Seán Sherlock
Ceist:952. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to announce the results of allocations under the sports capital project. [1590/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (952)
Freagraí scríofa
The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme opened for applications on Friday 7 September 2018 and the application period closed on Friday 19th October. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
187 of these applications are for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme. In these cases, applicants were allowed submit corrected documents in order to make their applications valid. These applications are being assessed first and it is expected that allocations to this category of applicant will be announced shortly.
In relation to the new 2018 applications, for the first time, applicants who have submitted incorrect documentation under this round will be given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, the record number of applications received and the detailed information contained in each application, it is likely to take a number of months to have all applications assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it will be at least the second quarter of this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.
Climate Change Policy
Ceisteanna (953, 954)
John Curran
Ceist:953. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of underspend in the carbon reduction programme, B6, in his Department in 2018; the causes for the underspend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1623/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Curran
Ceist:954. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects and programmes which will be supported by the €7 million carbon reduction programme in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1624/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 953 and 954 together.
Transport has a critical yet challenging role to play in the national carbon reduction effort. It is a sector where fossil fuel use is firmly embedded and travel demand is growing significantly due to our economic recovery and growing population. Despite this demand growth, 2017 saw a very welcome fall in transport emissions for the first time in four years. Nevertheless, emission savings from technological advancements in improving vehicle efficiencies and new lower carbon fuels are being offset by strong growth in transport demand. Funding under the Carbon Reduction Programme has an important role to play in this mitigation effort, but it is only one element of a wider range of transport measures that are currently underway, including: developing a range of incentives to encourage a transition away from conventional fuels towards lower emitting alternatives, such as EVs; increasing the proportion of biofuels in fuel mix; improving efficiency standards for all EU vehicles; and of course the significantly enhanced funding I am making available to support the development of new and improved public and sustainable transport infrastructure.
The National Development Plan outlines the €8.6 billion that will be invested in a range of projects such as:
- Maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network;
- Improving PSO bus services and bus infrastructure in all major cities as part of the BusConnects programme;
- Electrifying the GDA commuter rail network and expanding services through the DART Expansion programme;
- Development of a new 26 kilometre metro service in Dublin under the MetroLink project;
- Enhanced LocalLink services in more rural areas; and
- An unprecedented level of investment in cycling and walking infrastructure across the State.
The investment planned under these various programmes will collectively enhance sustainable transport options for citizens across the State and encourage modal shift away from the private car. In 2018 alone approximately 19 million more journeys were taken on PSO-funded Public Transport nationally than in 2017, a rise of 7.5%. The Canal Cordon Count shows that the proportion of commuters who use public transport, cycling or walking to come into Dublin City during peak times has risen to approximately 70% (up from 59% in 2010). Modal shift is gathering momentum and the trend away from private car use is playing a key role in our mitigation response.
The Carbon Reduction Programme budget is intended for measures that are new, innovative and often associated with emerging technologies and research. Because such projects tend to take more time to develop, establish and gain acceptance, the programme used only €697,300 in 2018 as:
- Production delays deferred the delivery of nine hybrid buses until 2019;
- Procurement delays in facilitating a small scale pilot programme for alternatively fuelled rural buses. These costs will now arise in 2019 instead;
- Assessment of vehicle suitability by taxi drivers and the NTA meant that, as is often the case with the introduction of new grants, the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) grant payment rate early in the year was slow; however, the application rate increased as 2018 progressed and this improvement is expected to continue into 2019 as the Scheme becomes established in the sector; and finally
- For the EV Reduced Tolling Scheme cost drawdown only arises for four months of operation. Scheme invoices for November and December will not arise for payment until Q1 2019.
Considering the increased take-up and spend on the various schemes and projects in the later months of 2018, I expect a higher spend from the Carbon Reduction Programme in 2019 and I was delighted to be able to allocate €7 million in 2019 which will support five key areas:
1. Low Emission Bus Trials: The National Development Plan committed that from July 2019, no more diesel-only buses would be purchased for the urban bus fleet. In late 2018, my Department, together with the National Transport Authority and key urban operators, launched a comprehensive set of bus trials with the objective of helping to further inform purchasing decisions for new buses over the coming years. The fuels and technologies to be tested include full electric, diesel-electric hybrids, hydrogen and compressed natural gas. The trials will assess CO2 emissions, impacts on air quality and the contribution potential towards sectoral renewable energy targets, as well as costs, vehicle availability and operational/infrastructural requirements. The trials are ongoing in Dublin and Cork, and it is expected that they will end in April 2019.
2. Electric Vehicle Reduced Tolling Scheme: The Electric Vehicle Reduced Tolling Scheme, launched in July 2018, allows drivers of EVs to apply for a discount in toll fares. Battery electric vehicles (BEV) are eligible for a 50% toll discount and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are eligible for a 25% discount up to a maximum value of €500, with higher levels of discount available across certain toll roads during off-peak journeys.
3. Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Grant Scheme: The Electric SPSV Grant Scheme was launched in April 2018 and supports drivers in the taxi, hackney and limousine sector who wish to transition to an electric vehicle. Under this scheme, up to €7,000 or €3,500 towards the purchase of a BEV or PHEV respectively can be granted to a successful applicant.
4. Cost differential for purchasing low-emission vehicles for the public transport sector: Funding under the Carbon Reduction Programme is also available to support projects undertaken by PSO operators to support the transition towards deployment of low carbon technologies in public transport. It may be used to cover the price differential between a conventionally fuelled vehicle and an alternatively fuelled vehicle.
5. Research: Mitigation measures for transport emissions are constantly under review in a rapidly developing and technologically evolving sector, and new and innovative measures are always being considered. In support of evidence building DTTAS co-funds transport and climate research, with four projects currently underway (three with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and one with the Environmental Protection Agency) examining subjects such as behavioural change and the decarbonisation of the freight sector.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (955)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:955. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details on the work initiated for the delivery of the M20 motorway, Cork to Limerick; and the amount of money spent in the past 12 months. [1628/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your 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
Rural Transport Services Provision
Ceisteanna (956)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:956. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of night-time Rural Link services available; and the details of services which were requested and are not available. [1629/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for 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
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (957)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:957. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contingency plans being put in place, planned or considered should there be a no-Brexit deal at the end of March 2019 in relation to goods and vehicles exiting and entering ports at Cork and Rosslare. [1630/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A major impact on ports and airports that trade with the UK will be the additional customs, agriculture and health controls required to be in place within those locations once the UK leaves the EU.
Since last summer an interdepartmental group – including the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Health, along with the Office of Public Works – has been meeting to prepare the measures required at ports and airports. The Group is now chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Following an initial assessment of the potential impacts of Brexit taking account of their trading levels with the UK, the group focused its work on the Ports of Dublin and Rosslare and Dublin airport. Other ports and airports, with less of a reliance on the UK market, are each reviewing and planning for Brexit as part of their ongoing internal operational planning. This includes the Port of Cork.
In relation to Rosslare Port, the work of the group has included identifying the staffing, IT, infrastructural and operational requirements at the port. The Government's contingency action plan published in December 2018 sets out the actions being undertaken to implement the measures required. Planning for both the central case and a no-deal case are taking place in parallel. In relation to the no-deal planning, the OPW and relevant Departments, including my Department, are liaising with Rosslare in order to ensure that the necessary staffing, ICT and site and infrastructure requirements are in place by 29 March 2019.
Road Toll Operators
Ceisteanna (958)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:958. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the volume of cars using the M3 Clonee to Kells route on a daily basis; the amount of money generated daily by tolls at junctions (details supplied); the operating profits of a company from the stretch of road in the past five years; the amount of State subsidies paid to the company regarding the route in the past five years; the terms and conditions governing the payment of State subsidies to the company; the length of time such State subsidies are to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1632/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (959)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:959. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when Transport Infrastructure Ireland plans to go to construction stage on the N73 at Annakisha and Waterdyke, County Cork. [1633/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 construction 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 detailed, 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
Public Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (960)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:960. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the provision of wheelchair accessible public transport in west County Cork specifically the Bus Éireann service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1646/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I do not have responsibility for the day-to-day operations of public transport services.
The National Transport Authority has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, as well as functional responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
However, as the Deputy in this instance is referring to a specific Bus Éireann service, I have forwarded her question to Bus Éireann for direct reply to her. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Motor Insurance Costs
Ceisteanna (961)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:961. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the future motor insurance premiums charged for learner drivers, be they car owners or users in view of the recent additions of amendments to the Road Traffic Acts; and the steps he will take with insurance companies for a reduction of these premiums. [1649/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I presume that the recent changes to legislation relating to learner drivers, to which the Deputy is referring, are those included in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 which were commenced before Christmas. These changes involve two measures. The first is a provision to hold accountable owners of vehicles who allow unaccompanied learners to drive their vehicles. The second extends the existing Garda power to detain vehicles in certain circumstances by adding the circumstance where the driver is an unaccompanied learner.
I do not see how either of these should negatively affect the cost of motor insurance. It is already a criminal offence for a learner to drive unaccompanied, and has been since 2007. The new measures in question are intended to increase Garda enforcement powers in this area and act as a deterrent to the highly dangerous practice of learners driving unaccompanied. As such, the new measures should make our roads safer.
Road Traffic Legislation
Ceisteanna (962)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:962. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 468 of 8 March 2018, if he will reconsider the issue. [1650/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I outlined to the Deputy in response to his earlier question, the obstacle facing his proposal is that "over the counter" breathalyser kits are not necessarily reliable. These kits are not produced to the same exacting standards as the devices used by An Garda Síochána, which cost several hundred euro each and are carefully selected, tested and approved by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.
As accuracy and reliability are paramount in the enforcement of drink driving limits, the Department's position on this issue has not changed. Finally, it is important that there be no ambiguity on the fundamental principle: one should never ever drink and drive.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (963)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:963. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the processing time for exchanging a driver licence issued by authorities in the United Kingdom to an Irish driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1652/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On average, 98.5% of applications for the issue or renewal of a driving licence made to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) are processed within 3 days of receipt. Where an application is made for a foreign exchange, then the foreign licence must be validated before the exchange is made. In the majority of cases, the validation can be done instantly by checking the physical licence where the physical licence is submitted as part of the application or by checking the Driver Licensing Resper system (a European system where EU licences can be checked).
Road Traffic Legislation
Ceisteanna (964)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:964. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) with regard to new legislation on drink driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1681/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is the responsibility of every driver to educate themselves about the current drink driving limits. The Rules of the Road, a document with which every driver should be very familiar, clearly state that there is no reliable way to tell how much any given individual can drink before exceeding the legal limit as it varies depending on the specific circumstances as well individual biochemistry. This point has been repeatedly underlined by scientific experts in the field. In light of this, there are no concrete "facts" to be publicly circulated about how it long it takes to process a standard drink, and it would be unhelpful and misleading of my Department or any arm of Government to attempt to do so. I am aware that drinkaware.ie, which is a national not-for-profit organisation funded by voluntary donations from supporters including producers and distributors of alcohol, does attempt to provide some guidance on this topic.
My Department, the Road Safety Authority and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety share a very clear position on this matter: the only guaranteed way to stay safely below the drink driving limit is to never ever drink and drive.
The Deputy refers to a specific company, which is licensed as a dispatch operator in Ireland and which, in other countries, provides a ridesharing service. As you know, the National Transport Authority (NTA) as Regulator of the small public service vehicle sector has regulatory oversight of the sector, 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 ridesharing services should also be determined in the context of these important objectives. My Department continues to keep abreast of emerging technologies and is open to considering innovative initiatives.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (965)
John Curran
Ceist:965. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available during the construction of the Lucan to city centre core bus corridor to provide a grade segregated intersection at the Kennelsfort Road intersection; if South Dublin County Council and the NTA will liaise to ensure this intersection is addressed during this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1721/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In that regard the Deputy will be aware that, as stated in the National Development Plan, I have secured an indicative allocation of €2 billion to provide for the National Transport Authority's (NTA) implementation of its BusConnects Dublin programme.
The NTA has published an emerging preferred route for the Lucan to City Centre Core Bus Corridor and those proposals are open for public consultation and I would encourage the Deputy to make his views known through that consultation process. I also understand a public consultation event on the proposals for this Corridor is scheduled for 16 January.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (966)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:966. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter (details supplied) will be referred to TII for its attention; if it can give a commitment to review the situation and implement measures to improve a road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1726/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the construction, improvement and maintenance 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 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 Correspondence
Ceisteanna (967)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:967. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the customer complaints received by his Department in each of the years since 2016; if the complaints are grouped into categories; the nature of the complaints; the resolution of same; and the number progressed to the relevant Ombudsman in each of the years since 2016. [1879/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to the Deputy's parliamentary question regarding the customer complaints received by the Department in each of the years since 2016; if the complaints are grouped into categories; the nature of the complaints; the resolution of same; and the number progressed to the relevant Ombudsman in each of the years since 2016.
A total of 104 complaints were received by my Department between 2016 and 2018. The majority were in relation to Motor Tax and Public Transport issues. One complaint was progressed to the Ombudsman. Please see the following table in this regard.
|
Year |
No. of Complaints |
Category |
Topic/Nature of Complaint |
Outcome |
Ombudsman Cases |
|
2016 |
39 |
Motor Tax Public Transport |
Motor Tax Disc Replacement Process Operational Issues |
Resolved Sent to agency for reply |
|
|
2017 |
33 |
Customer Service Motor Tax Public Transport Word in issued document misspelled FOI |
Telephone System Wait Time Motor Tax Disc Replacement Process Operational Issues Misspelt Word Road Safety Authority |
Resolved Resolved Sent to agency for reply Complaint noted Resolved |
|
|
2018 |
32 |
Motor Tax Motor Tax Information Sought Public Transport Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 Taxi Driver Licence |
Query on Transfer of Vehicle Ownership Motor Tax Disc Replacement Process Existing information not being disclosed Operational issues Dept. Official contact details not in Irish & delay in replying to customer Taxi Licence NDLS queuing system |
Being investigated by Ombudsman Resolved Advised that information non-existent Sent to agency for reply Omission rectified & apology made to customer Ongoing Resolved |
1 |
|
Total |
104 |
Early Years Sector
Ceisteanna (968)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:968. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a matter in relation to persons working in the early years childhood sector (details supplied) will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54049/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank Deputy Healy-Rae for his question regarding the Early Learning and Care sector.
I have been unequivocal in my support for better pay and conditions for Early Learning and Care staff. Early Learning and Care practitioners play a critical role in supporting young children's early learning and development and providing a safe and caring environment. They deserve to be recognised, valued and respected for this.
While my Department funds a wide range of initiatives to support the quality, affordability and accessibility of early learning and care services, the State is not the employer of staff in this sector and cannot set wage levels. The large majority of Early Learning and Care settings are private businesses (74% according to the most recent figures from Pobal), with the remainder being independent community-based organisations (26%).This is an entirely different context to the situation regarding primary and post-primary educators. Given this context, there are limits to the actions my Department can take.
I have repeatedly called for the Early Learning and Care sector to pursue a Sectoral Employment Order, which offers a viable mechanism to establish appropriate wage levels. As the Deputy will be aware, neither I nor my officials can initiate a Sectoral Employment Order, but my Department will readily co-operate with such a process, if and when it is underway.
I have also supported a range of measures to improve pay and conditions using the tools available to me. In particular, DCYA has introduced additional capitation into funding programmes for early learning and care, including a 7% rise this September in the ECCE capitation rate, as well as Programme Support Payments to recognise the administrative roles that services play. I have also continued to provide a higher rate of capitation payment for graduate-led pre-school rooms, to encourage the attraction and retention of Early Learning and Care graduates. Last year I also introduced a pilot measure for funding services whose staff take part in continuing professional development, and I hope to build on this pilot over the years to come, following an evaluation.
I have encouraged services to use such additional funding to support the pay and conditions of the hard-working frontline staff that make such a lasting difference to children's lives. I was pleased to see that the most recent annual sector profile published by Pobal showed an increase in the average wage in the sector from €11.93 per hour in 2017 to €12.17 in 2018, but I acknowledge that there is a long way to go before staff have the wages and working conditions that reflect the importance of the work they do.
My Department has also commissioned an Independent Review of the Cost of Delivering Quality Childcare, which is examining the factors that impact on the cost of delivering quality childcare, including staff wages. When complete, this will inform policy development and funding decisions.
Following the publication of First Five, in which the Government committed to move to a graduate-led Early Learning and Care workforce by 2028, work will commence shortly on developing a Workforce Plan to achieve this commitment.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (969)
James Browne
Ceist:969. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if consideration has been given to reopening the Pobal grant scheme for parent and toddler groups that missed the autumn deadline of 28 September 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1258/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2018 parent and toddler grant scheme has now been completed and all available funding allocated. Consequently there is no option or plan to reopen the scheme at this stage.
However, I have secured a similar level of funding to run the scheme again in 2019. Details of this scheme are currently the subject of discussion between my officials and Pobal and details will be announced as soon as these have been finalised.
Anyone wishing to apply in 2019 would need to contact their local County Childcare Committee regarding closing dates for applications.
Adoption Registration
Ceisteanna (970)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:970. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to a petition organised by an organisation (details supplied); her plans to deal with the concerns of those affected by the illegal adoptions that took place here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of this petition and am committed to the process of notifying people who are affected by illegal registrations identified on the files of St. Patrick's Guild and providing these individuals with as much information as possible regarding their identity.
Tusla social workers are supporting these individuals as they deal with the news that they have been illegally registered at birth. The information that an illegal birth registration has taken place is potentially life changing and the State has a responsibility to reach a high level of certainty that this has in fact happened before it contacts the individuals concerned. I am keeping the situation continuously under review.
Further to this, the Deputy will also be aware that I initiated a review of adoption records to determine if similar evidence of illegal registration could be identified from the records of other former adoption agencies and other relevant bodies as was identified in the St. Patrick's Guild files. It is not possible at this stage to anticipate the type of information that will emerge from the review. Given the sensitive personal data contained in the files, data protection and GDPR issues have arisen, which have delayed the review, but these have now been addressed and the final report of the review is expected to be submitted to me before Easter 2019.
The Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 is relevant to those affected by illegal registration and I am committed to bringing it to Committee Stage in the Seanad as soon as possible. People affected by illegal registration will be able to apply for an information and tracing service on the same basis as adoptees.
This is an important piece of legislation as it provides adopted people and other relevant people with statutory rights to information and to a tracing service. It will also protect relevant records by bringing them into the custody of the Adoption Authority of Ireland and it will create offences for the concealment, destruction, mutilation or falsification of such records.
However, there is a constitutional context and the Bill must seek to balance the rights to identity and to privacy, which sometimes compete with one another. However, the Bill operates on the basis of a presumption in favour of disclosing information in so far as is legally and constitutionally possible.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (971)
Niall Collins
Ceist:971. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost incurred by her Department in 2018 for the use of taxi services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The cost incurred by my Department for the use of taxi services in 2018 amounts to €11,192.08. This amounts to an average of €0.70 per person per week based on headcount in my Department.
My Department avails of a Public Service Framework for the Provision of Taxi Services in the Greater Dublin Area. This framework is expected to achieve significant cost reductions for the taxpayer over its lifetime by reference to regulated maximum fares and anticipated demand. In addition to using the framework agreement, the policy in my Department is that taxis should only be used where no suitable public transport is available. Public transport, including designated airport buses/trains, where conveniently available, should be favoured over travel by taxis.