Written Answers Nos. 552-576
552. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that will be invested in PSO bus fleets by route in 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41846/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of bus fleet.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities on this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
553. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid to companies (details supplied) by the NTA in respect of internal audits in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41893/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra554. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid to companies historically by the NTA in respect of consultancy and-or legal advice by company and-or consultancy engaged; the project and-or reason for engagement; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41894/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 553 and 554 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
555. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposed improvements that will take place in rural public transport arising from the undertaking in the budget speech of the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform to tackle climate change by investing in our rural transport network (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42091/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of Local Link services.
Public transport in rural areas of the country is primarily provided by bus and coach services, as well as rail and small public service vehicles (SPSV) services, which include Taxi, Hackney and Local Area Hackney services.
The bus and coach services include Public Service Obligation (PSO) services operated by Bus Éireann and other operators, Bus Éireann Expressway services, licensed services provided by commercial operators and Local Link services. These services comprise conventional fixed services with regular routes, stopping places and timetables and Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services which respond to local demands and which constitute the majority of Local Link services.
As I have outlined previously, I am committed to the further development of public transport in rural areas and that is why funding has been increased over the past number of years, for both PSO and Local Link services. For example, there has been a substantial increase in funding for Local Link services since 2016, going from €12.2 million in 2016 to €21 million this year. This significant level of investment will continue in 2020.
This level of investment in Local Link services has enabled the introduction of new regular commuter services and improvements to demand responsive services, as well as the introduction of new evening and night-time services across all counties. Key features of these developments include greater integration with existing public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages.
In addition to its initiatives to improve Local Link services, the NTA has also designed initiatives to cultivate the provision of SPSV services in some rural areas. Ireland has a dispersed settlement pattern and low population densities in rural areas presents a challenge to the sustainable provision of such services. The NTA launched a new Pilot Local Area Hackney Scheme in August, seeking applications for the provision of a local area hackney service in a number of designated areas nationwide. A Pilot Community Car Scheme is expected to be announced later this year.
The NTA is continually working with Bus Éireann to provide improvements on its PSO services, including improvements to many non-urban services. Over 100 stage carriage & rural routes are operated by Bus Éireann, generally linking a series of settlements of various sizes in a particular region. The scope and scale of the changes implemented recently or planned for the remainder of 2019/early 2020, include improvements to its city and town services and non-urban networks, including improvements to the Mullingar and Dundalk Commuter services, Ballina-Westport-Galway Corridor, Ballina-Sligo-Enniskillen Corridor, West Cork Network, Connemara Network, East and West Clare Networks, Kerry Network, Dundalk to Drogheda linking coastal villages and M11 Corridor. Network changes being implemented on stage carriage services focus on delivering enhanced frequency throughout the day with earlier/later departures, more frequency, increased weekend services including on Sundays/Public Holidays.
Finally, the Programme for a Partnership Government undertakes to examine how best to improve integration of services in the rural bus network within regions. This matter is being examined and developed by my Department in the context of the wider work on which it has embarked around a review of public transport (Sustainable Mobility) policy, which is another commitment in the Programme for Government. I will be launching a public consultation shortly seeking the views of all stakeholders. I look forward to receiving the views of members of the House regarding all aspects of sustainable mobility, including in relation to both climate change and rural transport.
556. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for an e-cargo bike grant will be considered for businesses to avail of in order to make a reduction in the price of a cargo bike which can be used for transport and deliveries for short distances in urban areas in view of the serious traffic congestion (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42099/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for the information he has supplied in relation to this idea.
As he is aware, I am about to launch a consultation on sustainable mobility policy and, as part of that, I would welcome engagement with the Deputy on any particular incentives he might have in mind. I think it important that any proposed fiscal incentive is supported by appropriate analysis and forms part of an overall policy framework, an approach I would hope he supports.
The Deputy will also acknowledge that in relation to purchases for business purposes generally, certain qualifying expenditure can reduce the tax liability on the business, details of which can be obtained from the Revenue Commissioners.
557. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional capacity that will be made to the Dublin Bus fleet in 2020 to deal with the continuing increase in bus passenger numbers which is causing great difficulty on some routes for passengers at rush hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42104/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of PSO bus fleet.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities on this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
558. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated to the green public transport fund in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42105/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Green Public Transport Fund was established by my Department in 2017 to support the uptake of low carbon, energy efficient technologies within the public transport sector. Within my Department's overall funding allocation, €9m has been assigned in Budget 2020 specifically to provide for a Carbon Reduction Programme to support measures which aid in decarbonising the transport sector. From within this allocation, funding is sourced as required for Green Public Transport Fund projects.
The Fund was envisaged to support the piloting and uptake of energy-efficient and alternatively fuelled technologies for Public Service Obligation (PSO) operations within the bus fleet and small public service vehicles (SPSV) sector, as well as bridging the price differential between such technologies and conventionally fuelled vehicles. The role of the Fund has, however, evolved in line with new policy commitments and increased climate ambition.
Implementing our commitment under Project Ireland 2040, since this summer, Ireland is no longer buying diesel-only urban public buses. The Deputy will be aware that a decision was taken by the National Transport Authority (NTA), which is responsible for procurement of vehicles in the public bus fleets, to purchase hybrid-electric buses in the short term. Dublin Bus has now taken delivery of six electric-hybrid buses, with a further three expected to be delivered before year end, supported by the Green Public Transport Fund. In addition, the Fund was deployed earlier this year to support the Low-Emission Bus Trials, the findings of which will help inform our longer term purchasing decisions for new buses over the coming years. The Climate Action Plan sets out a clear commitment that by the end of 2020, the first one hundred low-emission buses will have entered the urban bus fleet; I expect to deploy the Fund to contribute towards meeting this target.
Funding has also been targeted to support the transition of the national SPSV (taxi, hackney and limousine) fleet, where electrification presents an achievable decarbonisation pathway, to alternative technologies. I established the Electric Taxi Grant Scheme in 2018, providing grants of up to €7,000 for battery electric vehicles and up to €3,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, in addition to the range of other incentives supporting electric vehicles. This initiative has resulted in the registration of 65 electric taxis to date and will be continued and expanded in 2020.
It is also important to note that while the Green Public Transport Fund has an important role to play in the transport emissions mitigation effort, it is only one small element of a far wider range of transport measures being implemented to help reduce emissions including: the range of incentives to encourage a transition away from conventional fuels towards lower emitting alternatives, such as EVs; increasing the proportion of biofuels in the fuel mix; improving efficiency standards for 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.
559. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a capital grant will be approved for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42153/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on Friday 19th October last. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
186 of these applications were for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
619 equipment only applications were assessed next and 466 allocations with a value of €9.8m were announced to these organisations in May.
Work is now underway in assessing the remaining applications for capital works, including an application from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
For the first time, applicants who submitted incorrect documentation under this round are being 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 further number of weeks to have all applications assessed with allocations announced shortly after that.
560. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a capital grant will be approved for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42154/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on Friday 19th October last. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
186 of these applications were for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
619 equipment only applications were assessed next and 466 allocations with a value of €9.8m were announced to these organisations in May.
Work is now underway in assessing the remaining applications for capital works, including an application from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
For the first time, applicants who submitted incorrect documentation under this round are being 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 further number of weeks to have all applications assessed with allocations announced shortly after that.
561. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the progress of the feasibility study of high speed rail between Dublin and Belfast, Dublin and Limerick Junction and Cork; if an evaluation of its economic benefits against improvements to existing line speeds will be carried out against relevant appraisal processes and value-for-money tests required under the public spending code which according to the national development plan published in early 2018 was to commence within a year. [42198/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra562. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the feasibility studies for improvement to rail infrastructure that have been carried out in the past five years; and if copies of such studies will be made available. [42199/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra563. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the feasibility studies for improvement to rail infrastructure being carried out or about to commence; and if copies of the terms of reference for such studies will be made available. [42200/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra564. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the planned feasibility studies for improvement to rail infrastructure to be carried out in the next five years; and if documents giving details of areas the studies are to cover will be made available. [42201/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 561 to 564, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, Project Ireland 2040 commits toward an evaluation during 2020 of the economic benefits and value for money of high-speed rail on the main inter-urban rail network against improvements to existing and planned line speeds along the lines, while the Climate Action Plan refers to the production of a "Strategic rail review paper". I can confirm that my Department is currently considering options on how to best to deliver upon these requirements in line with published commitments.
In relation to recently completed "Feasibility studies" as referred to by the Deputy, I would refer to the Rail Review, published in 2016, a copy of which can be located on the National Transport Authority's website at https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/151116_2016_Rail_Review_Report_Complete_Online.pdf
565. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of sports capital grants will be announced; the deadline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42208/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) closed for applications on Friday 19th October last. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
186 of these applications were for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
619 equipment only applications were assessed next and 466 allocations with a value of €9.8m were announced to these organisations in May. Work is now underway in assessing the remaining applications for capital works.
For the first time, applicants who submitted incorrect documentation under this round are being 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 further number of weeks to have all applications assessed with allocations announced shortly after that.
Once these allocations have been announced, a review will be undertaken on all aspects of the operation of the 2018 programme which will include consideration of the timing of the next round of the Programme.
566. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of incidents of vandalism at Irish Rail that have resulted in disruptions to services in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42209/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra568. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of incidents of vandalism on the DART that have resulted in disruptions to services in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42211/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 566 and 568 together.
The issues raised are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
567. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of incidents of vandalism on Dublin Bus that have resulted in disruptions to services in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42210/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
569. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of incidents of vandalism on the Luas that have resulted in disruptions to services in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42212/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day to day operations of public transport
The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on the Luas is a matter for the transport operator (Transdev) in conjunction with, as appropriate, the Gardaí. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the agency with responsibility for the Luas, and I have asked them to raise your concerns with Transdev and respond to you directly. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
570. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when announcements will be made on the successful projects in the current round of the sports capital grants; the reason for the delay in these announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42213/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on Friday 19th October last. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
186 of these applications were for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
619 equipment only applications were assessed next and 466 allocations with a value of €9.8m were announced to these organisations in May.
Work is now underway in assessing the remaining applications for capital works, including an application from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
For the first time, applicants who submitted incorrect documentation under this round are being 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 further number of weeks to have all applications assessed with allocations announced shortly after that.
571. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount received by Ireland in TEN-T funding in each of the years since 2011; the projects that received the funding; when a decision will be made on the application by the Department to include the west of Ireland in the list of TEN- T eligible projects; the amount this is likely to bring in EU investment in infrastructure in the west of Ireland in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42223/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the EU's funding instrument for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for the programming period 2014-2020. Funding under CEF is delivered in the form of grants allocated following competitive calls for proposals. As of June 2019, Irish beneficiaries participate in 24 projects and receive €103 million in CEF Transport co-funding, with total investments in these projects of €403.7 million. The EU funding provided is not readily available by year.
These include successful applications for the deployment of Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) and road transport projects with other Member States, which includes studies on the harmonisation of interoperable intelligent transport systems (ITS) and cooperative Intelligent transport systems (C-ITS).
Details of Ireland’s successful projects under the CEF programmed are available on the INEA website at the following weblink:
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport/projects-by-country/ireland
Details of Ireland’s successful projects for the programming period 2007-2013 are available at the following weblink:
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/ten-t/ten-t-projects/projects-by-country/ireland
In addition, the European Commission has recently recommended Donegal County Council for €4.335 million co-funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2019 call for proposals.
The project concerns the studies or preparatory work required to remove bottlenecks over a length of 31 km at three road sections in Co Donegal: Ballybofey to Stranorlar; Letterkenny to Manorcunningham; and Manorcunningham to Lifford/Strabane. This covers the designs and reports required to obtain the necessary statutory and other approvals to facilitate the future construction. The Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) is in the process of finalizing the grant agreement with Donegal County Council. The final co-funding amount will be contingent on this grant agreement and an agreed project and expenditure plan being implemented by the Council with INEA oversight.
Further details on the Donegal County Council project are available here: https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/news-events/newsroom/eur117-million-sustainable-transport-infrastructure-europe
With regard to transport infrastructure in the west of Ireland, the Deputy may wish to note that, in August 2019, honouring a Programme for a Partnership Government commitment, I made a submission to Commissioner Bulc on the matter of reviewing the TEN-T network in which I outlined national policy developments since the TEN-T Regulation came into force in 2013. These developments include the Government's National Development Plan and National Planning Framework, jointly referred to as Project Ireland 2040, and the implications of Brexit on Ireland's international connectivity.
The submission highlighted in particular the potential for increased geographical isolation of Ireland’s Western and Northwestern regions. I also pointed out that Brexit is likely to have regionally differentiated effects in Ireland and that a hard Brexit could hit Border counties particularly hard. Continued EU support for transport investment projects therefore becomes even more important in the context of Brexit, after which our peripheral location on the western point of Europe will leave us even more isolated from other EU Member States.
The submission also noted that the improvement of regional connectivity along the Western seaboard, linking together the major urban areas to allow the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) achieve its potential, is a major priority for Government. In this regard, I highlighted the work of the AEC Taskforce, chaired by Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development.
A copy of the submission can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following weblink:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c921e-submission-to-commissioner-bulc-for-a-revision-of-the-core-ten-t-net/
Finally, EU Transport Commissioner, Ms Violeta Bulc, wrote to EU Transport Ministers in February 2019, announcing that the European Commission is advancing the review of the TEN-T Network, which was due to take place no later than December 2023. This review process will include: an evaluation study, due to be completed in spring 2020; a public stakeholder consultation, which was open for contributions from April to July 2019; and targeted consultations with Member States and a wide range of stakeholders expected to take place during Q4 of 2019. Details on these consultations are yet to be confirmed but they will be an opportunity to elaborate further on the issues raised in the submission and to highlight other key priorities and possible amendments to the TEN-T guidelines that would be necessary in light of relevant developments since 2013.
The Commission intends to present the preliminary findings of the review process in May 2020, with a more detailed document envisaged for Summer 2020. Pending the findings of the review, a legislative proposal to amend the TEN-T Regulation may follow during 2021.
572. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in the context of the recent climate action plan announced by the Government together with various proposals announced in budget 2020 to promote decarbonisation and a response to climate change, he will request Iarnród Éireann to take steps to review its decision not to reopen the railway station at Thomastown, Killucan, County Westmeath, which would facilitate and accommodate the thousands of passengers weekly who leave this region in an eastward direction to work in Dublin and the commuter belt, which can lead to substantial gains in terms of carbon reduction and which would cost less than €2 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42333/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the maintenance, renewal and operation of the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I understand that local residents in the area have met previously with Iarnród Éireann to discuss the issue in detail.
Project Ireland 2040 states that the priority funding objective in relation to mainline rail is the maintenance and renewal of the existing network so that it continues to provide a safe and reliable infrastructure that enables the provision of quality rail services for passengers across the country. This means ensuring ‘steady state’ levels of investment in our rail infrastructure each year for the foreseeable future and requires a significant and recurring capital investment of around €200million from the taxpayer every year.
This level of funding delivers benefits to passengers across the network, including Westmeath, by allowing for increased levels of investment in things like signalling, ballast cleaning and track relaying which in turn improve passenger journey experience and can lead to better journey times.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the funding I have secured under Project Ireland 2040 means that we are in a position to provide this steady state level of funding and this is significant and very welcome progress.
Project Ireland 2040 also confirms a number of key investment priorities to address transport demand and deliver a range of benefits over the next ten years. One of these priorities relates to an expansion of the rail fleet and I expect to very shortly seek Government approval in relation to a proposed purchase of 41 additional carriages for the InterCity Railcar fleet.
These are the priority areas for investment as they impact the rail network in the Westmeath area and I have not received any proposals in relation to Killucan station. Any such proposal would need to be based on a robust business case which complies with the Public Spending Code and would be subject to availability of funding, which as the Deputy can see is currently fully committed.
573. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if advice (details supplied) will be made public that was given to her Department by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding plans for an alternative application system for the national childcare scheme that would not necessitate a public services card and a MyGov identification; the reason this alternative application system was not chosen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41615/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen it is fully up and running, applications for the National Childcare Scheme will be accepted both online and by post. The online application process will be introduced first, followed shortly thereafter by the postal application process. A Public Services Card (PSC) and verified MyGovID account are required to apply online only.
The online system will offer a user friendly and effective system for parents, whilst offering greater efficiency in the administration and costs associated with the operation of a Government scheme. A secure identity verification system is required for any such IT system and the Public Services Card and MyGovID offers such security in the safeguarding of applicants' information and the administration of public funding.
For online applicants, the PSC has authenticated their identity to SAFE 2 level, which is the highest standard available for the public service. Where a postal application is used, applicants are required to provide proof of identity alongside their application.
The original plans for the National Childcare Scheme IT system included a secondary online authentication method. This was removed in January 2018 following a communication from the Office of the Government's Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) that MyGovID should be used exclusively for online authentication of individuals, noting that it is the highest online form of identity assurance in the State.
The advice is a matter of record within the Department and can be made available to the Deputy if required.
574. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who will benefit from the universal subsidy provided by the national childcare scheme. [41660/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra575. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children that will benefit from the targeted subsidy provided by the national childcare scheme. [41661/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra576. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of targeted childcare subsidy that corresponds to each €5,000 income increment between €0 and €60,000 that is €0 to €5,000 and €5,000 to 10,000. [41662/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 574 to 576, inclusive, together.
The introduction of the new National Childcare Scheme is a landmark moment for making high quality childcare more affordable and accessible to families in Ireland. The Scheme’s objectives are to improve outcomes for children, reduce poverty, facilitate labour activation, tangibly reduce the cost of childcare for tens of thousands of families, and establish a sustainable platform for investment in the Irish childcare sector for decades to come.
As the Deputy will be aware, Budget 2020 provided that the maximum subsidised hours available under the Scheme will be increased from September 2020. The maximum "enhanced" hours will increase from 40 to 45 hours. This will be of particular benefit to school age children who need childcare before or after school, as well as parents juggling long working hours and commuting schedules. The maximum "standard" hours subsidy will also increase from September 2020 from 15 to 20 hours. This will benefit families where parents are not working or studying. This will support the Scheme’s objective of promoting employment, reducing poverty and improving outcomes for children.
The following table provides answers the Deputy's question. In answering the question the following is noted:
- As the minimum income threshold is €26,000, the top rate of subsidy applies to all net incomes below this.
- DCYA income models use a midpoint for each income increment as the subsidy tapers depending on income. That is, a person at the lowest point of an income increment will receive more than the stated example and a person at the highest point of an income increment will receive less than the stated example. The information requested is presented in the “midpoint” form.
|
Reckonable Income |
Rate per hour if your child is 0 - 1 years old |
Rate per hour if your child is 1 - 3 years old |
Rate per hour if your child is over 3 and not yet in school |
Rate per hour if your child is School Age |
|
€22,500 |
€5.10 |
€4.35 |
€3.95 |
€3.75 |
|
€27,500 |
€4.90 |
€4.18 |
€3.78 |
€3.58 |
|
€32,500 |
€4.22 |
€3.61 |
€3.19 |
€3.03 |
|
€37,500 |
€3.54 |
€3.05 |
€2.61 |
€2.48 |
|
€42,500 |
€2.87 |
€2.48 |
€2.03 |
€1.93 |
|
€47,500 |
€2.19 |
€1.92 |
€1.45 |
€1.38 |
|
€52,500 |
€1.51 |
€1.35 |
€0.87 |
€0.83 |
|
€57,500 |
€0.84 |
€0.78 |
€0.33 |
€0.33 |
It is challenging to estimate the numbers who will take up the new Scheme, given that this scheme represents a considerable departure from legacy schemes and noting that the saver arrangements will run in parallel. However, it is estimated that approximately 60,000 to 65,000 children will benefit from targeted subsidies and 17,000 children will benefit from universal subsidies.
