Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1006-1030

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (1006)

Marc MacSharry

Ceist:

1006. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of full-time equivalent driver test instructors currently employed. [6124/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (1007)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

1007. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an extension of 12 months can be applied to the rule that all taxis which operate under the remit of the Taxi Regulator must not be older than ten years of age in view of the fact the taxi fleet has now been put off the road due to Covid-19 and that taxi drivers have been left without employment until the matter is resolved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6125/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the regulatory authority for the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, the NTA has undertaken a range of measures designed to reduce the financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change.

Regulations have been prepared by the NTA which will be placed before the Oireachtas shortly. These regulations will provide for a temporary extension of one year to the maximum permitted vehicle age. This extension will apply to those vehicles that reach the maximum permissible age during the period from 13 March 2020 to 31 December 2020 inclusive.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (1008)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

1008. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects driver tests and driving lessons to recommence. [6190/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 - including carrying out risk assessments.  As the Deputy will appreciate, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.

I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is inconvenient to those awaiting such tests.  On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.

Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

Driving lessons are provided by private companies which must also ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can re-open their businesses. However, I expect them to encounter the same difficulties as the RSA in terms of complying with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.

Vehicle Testing

Ceisteanna (1009)

James Browne

Ceist:

1009. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding persons who may have failed to renew their NCT certification when it expired in 2019 and now cannot renew the certification of the car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6203/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming NCT 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.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (1010)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

1010. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend the Roads Act 1993 to facilitate the laying of underground cables along a public road corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6228/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to both the national and the regional and local roads programmes. 

My Department is aware of a number of issues relating to the installation of services along public road corridors and consideration will be given, in consultation with other stakeholders and in the context of future Government priorities, to possible legislative changes aimed at striking an appropriate balance between the need to protect the strategic function of public roads and service installation.

Public Transport Subsidies

Ceisteanna (1011)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

1011. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if public transport will be sufficiently funded to provide an efficient, frequent train and bus service and to meet the requests of unions representing the workforce with immediate effect. [6278/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and has been designated it among the essential services that have been able to carry on during the Covid-19 emergency.  I would like to thank operators and staff who have been involved in continuing this essential service.

Throughout, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the public transport operators are closely following the public health advices.  In line with the public health advices, they are implementing a number of measures across the public transport system for enhanced cleaning regimes and to facilitate appropriate social distancing.

The sharp decline in passenger numbers since mid-March as a result of the Covid-19 health emergency has caused an unprecedented fall in fare revenues, thus creating a wide gap between costs and actual revenues. This is putting acute pressure on the existing Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget. However, it is clear that public transport is an essential service and that it is an important facilitator of the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

So I have been clear that we will ensure that the PSO is appropriately funded.  To that end, my Department is working closely with the NTA to quantify the additional funding requirements for the coming months, and we are engaging positively with relevant colleagues across Government in that respect.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (1012)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

1012. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available to the NTA to upgrade bus stops to have real-time passenger information displays on roads which are not subject to the BusConnects core bus corridor project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6322/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of specific public transport infrastructure from within the funding made available, including the provision of Real Time Passenger Information displays.

I can inform the Deputy that I am not aware of any particular issue in relation to the overall funding provided and the provision of real time passenger information displays; however, noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Aviation Industry Regulations

Ceisteanna (1013)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

1013. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his position and that of the Irish Aviation Authority with regard to the circumstances in which a company (details supplied) failed to issue its customers originating from airports here, a refund within the stipulated seven-day period as required by the Irish Aviation Authority for flights from 27 March 2020 until the current date; his position with regard to the matter in which a number of airlines here have failed to issue monetary refunds to their customers during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6323/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is the statutory body with responsibility for air passenger rights in Ireland. It has released a guidance note on flight cancellations which is available at the following link:

https://www.aviationreg.ie/news/regulation-ec-2612004-guidance-note-on-flight-cancellations-refunds-and-vouchers.962.html

Under EU law, airlines are required to refund passengers within 7 days of the flight cancellation if the customer does not choose a rerouting option. However, the CAR guidance recognises the fact that the refund process may take an airline longer to complete in the current circumstances. 

The CAR guidance sets out the process to be followed by customers who have opted for, but have not received, a refund. In such circumstances a customer should submit a complaint to the airline in the first instance. If s/he does not receive a satisfactory response from the airline within 6 weeks of making the complaint, s/he can escalate the matter to the CAR. For customers whose flight was due to depart an Irish airport, details of the process are available at www.flightrights.ie. For flights departing other EU Member States, the website lists the contact details for the relevant enforcement bodies in each EU country.

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (1014, 1065, 1078)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1014. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will work with the National Transport Agency to assist taxi drivers who are not operating reduce insurance cover without having to remove their tamper proof discs and resultantly being in the situation of having to have their car rechecked before going back to work once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. [6369/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

1065. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports in place for taxi drivers during Covid-19; if he has made an approach to insurance companies to offset insurance costs for taxi drivers during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6755/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Lahart

Ceist:

1078. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a new arrangement of returning discs and cancelling insurance was introduced for the taxi industry for drivers that were forced to stop driving as a result of Covid-19 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6871/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1014, 1065 and 1078 together.

Since the onset of the Covid-19 Emergency and the restrictions introduced as part of the necessary public health response, passenger demand for SPSV services has fallen radically and many SPSV operators have stopped working. The NTA has therefore taken action to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change.

The NTA has engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those SPSV operators who decide to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Operators who avail of this facility will be able to either reduce their monthly premium or receive a refund from their insurer, depending on their individual arrangements with their insurer.

To avail of this insurance reduction, SPSV operators must temporarily suspend their SPSV licences. Since the start of April about 5% of SPSV licences have been suspended. The suspension of a licence requires the removal and return of a vehicle’s tamper-proof discs to the NTA in accordance with section 17 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. A tamper-proof disc is evidence that an SPSV is genuine with a valid licence and appropriate insurance. It would therefore be inappropriate for an SPSV to display such a disc if its licence and insurance was suspended.

The NTA is keen to facilitate the swift return to work of any SPSV operator who wishes to reactivate their licence following a temporary suspension.  I am informed that the NTA has a team available nationwide to reapply tamper-proof discs free of charge, that the process takes only minutes, and that a suitability inspection will not be required to apply duplicate tamper-proof discs to an SPSV.

Public Transport Data

Ceisteanna (1015)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1015. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of increasing public transport capacity by 25% and the national public transport total with specific figures for Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann. [6378/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding relating to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport. 

The issues raised are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have, therefore, referred 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (1016)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

1016. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the driver test service will re-open; the protections which will be in place for drivers and testers; and the arrangements in place for essential workers. [6394/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 - including carrying out risk assessments.  As the Deputy clearly appreciates, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA. 

I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is inconvenient to those awaiting such tests including essential workers.  On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap .

Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (1017)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

1017. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the protocol for tourism operators in caravan parks, holiday parks and so on (details supplied) once they are permitted to re-open. [6417/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In line with the sequence of actions detailed in the ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’ caravan parks and holiday parks are due to re-open in Phase 4. 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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (1018)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1018. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the proposal to back a refund note that travel agents and tour operators can offer customers who have had to cancel bookings due to Covid-19; the circumstances in which a refund note would apply; the State guarantee proposed for such a note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6418/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has approved special support measures with respect to travel agents and tour operators in the form of a State-guaranteed Refund Credit Note, which can be offered instead of cash refunds in the secure knowledge that their value is underwritten by the State.  The EU Package Travel Directive places stringent refund obligations on the sector, which clearly did not foresee the catastrophic level of cancellations caused by the Covid-19 international travel restrictions, and meeting these obligations is putting incredible financial strain on the sector. Their situation is made particularly difficult as they are not in receipt of refunds from suppliers and future bookings have all but ceased.

The idea behind the Refund Credit Note is that the tour operators/travel agents may offer customers the option of the Note, which can then be used to book a future holiday or redeemed for cash at a later date.  Importantly the customer may still opt for a cash refund, but if they accept the Refund Credit Note, it will work as follows:

1. It can be to the value of all of the refund due or part of the refund alongside part cash.

2. It will be issued with a future redeemable date, and on that date it can be exchanged for its cash value, or can be used to book a replacement holiday.

3. It will be State-guaranteed in the event that the travel agent or tour operator becomes insolvent.

The Refund Credit Note aims to strike a balance between preventing sector-wide bankruptcy - along with associated immediate job losses - and the rights of consumers to proper protections.  The final touches are being made to the legal provisions to give effect to this, and I expect to introduce the necessary Ministerial Orders shortly.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (1019)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1019. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if under the EU travel package directive persons who have had to cancel such travel bookings due to Covid-19 are entitled to a cash refund and that entitlement will continue to apply. [6419/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that the Deputy is correct:  anyone who has cancelled a package holiday due to Covid-19 is entitled to a full cash refund under the EU Package Travel Directive, and there is no change to that entitlement. 

What I am doing, however, following Government approval, is making legal provision for a Government-backed Refund Credit Note, which Irish-licensed travel agents and tour operators can offer their customers as full or part refund instead of cash, so long as the customer agrees.  This Government guarantee protects the cash value of the credit note in the event that a travel company fails before the customer has had a chance to use it.  The introduction of this provision, which will be temporary for so long as Covid-related travel restrictions are in place, is to provide a viable, safe alternative to cash refunds, in acknowledgement of the huge financial pressure that the travel trade sector is under.  The Deputy will know that many travel agents are small, local enterprises who often have long-term, repeat business with their customers, and the objective is to provide some way of alleviating cash flow pressure without undermining consumer rights and protections.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (1020)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1020. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with companies (details supplied) regarding the reported refusal of both to provide their customers who have had cancelled bookings with a cash refund under the EU travel package directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6420/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Commission for Aviation Regulation has statutory responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations in Ireland, as enshrined in EU law under Regulation EC 261/2004.  I understand that the Commission recently wrote to all airlines operating routes that service Ireland, reminding them of their legal obligations to provide refunds for cancelled bookings.  I am aware that there are significant delays in making refunds, and while I can appreciate that there are genuine administrative challenges dealing with the unprecedented level of cancellations, the legal obligation to provide a refund is clear and unchanged.  In accordance with Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers have the right to a refund of the ticket price paid when their flight is cancelled, and while airlines are entitled to offer vouchers to passengers instead, which passengers can choose to accept, the passenger is under no obligation to do so. 

Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission.  Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.

EU Directives

Ceisteanna (1021)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

1021. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of requests made by the European Commission on compliance with the fourth railway package; the response provided to such requests; the actions he is of the view are necessary in order to fully comply with the transposition of EU Directive 2016/2370 into national law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6425/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The European Commission initiated Infringement proceedings in 2019 for the non-transposition of Directive (EU) 2016/2370 into national legislation within the timeframe of 25 December 2018.

An approach to delivering the transposition of this Directive into Irish law has since been agreed with the Commission and work is continuing in my Department to ensure that this matter is finalised as soon as possible.

Tourism Promotion

Ceisteanna (1022)

Malcolm Noonan

Ceist:

1022. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts being undertaken to ensure the re-establishment of tourism markets for the cottage industry bed and breakfast sector (details supplied). [6461/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My 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 re-open 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.

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (1023)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1023. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if drivers of limousines with PSV licences will be permitted to use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6463/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bus lanes were created to provide on-street priority for bus-based public transport. Their goal is to make bus transport faster and more reliable, thereby encouraging more people to switch from private cars to public transport. This will achieve the twin goals of reducing congestion and reducing pollution.

In addition to buses, bus lanes may also be used by cyclists who, as vulnerable road users, are safer in bus lanes than in general traffic. The lanes may also, of course, be used by the emergency services.

After the lanes were originally introduced it was decided to allow taxis to use them. This was a concession based on the fact that taxis are a form of public transport available for on-street hire, like buses, unlike private hire limousines. 

Since bus lanes were first introduced, there have been many requests to allow other classes of traffic to use the lanes. These have included requests on behalf of motorcyclists, multi-occupancy vehicles, electric vehicles, hired limousines, hackneys, and animal ambulances, among others. My predecessors and I have always rejected these requests. Any addition to them would reduce the quality and level of service for the ordinary commuter travelling by bus.  In addition, it would not enhance the safety of the cyclists using bus lanes.

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (1024, 1025)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1024. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to ensure that taxi drivers have a sufficient knowledge of the English language to undertake their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6464/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1025. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to regulate the taxi industry going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6465/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1024 and 1025 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including language standards for SPSV drivers, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Vehicle Registration

Ceisteanna (1026)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

1026. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when VRT offices will reopen to the public to allow persons to finalise the sale of vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6473/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 - including carrying out risk assessments.   This includes the NCT centres which process VRT on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners. 

Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

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.

Vehicle Testing

Ceisteanna (1027)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

1027. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected timeline for reopening of NCT and CRVT centres across the country; the measures that have been put in place to assist centres to deal with a backlog when the reopening is agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6493/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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 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.

A 3-month and 4-month extension has been given to CVRT and NCT roadworthiness certificates respectively to mitigate the impact in terms of backlog.  As a result, while the overall throughput in centres may be adversely impacted due to the need for appropriate health measures, it is not anticipated that there will be a significant backlog at the time of re-opening which would be directly attributable to the Covid-19 emergency measures.

Tourism Ireland Funding

Ceisteanna (1028)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

1028. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full-year cost if the budget for the regional co-operative market access scheme of Tourism Ireland was doubled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6527/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Funding for the regional cooperative market access scheme is allocated to Tourism Ireland under the Tourism Marketing Fund. This year, €2,500,000 has been allocated to the scheme. Accordingly, a 100% increase would cost a further €2,500,000 on a full year basis.

Dublin Airport Authority

Ceisteanna (1029)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

1029. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he engaged in or received correspondence with the management team at Dublin Airport or the Dublin Airport board of directors on flights from northern Italy from January 2020 to date; and if so, the nature of the correspondence. [6531/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that no engagement has taken place and no correspondence has been received from the management team at Dublin Airport or the Dublin Airport board of directors in relation to flights from Northern Italy from January 2020 to date.

Dublin Bus Fleet

Ceisteanna (1030)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

1030. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional capacity that has been made to the Dublin Bus fleet over the past 18 months to deal with the continuing increase in bus passenger numbers. [6534/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism a`nd 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 provision of the PSO bus fleet.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Barr
Roinn