Written Answers Nos. 981-1005
981. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if clarity will be provided for tourism providers on whether overseas visitors can be expected by the end of the year (details supplied). [5783/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has released a 5 phase roadmap setting out Ireland’s plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Phased re-opening commenced on 18 May and is based on a 3 week review process. Detailed information on each phase can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-re-opening-society-and-business-and-u/.
As the Deputy is aware, the current position is that visitors from overseas need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival into Ireland and subsequently abide by the relevant public health advice regarding travel within Ireland. In practical terms, overseas tourism into Ireland will not be feasible until these restrictions are lifted or eased substantially.
The Roadmap notes that "As the process for modifying restrictions proceeds, and as the international situation evolves, we need to continue to work intensively on our approach to travel restrictions and controls at ports and airports...". Along with my officials, I will continue to engage with my colleagues in Government to ensure that as much certainty can be provided in respect of international travel and tourism into Ireland as soon as circumstances allow.
982. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if provisions are being made to support Shannon Airport post-Covid-19 (details supplied). [5788/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to Covid-19 and Shannon Airport. Covid-19 has had a profound and unparalleled impact on the aviation industry. In Europe, aviation movements have plummeted by about 90% while passenger traffic is 99% below comparable periods last year.
In response to Covid-19, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis on our citizens and businesses. One such support is the COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. This Scheme allows employers to continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 emergency. It aims, as we know, to keep employees registered with their employers, so that they will be able to get back to work quickly after the pandemic. Shannon Group is availing of this Scheme.
Details of the suite of Covid-19 Government Funding and Supports available have been notified to Shannon Group, including, the Working Capital Loan Scheme - a €200m Working Capital scheme for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19; the Enterprise Support Scheme, under which a €200m package is available from Enterprise Ireland’s COVID-19 Business Response Plan; Fáilte Ireland’s COVID-19 Business Support Hub which offers a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses and a range of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Local Enterprise Ireland, grant supports are available to firms to help with strategies to innovate, diversify markets and supply chains and to improve competitiveness.
On 13 May 2020, the European Commission published a package of guidelines and recommendations to help Member States gradually lift travel restrictions while respecting necessary health precautions. Officials in my Department are currently assessing these Guidelines together with further complementary draft guidance developed by the European Aviation Safety Agency. There is an ongoing process of consultation with stakeholders, including Shannon Airport, in the context of providing a means to allow industry to prepare the return to operations as soon as possible.
I fully appreciate and acknowledge the important role of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally. My Department continues to work closely with Shannon Group to ensure that the Company, including Shannon Airport, will be well positioned operationally to contribute to the post pandemic recovery.
983. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driving lessons and driver tests are likely to resume, particularly for persons in circumstances in which a car is necessary for work, under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. [5792/20]
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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
Driving instruction is proved by Instructors who are private individuals either self employed or who are employed by a Driving School.
The RSA cannot issue medical guidance to Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) on COVID 19 and how they operate their businesses. As they are not Road Safety Authority (RSA) employees, ADIs should protect themselves, their families and communities by following the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing. As mostly sole traders each ADI has an individual responsibility for their own welfare and that of their families and customers.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are working together on examining the possibility of resumption of the driving tests and other services as soon as is possible in light of the roadmap published by Government and the National Return to Work Safety Protocol. However, the driving test raises problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol in particular social distancing rules which requires the tester and the candidate to be within a 2 metres distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a confined space, which is not in itself a workspace under the control of the RSA.
Bearing this in mind, car driver testing may not be able to resume until in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.
984. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine correspondence from a person (details supplied); the position regarding the planned American football match for the Aviva Stadium in August 2020; if it will be going ahead; and if so, the health considerations being made in this regard in the context of Covid-19. [5812/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will no doubt be aware, all types of mass gatherings have been restricted since 24th March. In order to provide early certainty to promoters of licensable events a decision was taken that all licensable events up to the end of August would not proceed. No decision has yet been taken on sports events, such as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic game scheduled for 29th August 2020. Whatever public health advice applies in August will, of course, be abided by.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Businesses, published on 1 May, sets out a gradual and stepped plan for easing the COVID-19 restrictions and returning to social and economic activity. It is a flexible framework document which is entirely dependent on our success in suppressing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In line with this Roadmap and its five-phase plan for easing restrictions, it is envisioned that spectator events that involve mass gatherings might be permitted in Phase 5 but “only in accordance with both indoor and outdoor number restrictions and where social distancing can be complied with”.
As the Deputy is aware, the current position is that visitors from overseas need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival into Ireland and subsequently abide by the relevant public health advice regarding travel within Ireland.
985. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions that have taken place with hotel representatives on the facilitation of weddings in hotels in view of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5823/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe restrictions introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19 have led to the cancellation or deferral of many events and services, including wedding receptions. In many cases where it is not possible to proceed with a wedding reception due to these restrictions, the couple and the hotel will be able to agree on an alternative date and the question of a refund will not arise.
Where a couple have placed a deposit with a hotel or other wedding venue, they have entered into a contract with the hotel or venue concerned. Whether a couple are entitled to a refund of their deposit where it is not possible to reschedule the wedding will depend in the first instance on the terms and conditions of their contract. Couples who find themselves in this situation should first check the terms and conditions of their contract with the hotel or venue, and in particular the terms relating to cancellations and the refund of deposits and other pre-payments. If a term of the contract provides for the refund of deposits in the event of a cancellation, the business may not subsequently change that term without the consumer’s agreement. While I fully appreciate that hotels are facing severe financial pressures at present, they should deal fairly with consumers who find it necessary to cancel contracts for weddings or other functions and are seeking a refund of their deposits.
The terms of standard form contracts of the kind that typically govern weddings and other functions are subject to assessment for unfairness under the Regulations on unfair terms in consumer contracts. The aim of the Regulations is to protect consumers against the abuse of power by sellers and suppliers, in particular by means of one-sided contract terms. The Regulations provide for example that among the terms that may be regarded as unfair are terms that permit sellers or suppliers to retain sums paid by the consumer where the latter decides not to perform the contract without providing for the consumer to receive compensation of an equivalent amount from the seller or supplier where the latter is the party cancelling the contract. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Regulations on the control of unfair terms in standard form consumer contracts. Information on matters relating to consumer contracts, including on cancellations and refunds for wedding and other contracts, can be accessed on the CCPC website at https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/covid-19/consumer-contracts/ .
The enormous disruption to commercial activity caused by Covid-19 has thrown up many difficult situations for consumers and businesses. If current consumer law proves not to have provided adequate protection for consumers in these situations, I will consider and, where justified, bring forward proposals to strengthen that law where I can do so without contravening EU consumer protection legislation. Later this year I will publish the Scheme of a comprehensive, consolidated Consumer Rights Bill that will set out rights and remedies for consumer contracts for goods, services, digital content and will include proposals to strengthen the existing provisions on unfair terms in consumer contracts. This Bill will provide an opportunity to address any gaps in consumer protection revealed by the application by businesses of the terms of consumer contracts in cases arising from Covid-19.
986. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the re-opening of NCT centres. [5825/20]
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.
987. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a partial refund will be issued to persons who purchased annual Leap card tickets at the start of the year but have not been in a position to travel since the Covid-19 restrictions were introduced. [5864/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1002. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be a partial refund on yearly Leap card subscriptions due to reduced use during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6114/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 987 and 1002 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputies questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
988. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he received the proposals sent to him by an association (details supplied); and if he will consider adopting the proposals listed in the document to help operators which have experienced a severe downturn due to Covid-19. [5865/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has put in place a range of measures to assist businesses during the current COVID-19 pandemic, including a waiver of commercial rates and the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme. Self-employed owner operators of SPSVs, including limousine operators, may also avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week.
I am aware that the limousine trade is particularly reliant on the tourism and hospitality sector. Since late February officials from my Department have engaged with industry with a view to understanding the challenges facing the sector. In addition, with my colleague, Minister of State Griffin, I have established the COVID-19 Tourism Monitoring Group. This group comprises industry stakeholders, the tourism agencies and Departmental officials and has been specifically established to monitor the disruption to the tourism sector and to assist in formulating the sector’s response to the crisis.
We are continuing to liaise with Government colleagues and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with the needs of the tourism and hospitality sector. As a result, many tourism businesses are now availing of the various supports that the Government has already put in place. We are also engaging with the Banking and Payment Federation of Ireland and Insurance Ireland to address issues encountered by tourism businesses. Fáilte Ireland’s COVID-19 Business Support Hub also provides a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses, to enable them to respond to the challenges and threats now being faced in the sector. Any further measures will be considered in the context of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
989. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure that persons who arrive here by airplane or boat are obliged to give the necessary Covid-19 public health contact information in view of the fact the current voluntary arrangement does not seem robust enough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5872/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1056. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures which will put in place to ensure persons arriving here by air or sea are abiding by the Covid-19 health restrictions; if he has considered introducing new regulations to make the current quarantine restrictions mandatory; if he has engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding implementing an all-Ireland policy in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6746/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 989 and 1056 together.
The Department of Health is the lead Government Department in relation to public health matters, including COVID-19 and also measures taken at ports and airports in relation to arriving passengers.
Measures to protect public health are decided by the National Emergency Public Health Team within the Department of Health, and my Department and its agencies follow their advice.
All queries in relation to public health should therefore be directed to the Department of Health. You can find more information from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre here:
https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
and here:
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/
990. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which NCT and CVRT testing will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5882/20]
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 return to work protocols published by government and 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.
991. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter regarding the re-opening of hotels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5901/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the sequence of actions detailed in the ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’ hotels (but not hotel bars) are due to re-open in Phase 4. In this regard Fáilte Ireland is currently finalising guidelines for the tourism sector, in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities.
Phase 4 of the Roadmap will permit “small social gatherings by family and close friends limited to a maximum number of attendees, for a limited period of time where social distancing can be maintained (e.g. small weddings, baptisms)”. Phase 5 allows for some larger social gatherings (e.g. large weddings), although these will be restricted due to the risks involved.
All decisions regarding large social gatherings will be guided by public health advice. My officials await further clarification on the restrictions applying to social gatherings and will communicate all clarifications when received.
992. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the phase of the exit from the restrictions under which pigeon racing can be resumed with appropriate guidance issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5903/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither my Department nor Sport Ireland has any responsibility for Pigeon Racing. Accordingly, I am not in a position to assist the Deputy in this matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. It also has responsibility for the recognition of sports in Ireland. Pigeon Racing is not a recognised sport in Ireland.
993. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a submission submitted by an organisation (details supplied) has been considered; if in particular, riding schools can re-open in either phase one or two of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in view of the fact that social distancing rules can be adhered to and that it is an outdoor activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5932/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA COVID-19 Sports Monitoring Group, chaired at Ministerial level, has been established to engage directly with the sporting bodies. Sport Ireland is also directly engaging with the sporting bodies in relation to the development of protocols to facilitate a safe return to training and competition, including for equestrian activity.
As a result of these engagements, the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of fifteen sporting activities, including Horse Sport Ireland for its outdoor equestrian sport, have developed protocols to allow its outdoor activities to be practiced safely in compliance with the prevailing public health advice under Phase One of the Roadmap for re-opening Society and Business. These protocols have been disseminated by the NGBs to their clubs and members.
Indoor equestrian sport remains closed and is scheduled to re-open in a later phase of the Roadmap for re-opening Society and Business, subject to the prevailing public health advice at that time.
994. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider State support to a company (details supplied) due to the Covid-19 crisis and in the context of the almost complete shutdown of the aviation industry. [5952/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to monitor the financial impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the aviation sector.
Some measures have already been put in place by the Government such as the wage subsidy scheme and unemployment benefits to support industries, including aviation, in these difficult times. Many EU Governments have already stepped in to provide specific support for airlines. It is not evident at this stage that, other than the general business supports that are available in Ireland, that the need for further immediate support is necessary for the Irish industry. Any Government support for airlines would have to be clearly justified by reference to strategic interests.
995. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the motor tax rates for private goods vehicles, such as vans, to be assessed based on CO2 emissions rather than engine capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5977/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor tax and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) based on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) was introduced in 2008 for passenger cars only i.e. vehicles that fell into Revenue VRT Category A.
Changes to Revenue VRT legislation (section 53 of the Finance Act 2017), which took effect from 31 July 2018, mean that some commercial vehicles that are taxed privately were brought into VRT Category A and can be taxed on the basis of CO2 – these are Category N1 vehicles (i.e. small commercials, other than crew cabs) that have four or more seats. Commercial vehicles registered before 31 July 2018 continue to be taxed on the basis of engine size, if taxed privately.
Any changes to the existing motor tax system are required to be underpinned in primary legislation and are generally considered in the context of Budget preparations.
996. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if provision will be made for emergency vehicle tests by the NCTS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6048/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
Please note that under regulation 3(9) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415 of 2017) and regulation 4(2) of the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 347 of 2013) as amended, vehicles owned or operated by the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces are not subject to roadworthiness testing.
997. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position on vehicles with NCT tests due prior to 28 March 2020 but which did not occur due to health issues of vehicle owners or other reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6049/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
It is an offence under section 18(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 to use a vehicle in a public place without a valid NCT certificate.
Vehicle owners that were unable to obtain an NCT certificate for their vehicle due to the issue with vehicle lifting equipment are advised to keep their Vehicle Inspection Report in their vehicle at all times and present it if requested to do so by an enforcement authority.
998. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the position regarding the use of blue lights and sirens by organisations, aside from emergency services, transporting blood such as a group (details supplied) will be clarified; if organisations involved in this activity can access the ESDS driver training program; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6051/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraExemptions from certain provisions of road traffic legislation are provided for emergency service first responders under section 87 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, as amended. These exemptions apply to members of the Garda Síochána, the fire brigade and the ambulance services.
I have no plans to extend these exemptions to any other groups.
999. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce supports for regional airports in view of the potential financial impact Covid-19 will have on their ability to operate post-Covid-19 and the rural and economic importance of these airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department has been in ongoing contact with the regional airports.
A Government funded PSO air service has allowed Kerry and Donegal airports to remain open, thereby helping to facilitate essential travel between these airports and Dublin. While Knock airport took the difficult decision to close at the end of March, staff who were temporarily laid off were able to avail of the Covid Pandemic Unemployment Payment. Like other SMEs, regional airports could also apply for support under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
I recognise the importance of these airports to the regions they serve and that is reflected in Project Ireland 2040. The Government’s commitment to regional airports is underpinned by long term planning and investment strategies and a multi-annual capital provision of €72m under the National Development Plan to 2027.
This investment is managed through the Regional Airports Programme, which provides both capital and operational aid to these airports on an annual basis.
As this current year progresses, eligible airports can apply for funding towards safety and security related projects and activities. The budget for the Regional Airports Programme for 2020 is almost €23m, which includes over €7.2m for the PSO services.
More generally, the Department continues to reflect on the level of supports that may be required to enable a rapid recovery of the aviation sector from Covid-19. It is within this context that a new Regional Airports Programme is being prepared for the period 2020 to 2024. The new Programme will take account of priorities for recovery across the airport sector.
1000. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if drivers who have an out-of-date NCT but cannot get a test date due to Covid-19 restrictions, can continue driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6112/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic (National Car Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 132 of 2020) provides a 4-month extension to NCT test due dates for vehicles with an NCT certificate in force on 28 March 2020 and also to vehicles with a first NCT test due during the period beginning on 28 March 2020 and ending on 31 July 2020.
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.
1001. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the implications for drivers with their insurance company in cases in which they have an out-of-date NCT due to temporary closures of NCT centres if they are involved in an accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe motor insurance companies have assured me that they will not be penalizing motorists who do not currently hold an NCT certificate due to COVID 19 crisis and the unavoidable closure of the NCT centres nationwide.
1003. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 December 2019 under tshe heading B8.1 Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport; the individual projects and associated expenditure of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6120/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1046. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 December 2019 under the heading of B8.5 Cycling and Walking; the individual projects and associated expenditure on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6699/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1003 and 1046 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, funding for walking and cycling is provided under a number of different programmes, of which the two principal ones are the Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport and the Cycling and Walking programmes.
The total funding for both programmes in 2019 was approximately €44m as set out below (some figures have been rounded) –
|
Subhead |
Programme |
Amount |
|
B8.1 |
Smarter Travel / Sustainable Urban Transport Programme |
€17m |
|
B8.5 |
Cycling & Walking Programme |
€27m |
Under both programmes funding at individual project level is largely managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for
a more detailed reply with regard to individual projects. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
However, within the Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport Programme, a portion of the funding (€4.3m in 2019) is directly administered by my Department and relates to –
- Bike Week;
- Workplace and Campus Programmes;
- Cycle Right training programme; and
- INTERREG (EU sponsored cross-border programme).
1004. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver tests conducted in respect of category B driving licences in each month in 2019, in tabular form. [6122/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
1005. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if temporary or alternative measures are being considered to support learner drivers unable to sit their test owing to Covid-19. [6123/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision. Hence the support that learner drivers need now is the same as it always has been - learning to drive with an experienced driver alongside.
The 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 re-open.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
