture, and stocking density.
From 2019, eligible areas must instead be designated using the following list of bio-physical criteria:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope
This process has now been completed and in recent weeks I have published details in relation to the outcome and have completed a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders.
The townland in question has not met the thresholds set out in the EU Regulations in relation to the above bio-physical criteria. In such cases, it is also possible for townlands to be deemed eligible as "areas of specific constraint". In Ireland's case, we have agreed an approach with the EU Commission to identifying such areas by reference to criteria pertaining to areas of specific environmental importance, townlands facing structural issues relating to farm size and farm fragmentation, and townlands facing constraints relating to the level of permanent grassland cover and field size. The townland in question did not, however, satisfy any of the thresholds in this regard.
For any farmer who wishes to appeal the status of a particular townland in the 2019 ANC scheme, an independently chaired appeals process is available. Should a farmer wish to make such an appeal, my Department will provide full information in relation to the data underpinning the status of the townland in order that an appeal can be based on full information. My Department is currently writing to impacted farmers and this letter includes a form to instigate an appeal. The appeals form is also available on www.agriculture.gov.ie.
169. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the name and location of beef processors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52570/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarcase classification and carcase presentation controls in slaughter plants are carried out by a dedicated team of specialist staff in the Beef Carcase Classification Section within my Department.
To date in 2018 there have been 521 inspections carried out by inspectors across 32 slaughter plants and 44,332 carcasses have been inspected. A total of 19 carcases were fined for non compliance with the EU reference carcase trimming specification. Under legislation (SI 363/2010), non-compliance with the carcase trim specification attracts a maximum on the spot fine of €200 per carcase.
It has been agreed that from the 1st January 2019, processors will introduce a payment to the farmer supplier to reflect any loss in each case where my Department applied a trim fine on a particular carcase. Such payment will be identified on the payment remittance docket, so that farmers will be aware of the penalty. In addition my Department has had a number of seminars to ensure the rules around trim are clearly understood and properly executed, and these have been well attended by plant personnel.
In addition, my department will publish the names of plants in which on the spot fines have been applied with effect from 1 January 2019. I also intend to publish the names of plants in which such fines were levied in 2018 and 2016 before year end, subject to the completion of a number of formalities.
170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a directors review of an appeal decision will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52582/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agriculture Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal was received on 28 July 2016 from the person named. A decision was issued by an Appeals Officer to the appellant on 6 April 2017 following an oral hearing of the appeal and a full analysis of the case.
The request for a review of the Appeals Officer's decision was received by the Agriculture Appeals Office on 25 May 2017. The review of the Appeals Officer's decision will establish if the Appeals Officer made an error of fact or law in that decision. Every effort is being made to finalise the review as soon as possible.
171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when single farm payments for 2013 relating to a herd (details supplied) will be issued to the beneficiaries of the probate taken out in May 2014; the reason these payments have not been made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52591/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application was submitted under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) by the legal representatives of the estate of the named on person 30 April 2013. In January 2014, the legal representative of the above named estate died and the current owners of the herd number became the administrators of the estate.
Following the receipt of the necessary documentation, the entitlements were transferred to the current owners. All payments due issued for the scheme years from 2014 for both SPS and the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). The 2013 payment did not issue at the time, primarily due to the difference between the date of the assignment of the herd number and the date of receipt of the SPS application. This matter has now been rectified.
The payment due for 2013 is expected to issue in the middle of January 2019.
An official from my Department has been in touch with the nominated contact for the herd number and has explained the circumstances of the case.
172. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farm inspections were carried out on the farm of a person (details supplied) on 2 June and 16 November 2017 as part of an appeal process; the protocol that applies to such inspections; if there is an obligation on the part of his Department to notify the farmer prior to the inspection under the farmers’ charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52593/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are required to carry out certain on-farm inspections to ensure compliance with EU Regulations governing farm payments under the Common Agricultural Policy. Land eligibility inspections are generally announced and the protocol on notification in the Farmers’ Charter of Rights would apply. However, in certain circumstances inspection of individual land parcel(s) may be carried out as rapid field visits and this type of inspection is usually unannounced. In particular, inspections of commonage parcels associated with an application selected for inspection are normally inspected by means of rapid field visits and, as such, prior notification would generally not apply.
The 2017 Basic Payment and Area of Natural Constraints Schemes application of the person named was selected for a land eligibility inspection. Inspections of the commonage parcels associated with this application were carried out as rapid field visits on 31 May, 6 June and 8 June, 2017.
A further inspection of the non-commonage parcels in the application was carried out on 5th September 2017. For this inspection, the person named was notified in advance in accordance with the protocol the Farmers' Charter of Rights. At the end of the inspection the person named was informed in writing of the inspection findings, including findings on the previously inspected commonage parcels. The person named indicated that they would like a second opinion in relation to the lands being deemed ineligible. A further follow-up inspection was carried out on 16th November by two inspecting officers who were not involved in the initial inspection on the ground.
173. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the initiatives he plans to take to increase live exports in view of the oversupply of cattle available to meat factories that are unable or unwilling to provide a fair price to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52609/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLive exports play a vital role in stimulating price competition and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. Accessing and developing new markets is a priority for my Department, in line with the Food Wise theme of market development.
Live exports for 2018 (data to 10 November) amount to 238,514 head, compared to 179,269 in 2017, an increase of 33%, driven by increased exports to other EU markets, mainly Spain, the Netherlands and Italy.
Live exports to third countries have decreased this year, due in part to severe currency fluctuations in Turkey. Nevertheless, nearly 13,000 head of cattle were exported to Turkey to date this year.
Live exports to Libya more than doubled (from 1,830 to 4,489) compared to 2017. At the end of November, my Department reached agreement with the Libyan authorities on new veterinary health certs for the export of breeding, fattening and slaughter cattle. Agreement was also reached on an increase in the age of cattle that can be exported to Libya, from 24 to 30 months.
Progress has also been made in discussions with the Egyptian authorities on amendments to existing export certificates for live exports.
My Department will continue to engage with third countries and to seek out new markets for live exports.
174. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if meal bins on dry stock farms will be made eligible for TAMS grants in view of the significant underspend under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52610/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe expenditure on TAMS II to date is €96.9m. Applications continue to be received and processed under the Scheme with over 2,000 applications submitted under the latest tranche that closed on 7 December last. It is expected that the budget of €395m for the period of the RDP will be fully spent.
The inclusion of additional items such as meal bins for all sectors including the dry stock sector can only be considered in the context of the overall budgetary position which is being closely monitored.
175. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the eligibility for the new ANC scheme will not delay payments in 2019; if the appeals process for farmers that are unhappy with their eligibility status will be put in place as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation) Member States are required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme. To date my Department had been identifying eligible areas using a range of socio-economic indicators such as family farm income, population density, percentage of working population engaged in agriculture, and stocking density.
From 2019, eligible areas must instead be designated using the following list of bio-physical criteria:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope
This process has now been completed and in recent weeks I have published details in relation to the outcome and have completed a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders.
The outcome of the review project can be summarised as follows. The vast majority of land that was eligible under the existing Scheme will remain eligible under the new approach. Some 700 townlands that would have previously been eligible are not eligible under the new designation. Farmers impacted financially by this change will receive a degressive phasing out payment in 2019 and 2020. Over 2,000 townlands will now be eligible under the new approach and will be eligible to receive a payment for the first time in 2019.
An independent appeals process is now being put in place for any farmers who wish to appeal the status of a particular townland following this process. Farmers who hold land in townlands that are no longer eligible in 2019 are being written to, and included in this letter is an application form to begin the process of an appeal should they wish to take up this option. This form is also available on the Department's website. The appeals committee will be chaired independently, and will also have an independent technical expert on it. I have now announced the details of the membership of this Independent Appeals Committee.
It is intended to issue payments under the 2019 Scheme in line with the timelines set out in the EU Regulations.
176. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants and the amount paid to same for each scheme (details supplied) in 2018. [52623/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the 2018 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme some 100,800 applicants hold eligible designated lands. However, not all these applicants will be eligible for payment. To date some 91,190 applicants have been paid a total of €219.2m under the 2018 ANC Scheme. Payments under the scheme are continuing on a weekly basis.
Balancing payments for BPS and Greening commenced on schedule on the 3rd of December with €1.15bn issuing to 121,200 farmers to date (98.5% of cases currently with entitlements). This includes €17 million that has been paid to participants under the Young Farmers Scheme. Regular pay runs will continue to take place to ensure that cases that become clear for payment are paid as quickly as possible.
Advance payments under the Sheep Welfare Scheme issued at the end of November at a rate of 85% with a total of €15.1 million paid to 18,600 participants.
Payments under the 2018 Beef Data and Genomics Programme are scheduled to commence shortly.
177. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to ensuring that under the appeals process for the new areas that have been listed as eligible under the area of natural constraints that an island application can be considered and not one that is already contiguous in an existing ANC and can be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52624/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans on the new areas to be considered eligible under area of natural constraints in relation to examining areas under the appeals system for new areas to be considered eligible under the area of natural constraints; his further plans to consider special areas of conservation in well documented flood plains to be the criteria for such inclusion rather than official man-made boundaries in respect of townlands and district electoral divisions which were made decades or centuries ago and which have no basis for areas of natural constraints or special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52653/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 179 together.
Under the current Rural Development Regulation (and subsequent amendments under the Omnibus Regulation) Member States are required to change the approach to the designation of land under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme. To date my Department had been identifying eligible areas using a range of socio-economic indicators such as family farm income, population density, percentage of working population engaged in agriculture, and stocking density.
From 2019, eligible areas must instead be designated using the following list of bio-physical criteria:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope
It is a requirement of EU regulations that "compliance with those conditions shall be ensured at the level of local administrative units (LAU 2 level)". In line with this requirement, designation was completed at townland level. In addition, the condition of proximity or the contiguous nature of a townland with reference to other eligible townlands is not set out in the relevant EU Regulation as a criterion for eligibility.
The designation process has now been completed and in recent weeks I have published details in relation to the outcome and have completed a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders.
An independent appeals process is now in place for any farmers who wish to appeal the status of a particular townland following this process. Farmers who hold land in townlands that are no longer eligible in 2019 are being written to, and included in this letter is an application form to begin the process of an appeal should they wish to take up this option. This form is also available on the Department's website. The appeals committee is chaired independently, and also has an independent technical expert.
178. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the name and location of each beef processor that has broken EU trimming regulations regarding beef carcasses in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [52651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarcase classification and carcase presentation controls in slaughter plants are carried out by a dedicated team of specialist staff in the Beef Carcase Classification Section within my Department.
To date in 2018 there have been 521 inspections carried out by inspectors across 32 slaughter plants and 44,332 carcasses have been inspected. A total of 19 carcases were fined for non compliance with the EU reference carcase trimming specification. Under legislation (SI 363/2010), non-compliance with the carcase trim specification attracts a maximum on the spot fine of €200 per carcase.
It has been agreed that from the 1st January 2019, processors will introduce a payment to the farmer supplier to reflect any loss in each case where my Department applied a trim fine on a particular carcase. Such payment will be identified on the payment remittance docket, so that farmers will be aware of the penalty. In addition my Department has had a number of seminars to ensure the rules around trim are clearly understood and properly executed, and these have been well attended by plant personnel.
In addition, my department will publish the names of plants in which on the spot fines have been applied with effect from 1st January 2019. I also intend to publish the names of plants in which such fines were levied in 2018 and 2016 before year end, subject to the completion of a number of formalities.
180. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which State advertising is regulated in view of the disbanding of the strategic communications unit; the mechanisms and criteria used in selecting publications for same; the body charged with monitoring State and political advertising; and his plans to introduce regulation of political online advertising. [52506/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am responsible for Broadcasting Policy and my current role in relation to political advertising is limited to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's role in ensuring that Irish Radio and Television broadcasters comply with the prohibition on political advertising provided for in section 41(3) of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The Authority is a statutorily independent regulator established by the that Act and I have no role in relation to its operations.
The Deputy's question refers to a number of matters and policy areas which are outside my remit. I do not have responsibility for political advertising on any other medium other than those referred to above. Questions in relation to the procurement of State advertising services should be directed to the Office of Government Procurement.
In relation to the regulation of online political advertising, in March 2018 the Department of the Taoiseach established an interdepartmental group chaired by that Department on the security of the electoral process and disinformation. The other members of that group are the Departments of Housing, Planning and Local Government; Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Education and Skills; Justice and Equality; Defence; Foreign Affairs and Trade; and my own Department, along with the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána.
The Group published its first report in July, which recommended that Government seek to regulate transparency in Online Political Advertising. The report noted that this should be pursued in the first instance through consultation with all stakeholders. The Department of the Taoiseach conducted a public consultation in recent months, which informed the organisation of the Open Policy Forum on the regulation of transparency in political advertising which was held on 6 December 2018.
The forum focussed on identifying and discussing possible policy solutions that respect the right to freedom of expression and relevant EU law while promoting the transparency necessary in a democracy that will protect our electoral processes from hidden influences and disinformation.
The Interdepartmental group will now consider the submissions received to the public consultation, and the discussions which took place at the Forum.
181. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Rural Independent Group motion passed in Dáil Éireann in November 2016 on the post office network will be enacted. [52522/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to deliver a postal delivery service and a viable post office network. The motion referred to by the Deputy recognised the commitment to protect the post office network in the Programme for a Partnership Government and called on the Government to undertake a number of actions to act on this commitment. The Programme for Government envisaged that An Post, the Irish League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders would be asked to investigate and propose a new model of community banking, such as the Kiwibank model in New Zealand. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks.
A project team comprising officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Finance was established to progress this commitment. The final report was published by the Minister for Finance and Minister for Rural and Community Development on 4 July 2018. The final report indicates that the Department of Finance will continue to engage in dialogue with Irish Rural Link and other stakeholders and that it will commission an independent external evaluation of ways in which the local public banking concept could possibly be promoted in Ireland. The Department of Rural and Community Development will continue to focus on rural and regional development generally and will provide a coordinating role across Government in relation to this priority area.
As a result of the actions taken by Government, An Post has been able to construct and begin implementing a strategic plan for a sustainable future. Government remains fully committed to a sustainable post office network which is a key piece of economic and social infrastructure for both rural and urban areas. Reflecting its commitment to sustaining a nationwide post office network and daily mails service, the Government made €30m available in State funding to An Post to support the renewal of the post office network and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service.
There is widespread acceptance that the post office network requires modernisation to build, maintain and protect a service that meets the needs of communities across the country. Investment by An Post of €50 million in the network is about getting communities to use the enhanced services in their local post office.
An Post is already in the process of diversifying and growing the financial services products it provides for individuals and SMEs to include loans, credit cards and more foreign exchange products; local banking in association with the major banks and a full range of State Savings products. In addition, a partnership with Avantcard announced in September will see personal loan services available in every post office across the country.
182. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if e-car charge points will be installed at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52569/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of the existing network of publicly accessible charge points was rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme. An interactive map showing the locations of charging points throughout Ireland is available at https://www.esb.ie/our-businesses/ecars/charge-point-map.
Currently, there are public chargers available at 15 locations in Co. Kerry. A key aspect of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involved examining how best to support the development of the electric vehicle charging. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focused on electric vehicles, is now complete and the progress report is available on my Department’s website. Arising out of the work of the Taskforce, a grant of up to €600 was introduced to support the installation of electric vehicle home chargers. Charging at home is the primary method of charging for the majority of electric vehicles both internationally and in Ireland. In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the SEAI, is also working on how best to support the provision of greater levels of on-street public charging. Funding for public charging in local communities can also be accessed through the Better Energy Communities Scheme. The scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), supports community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area. I announced the successful projects under the first Call for Applications Assessment Stage under the Climate Action Fund on 28 November. I am delighted to have approved funding of up to €10 million to a project from ESB eCars that will develop a nationwide, state-of-the-art electric vehicle charging network capable of facilitating large-scale electric vehicle uptake over the next decade. Further details on this project, and the other projects approved from the fund, are available on my Department's website at www.dccae.gov.ie.
183. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the opening of the second phase of the renewable heat support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52603/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) has been developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System. Under Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan published earlier this year sets out an allocation of €300 million for the roll-out of the scheme for the period 2018 to 2027. The first phase of the scheme, an installation grant for heat pumps, opened for applications on 12 September 2018. This phase of the scheme will support ground, air and water source electric heat pump installations providing grant-aid of up to 30% of the installation cost. The first phase of the scheme was implemented under the State aid General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and did not require prior approval from the European Commission.
The second phase of the scheme, an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems, cannot be accommodated within the provisions of the GBER and, therefore, must follow the full State aid notification process. It is intended to open the second phase of the SSRH for applications early in the new year, subject to the state aid process. My Department is engaging with the European Commission in order to obtain this approval.
The Scheme Overview is available on my Department’s website at the following link:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Scheme%20for%20Renewable%20Heat%20Scheme%20Overview.pdf.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), as scheme administrator of the SSRH, is currently finalising the detailed Terms and Conditions for the operational support element of the scheme.
In order to assist stakeholders, the SEAI has published a working draft of the Terms & Conditions for the Scheme on their website. This can be found at:
https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Support-Scheme-Renewable-Heat-Draft-Terms-and-Conditions-.pdf.
184. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans of An Post for mail centres nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52612/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have responsibility for the governance of An Post, ensuring the company is fully compliant with the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, as well as the governance functions included in the statutory framework underpinning An Post. Day to day operational matters, including decisions relating to the post office network and mail centres, are a matter for the Board and management of An Post.
185. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans for the upgrade of the N4 from Mullingar to Longford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52494/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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, construction and improvement 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 your question to TII for a more detailed, direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
186. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a funding application (details supplied) by Sligo County Council under the non-national safety scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52496/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
My Department has recently received 2019 Safety Improvement Works applications for funding from Sligo County Council which includes works on the footpath at Collooney to Ballysadare.
A response will issue to Sligo County Council when grant allocations have been finalised in January 2019.
187. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Royal Canal walkway and cycleway works will commence; the expected date for completion on the section from Castleknock to the boundary of Fingal County Council with Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52533/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the Royal Canal cycleway and walkway.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for implementation of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
188. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a copy of a report (details supplied) will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52534/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMCIB published reports are available on the their website @ http://www.mcib.ie/reports.7.html.
The MCIB is an independent body with its own funding provided for by the Oireachtas under Section 19 of the Act. The MCIB is independent of the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport in the performance of its functions.
189. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the use of a service (details supplied) here; if an impact assessment or analysis has been carried out by his Department or an agency under the remit of his Department on the merits or otherwise of it being permitted here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52600/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to a company which provides limousine services in Ireland and which in other countries provides a ridesharing service. As you know, the NTA as Regulator of the small public service vehicle sector here has regulatory oversight of the limousine sector also, including the licensing of vehicles and drivers. The current regulatory regime is in place to protect the consumer and to help ensure personal safety. My view is that the regulation of ride-sharing services should also be determined in the context of these important objectives. While my Department keeps abreast of emerging technologies and is open to consider innovative initiatives, a full impact assessment as regards ridesharing has not been completed as yet.
Given their role as Regulator, I have also referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you as regards any analysis or impact assessments they have undertaken. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
190. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that local authorities are notified at an early date of their roads allocations for 2019 in view of the fact that late notification causes problems in the design, procurement and commencement of roadworks programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52652/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The regional and local road grant allocations, which are finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year, are notified to local authorities as early as possible in January.
