Written Answers Nos. 956-980
956. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recourse students have to refunds with regard to J1 visa packages booked further to a provider (details supplied) going into provisional liquidation; the consumer statutory entitlements under Irish and EU laws in this area; and the appropriate State body and Department that has the lead remit in this area. [5684/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Aviation Regulation is the statutory body with responsibility for administering the insolvency protection scheme to repatriate and reimburse consumers in the event of a licensed travel agent or tour operator collapse. Customers may be covered by the consumer protection scheme if they purchased a package from the company in question and this package includes overseas travel. They may also be covered if they bought travel (alone) commencing in Ireland.
The customers of the Company should complete the relevant claim form and supply supporting documentation as set out in the Commission’s notice at https://www.aviationreg.ie/welcome-to-the-commission-for-aviation-regulation-ireland/travel-business-collapse-information-and-claim-forms.960.html. For customers of this Company, claims must be submitted by 26 May 2020. The Commission will then assess these claims to determine the amount due to the claimant.
957. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage at which persons working in water sports can recommence work; if consideration has been given to persons that teach water sports with regard to the easing of restrictions for outdoor workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5889/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe stage at which persons working in water sports can recommence work is dependent on the specific characteristics of the water sport concerned, for example whether it occurs indoors or outdoors, as these determine the applicable phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
Phase 1 of the Roadmap, which commenced on 18 May, permits certain outdoor sports and physical activates in groups of no more than 4 people, all of whom may not travel further than 5km from their homes, and where social distancing can be maintained. Angling, open water swimming, sailing, rowing and canoeing are included in this category and can recommence in accordance with the prevailing restrictions with effect from the 18th of May.
958. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if persons that teach water sports have been considered with regard to the easing of restrictions for those that work outdoors; the stage at which those working in water sports can commence work again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5890/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe stage at which those working in water sports can commence work again is dependent on the specific characteristics of the water sport concerned, for example whether it occurs indoors or outdoors, as these determine the applicable phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
Phase 1 of the Roadmap, which commenced on 18 May, permits certain outdoor sports and physical activities in groups of no more than 4 people, all of whom may not travel further than 5km from their homes, and where social distancing can be maintained. Angling, open water swimming, sailing, rowing and canoeing are included in this category and can recommence in accordance with the prevailing restrictions with effect from the 18th of May.
Other water sports are scheduled to recommence in accordance with the phasing laid down in the Roadmap, subject to the prevailing public health advice at that time.
Although I have no specific function to exercise in relation to water safety, I would emphasise the importance of members of the public exercising caution if engaged in water sports such as open water swimming for example. Lifeguards may not be present on beaches to the same extent as in ordinary circumstances, and many swimming spots may in fact be closed off to prevent gatherings.
959. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if clarity will be provided in relation to the measures that need to be taken by restaurants, cafés, publicans and hotels in phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business from 20 July 2020 onwards (details supplied). [6319/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the types of businesses mentioned by the Deputy and in line with the sequence of actions detailed in the ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’, Phase 3 should see cafés and restaurants reopening, with hotels (but not hotel bars) due to follow in Phase 4 and pubs/bars scheduled for reopening in Phase 5. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland is currently preparing guidelines for the tourism sector, in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland to supply any further relevant detail directly to the Deputy, including anything specific to the issues raised in the details the Deputy supplied. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
960. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding streams available to local authorities for bridge repairs. [6578/20]
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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The Regional and Local Roads Division in my Department operates a Bridge Rehabilitation programme which allows local authorities to apply each year for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works. It is also open to local authorities to apply for funding under the terms of the Specific Improvement Grant programme.
Alternatively, councils in receipt of the Department's Discretionary Grant can choose to spend these monies for improvements and maintenance works. Councils have discretion in spending these grants provided the works meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing capital funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 the planning, design, and construction, including the distribution and management of funding for national roads, is a matter for TII in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
961. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passengers that arrived in airports in April 2020. [6926/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table shows the number of passengers that arrived at Irish Airports on scheduled passenger services in April, 2020. The numbers given include transfer/transit passengers for whom the airport listed is not their final destination.
Arrivals at Irish Airports April 2020
|
Airport |
Passenger Arrivals |
Transfer/Transit Passengers |
Total |
|
Dublin Airport |
11,436 |
3,545 |
14,981 |
|
Cork Airport |
694 |
0 |
694 |
|
Shannon Airport |
50 |
4,175 |
4225 |
|
Kerry Airport |
62 |
0 |
62 |
|
Donegal Airport |
56 |
0 |
56 |
|
Ireland West Airport Knock |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
12,298 |
7,720 |
20,018 |
962. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passengers that arrived in seaports in April 2020. [6927/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUpon request by my Department the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) have been collecting weekly figures of passenger arrivals and departures through Irish ports since the beginning of April.
These figures are outlined below and represent combined arrival and departure numbers.
On average, there tends to be an even divide between arrival and departure numbers but a precise breakdown will be available from the CSO in the coming weeks.
30th March to 3rd May (5 Weeks)
Central Corridor 8,035
Southern Corridor 1,433
Continental Corridor 3,055
Total 12,523
This represents a 95.6% reduction in passengers numbers on the same weeks last year.
Central corridor (sailings from Dublin to Heysham, Liverpool and Holyhead)
Southern Corridor (sailings from Rosslare to Pembroke and Fishguard)
Continental Corridor (sailings from Ireland to the European Continent)
For the duration of the crisis the CSO will be publishing monthly Air and Sea Travel Statistics. The March figures were released on Wednesday May 13th 2020. This release will publish the total number of persons arriving in Ireland from overseas and departing Ireland for overseas destinations. This information will be broken down by mode (air or sea), route (cross-channel, continental, etc.) and staging country.
963. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has engaged the use of external consultants from 1 January 2020 to date; the details and costs of such engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5538/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
964. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is planned that driving instructors will resume work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5547/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriving instruction is given by instructors who are private individuals who are self employed or employed by a Driving School. As they are not employees of the Road Safety Authority individual instructors and driving schools should refer to the roadmap and to the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, noting that high-risk services are not to resume until Phase 4 at the earliest.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in consultation with my Department, and subject to the advice of the health authorities, is currently putting together a plan for the resumption of its services, including the carrying out of driving tests and the issuing of driving licenses and learner permits. This plan is being developed in line with the roadmap and with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.
965. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N5 national primary route between Ballaghaderreen and Scramoge road project, and if the project will proceed as planned. [5558/20]
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, 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.
966. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when landowners that will be affected by the N5 national primary route between Ballaghaderreen and Scramoge road project and that have entered into purchase agreements can expect to receive payment for their land. [5559/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning/design, the purchase of lands and construction of individual national roads is a matter for 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.
967. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Shannon to Heathrow service will be resumed; the timeline for resumption; if an airline (details supplied) has signalled to his Department that such flights will resume albeit with social distancing; if commercial passenger activity more generally at Shannon Airport will resume soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5570/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently no flight restrictions in place in Ireland and the operation of the London Heathrow route, or any route from Shannon, is a commecial decision for airlines, in consultation with the airport and other stakeholders.
Aer Lingus entered into certain commitments at the time of its acquisition by IAG in 2015 in relation to the operation of its London Heathrow slots. These commitments are, however, subject to certain force majeure provisions, which are defined to include an "epidemic or pandemic". The reduction in Aer Lingus frequencies to London Heathrow is therefore in accordance with these provisions.
Aer Lingus has advised my Department that it will keep its schedule under review having regard to the changing circumstances.
968. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when NCTs, DOEs and CVRTs will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5619/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming National Car Test services in light of the roadmap and the national return to work protocols published by government. I hope to make a statement on this matter in the coming weeks.
I am pleased to tell you that Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) testing resumed on 18 May 2020, initially only for those vehicles with a test due date prior to 28 March 2020 (i.e. for vehicles that did not benefit from the three-month extension to certificates of roadworthiness). CVR testing is expected to resume fully over the following weeks for those vehicles with a test due date on or after 28 March 2020.
969. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take in response to the concerns and proposals of a trade union (details supplied) for protecting maritime workers from the long-term economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis. [5622/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safeguarding of workers rights, including those in the maritime sector, is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation
The employment of seafarers and workers and the nationality of those workers is an operational matter for the shipping companies themselves as they are independent commercial companies and I have no role in the matter.
In the case of workers employed on Irish registered vessels, the working and living conditions of those employees on the vessel are subject to the provisions of Irish law.
However, the shipping companies referred to by the Deputy have no vessels on the Irish Flag. The rates of pay and working and living conditions of workers on board vessels registered in other States are governed by the flag State’s legislation and are a matter for that flag state and the internal domestic law of that country.
Given the negative economic impact of COVID-19, many companies across all sectors, including the port and shipping sector which is experiencing significant reductions in trade, are having to consider restructuring and other cost saving measures in order to re-align their business to match reduced demand.
970. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he plans to implement to support struggling small businesses in the tourism sector that are likely facing into a summer in which they will have little to no trading in their busiest and most lucrative time of year. [5643/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs.
The measures put in place by the Government to support businesses initially focused on supporting those who have lost their jobs and in supporting businesses to remain viable during this difficult time with specifically targeted supports to assist companies to stay operational and retain their staff.
As a result, many tourism businesses are now availing the various cross-sectoral economic supports that the Government has already put in place such as; the wage subsidy scheme, increased unemployment benefits, the state credit guarantee scheme, working capital loan schemes, enterprise support schemes and deferrals of tax liabilities, VAT, social contributions and local authority rates.
Fáilte Ireland has set up a COVID-19 Industry Advisory Group which meets weekly. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the tourism industry and to facilitate the timely sharing of information and insights to help improve the sector's understanding and response to the crisis. Fáilte Ireland has also developed a COVID-19 Business Support Hub which offers a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses including a series of webinars from experts in each field, as well as advice guides with detailed FAQs and templates where necessary.
On 1st May, the Government published a Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the COVID-19 restrictions and reopen Ireland’s economy in a phased manner. In this regard Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with the relevant authorities, is currently preparing guidelines for the tourism sector.
Minister Ross and I have appointed a Tourism Recovery Taskforce to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and report back this year. The membership of the Taskforce is available on my Department’s website.
971. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driving instructors can return to work (details supplied). [5651/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriving instruction is provided by instructors who are private individuals either self employerd or who are employed by Driving Schools. They are not employees of the Road Safety Authority. Individual driving instructors and Driving School businesses should refer to the roadmap and to the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, noting that high-risk services are not to resume until Phase 4 at the earliest.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in consultation with my Department, and subject to the advice of the health authorities, is currently putting together a plan for the resumption of its services, including the carrying out of driving tests and the issuing of driving licenses and learner permits. This plan is being developed in line with the roadmap and with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.
I have no function in relation to social welfare matters or employment services, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and questions on these issues should be addressed to my colleague, Regina Doherty, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
972. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged with a union (details supplied) regarding the cash collection regime on bus services; and if consideration has been given to adopting a no cash approach to protect drivers. [5659/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that are to carry on. I would like to thank operators and staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. I have not engaged with the National Bus and Rail Union on the issue of the cash collection regime on bus services.
A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network. My Department is engaging directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to these measures and the NTA is coordinating the response of public transport operators.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
973. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged with local authorities regarding the extension of footpaths and the creation of temporary cycle lanes in towns and cities nationwide; and if supports will be provided to implement measures which support social distancing. [5660/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1070. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure pedestrians, cyclists and those with limited mobility can move safely through towns and cities during the Covid-19 pandemic; his views on a general scheme of cycle and walkway installation and or improvement and footpath widening; the details of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1092. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to facilitate measures to support additional space and social distancing for cycling and walking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6997/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 973, 1070 and 1092 together.
I can inform the Deputies that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with local authorities to develop COVID Mobility Frameworks for each of the cities.
These Frameworks will set out specific plans to deliver improvements such as
- Widened footpaths
- Temporary protected cycle facilities, including new contra-flow routes
- Revised bus routings and bus priority measures; and
- Enhanced pedestrian priority zones.
The first of these Frameworks is being developed with Dublin City Council and it is intended that similar plans will be implemented in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and I can confirm that relevant works identified will be funded through the NTA under my Department’s Sustainable Mobility Investment Programme.
I understand that the initial draft of the Dublin City plan will be available this week and it will set out the measures that will put in place in the coming weeks and months to facilitate the reopening of society and business generally.
I expect the situation will be kept under review by the NTA and the local authorities in the coming weeks and months and any plans developed now will be subject to amendment as required.
975. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the arrangements in place to provide persons with provisional dates for when they can take their driver test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5718/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe driving test, like other public services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), has been temporarily closed for public health reasons during the COVID crisis.
The RSA undertook the appropriate risk assessments and is satisfied that it cannot, bearing in mind its responsibility for the health and safety of its employees and the general public, undertake category B (car) driving tests on an emergency basis at this time. In particular, a driver tester would be required to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes. They have looked at a number of approaches to mitigate this but have not identified a means to do within the public health guidance in force, and regrettably they have been unable to carry out car driving tests on an emergency basis.
However, it may be possible to carry out driving tests in other categories of vehicles, like ambulances or buses, and the RSA assesses these on a case-by-case basis.
The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publications of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives. Until a date has been agreed with the relevant authorities whereby driver testing can be carried out safely and in accordance with the public health requirements, there is little point in providing provisional test dates. The RSA has always provided urgent tests where the circumstances warrant it, and I expect this to be the case when the service is allowed to reopen.
976. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business the NCT, CVRT, driver tests and licences fall under. [5727/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis. My Department is guided by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are currently examining the possibility and appropriate timing of resuming the range of services and legal functions for which the RSA is responsible, in light of the roadmap recently published by Government and the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by the employers and trade unions.
I am pleased to say that CVR testing resumed on 18 May 2020, initially for those vehicles with a test due date prior to 28 March 2020 (when the new Regulations came into effect), who did not benefit from the four-month extension. CVR testing generally will resume in subsequent weeks, including for those vehicles with a test due date from 28 March 2020.
I hope to make further announcements in relation to the other services, subject to satisfactory progress in relation to public health requirements, over the coming weeks.
977. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the Waterford to Limerick rail line which closed temporarily due to the measures taken to tackle Covid-19; when it is planned to reopen the line; his further plans to maintain this service into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5775/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the 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 issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, 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.
978. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the schedule for the reopening of the NCT test centres nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5777/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are currently examining the possibility of resuming roadworthiness testing services in light of the roadmap recently published by Government and the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by the employer and trade union representatives.
I hope to make further announcements in relation to these matters, subject to satisfactory developments in relation to public health, over the coming weeks.
979. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if motor tax will be temporarily suspended or reduced for persons aged 70 years of age and over (details supplied). [5779/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans currently to suspend or reduce motor tax. The Government has urged those over the age of 70 (and also those who have underlying medical conditions) to cocoon and to continue to follow public health advice. While everyone should stay at home as much as possible, older people may leave their home for exercise and to drive for up to 5 kilometres.
I wish to advise that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road if a vehicle is not in use. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes. The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office.
The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
980. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions and negotiations being held with regard to persons that have booked foreign holidays during the summer (details supplied). [5781/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe law is clear in circumstances where an airline cancels a flight - for whatever reason - that all passengers booked on that flight are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. That provision is set out in EU Regulation 261 (2004). Notwithstanding the contraints arising from the COVID pandemic, a small number of flights are continuing to be operated. Where a flight takes place there is nothing in the law that entitles a passenger to a refund from an airline.
My understanding is that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market is to offer the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or receive a voucher. I am not aware that people are losing out entirely in these circumstances.
