Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 816-835

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (816)

John Brady

Ceist:

816. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when coaches can recommence soccer training for under-16s while adhering to social distancing measures. [7767/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

The Government-approved Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and its specific phasing, is based on public health advice. Compliance with the various requirements attaching to each phase of the Roadmap is essential to ensure continued progress against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phase two of the Roadmap, which is scheduled to commence on 8 June subject to prevailing public health advice, permits people to engage in outdoor sporting and fitness activities, involving small group team sports training (but not matches) where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact.

With a view to ensuring effective compliance with the requirements of phase two, a number of issues remain to be considered and clarified such as the applicable definition for small group team training. I have established an Expert Group on Return to Sport, which will provide guidance on this and other issues to the sporting bodies on a phase by phase basis so that they can prepare for the phased return to sporting activity in line with the Government Roadmap. In this context it is necessary to emphasise the need for each sporting body to prepare a detailed protocol setting out the manner in which it proposes to achieve compliance with the restrictions applicable to each phase.

Motor Tax

Ceisteanna (817)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

817. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if vans used for domestic purposes can be evaluated for motor tax based on CO2 emissions for private cars rather than the current cc-based valuation for commercial vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

I refer the Deputy to the response to Question No. 995 of 20 May 2020. The position remains the same.

Rail Services Data

Ceisteanna (818)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

818. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the orders made for rolling stock, carriages and engines for Irish Rail; if no orders have been placed, the reason therefor; if orders have been placed, the number of each ordered; when the orders were confirmed; the delivery date; the individual and total costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The procurement of rail rolling stock is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance which, in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), continues to examine how best to source additional rolling stock as efficiently and effectively as possible while ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.

As the Deputy may be aware, I announced last year the Government's approval for the NTA and Iarnród Éireann to proceed with the proposed purchase of 41 additional InterCity Railcars to increase capacity across the Greater Dublin Area rail network. This additional stock will cost approximately €150 million with delivery originally scheduled to commence from Q4 2021 onwards.

Noting the statutory responsibility of the agencies, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply and further details on the issues raised. Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (819)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

819. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional buses will be allocated to particularly busy routes in Dublin city as restrictions are eased but social distancing must remain in place. [7791/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

The 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.

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.

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

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (820, 824, 846)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

820. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Covid-19 mobility framework; and the reason the process was started two months into the pandemic and not at the outset. [7813/20]

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

824. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the Covid-19 mobility frameworks nationwide; if not, if the matter will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7870/20]

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

846. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on providing additional funding and clear guidance to local authorities on the establishment of walking and cycling infrastructure to ensure safety and social distancing are a priority in towns and cities. [8211/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 820, 824 and 846 together.

I welcome the fact the National Transport Authority (NTA) is engaging with local authorities to support them in the development of COVID Mobility plans and importantly to also support the local authorities in their delivery of required infrastructure improvements. As we move through the phases of Government's "Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business", improvements introduced under these plans will play an important role in providing additional transport capacity and also facilitating social distancing in urban areas.

I can confirm that the NTA has written to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support will be funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme. The NTA envisages a range of measures may be required in our cities and towns, such as

- Widening of footpaths to facilitate queuing outside shops and enable social distancing;

- Potential pedestrianisation of some streets where necessary and feasible to accommodate social distancing, particularly where this supports business activities;

- Potential one-way systems to create space for footpath widening;

- Altering traffic signal times to reduce pedestrian waiting/crowding plus the automatic activation of some pedestrian phases in order to to aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons;

- Providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists; and

- Provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities.

Deputies will be aware that some local authorities have already put in place improvements to facilitate increased active travel and I expect these improvements will continue in the coming weeks and months.

Question No. 821 answered with Question No. 756.

Consumer Rights

Ceisteanna (822, 835, 844)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

822. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to support full refunds to customers who have had their travel cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions; the position regarding regulation EU261/2004 which establishes the right to refunds if flights are cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7853/20]

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

835. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to ensure travellers are entitled to cash refunds for cancelled flights. [8028/20]

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

844. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if existing legislation will be enforced to ensure those whose flights have been cancelled can be repaid in full in the same manner in which they originally purchased them. [8155/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 822, 835 and 844 together.

Consumer protections for airline passengers and for holiday-makers who book trips through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. EU Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to provide a full cash refund within 7 days in the event that a flight is cancelled by the airline; and EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel requires travel agents and tour operators to provide a full cash refund within 14 days in the event that a package holiday is cancelled, by either the customer or the holiday provider.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation, which is an independent statutory body under my remit, has responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations in Ireland, and 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 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. Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.

With respect to consumer rights under the Package Travel Directive, where customers of travel agents and/or tour operators are not receiving requested refunds, then they have recourse to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Ports Policy

Ceisteanna (823)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

823. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all major Irish fishing ports will be included on the ports of registry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7865/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

Ship registration is governed by the Mercantile Marine Act 1955, as amended. Section 32(2) of that Act provides that the Minister may by order, after consultation with the Revenue Commissioners, amend the list of ports of registry mentioned in the Second Schedule to the Act. The Revenue Commissioners hold the statutory ship registration role and appoint the registrars of ships. Currently there are 13 ports of registry designated as such in accordance with the 1955 Act. Any proposal for additional ports of registry would require consideration in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners, including having regard to the merits of each location and the ongoing resource and administration implications that would arise.

The Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014, although not yet commenced, provides a basis for the introduction of an updated and modernised ship registration system in Ireland, replacing the 1955 Act. The 2014 Act provides an enabling framework for the introduction of a new centralised, electronic Irish Register of Ships. Section 30 of the Act will facilitate changes to the list of ports of registry having regard to a number of considerations, including the demand for a port to be a port of registry, the importance of the location and the level of maritime activity at the port. When the new central Irish Register of Ships is in place and the 2014 Act is commenced, I will be open to considering the case for a particular port to be made a port of registry that is made on the basis of the framework set out in the Act.

Pending the commencement of the 2014 Act, I have no plans to review the list of ports of registry.

Question No. 824 answered with Question No. 820.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (825)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

825. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if emergency driver test appointments will be provided for persons whose planned tests were cancelled due to Covid-19, who are categorised as essential workers and who urgently need to do a test in order to be able to drive legally to get to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7896/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

The resumption of driver testing will be of particular concern to learner drivers. 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 among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for 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.

The RSA has always reserved a number of appointments for those needing a driving test urgently, and will continue to do so following the resumption of the testing service.

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, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (826)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

826. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a sporting event (details supplied); if the event has been reviewed by his Department; if so, if the event will proceed in view of public health guidance and social distancing concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7941/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

As 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 1st 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 will also be 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.

Road Safety

Ceisteanna (827)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

827. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation which governs the use of quads and scramblers on public roads; the circumstances in which they are permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7964/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

Scrambler motorbikes, quadbikes and other small similar vehicles, are mechancially propelled vehicles, which means that they are vehicles intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical power. They are subject to the same road traffic legislation as every other vehicle on our roads. As such, irrespective of engine capacity, under Road Traffic legislation, the user of a scrambler motorbike, a quad bike or similar vehicle, in a public place, must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, and must also wear a helmet, with severe penalties under the road traffic laws (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) for not being in compliance with these requirements.

For the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts, a “public place” means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge.

Scrambler motorbikes and quad bikes must also comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996 when used in a public place. These regulations prescribe standards in relation to essential matters such as brakes, steering, mirrors, safety glass, wipers, headlamps, rear lighting, indicators and reflectors.

Enforcement of the road traffic laws is a matter for An Garda Síochána, and I am advised that it is satisfied that it has the necessary powers to deal with cases concerning the use of scrambler motorbikes and similar vehicles in public places under the Road Traffic Acts.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (828, 852)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

828. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi drivers can avail of an insurance break or holiday or a rebate for the Covid-19 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7966/20]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

852. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to not require taxi drivers who cancel their PSV car insurance during the Covid-19 crisis to have to put their cars through suitability and NCT tests or have to send back their plates to the NTA while their insurance is suspended in order that they can quickly return to work when the industry recovers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8277/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 828 and 852 together.

I understand the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the COVID-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors.

That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I also note that self-employed owner-operators of SPSVs may avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has also 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. It has engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those 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. 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.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (829)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

829. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi drivers can avail of a break or holiday or rebate on motor tax costs for the Covid-19 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7967/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

The legislation which sets out the circumstances for refunds of motor tax provides for a refund of motor tax only in certain limited circumstances, where:

- a vehicle has been scrapped or destroyed;

- a vehicle has been permanently exported;

- a vehicle has been stolen and has not been recovered by the owner;

- a vehicle in respect of which a tax disc has been taken out has not been used in a public place at any time since the issue of the disc;

- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of illness, injury or other physical disability, to use the vehicle;

- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of absence from the State for business or educational purposes, to use the vehicle; or

- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of service overseas with the Defence Forces, to use the vehicle.

There are no plans currently to amend the legislation to extend the grounds for the granting of a refund.

It should also be noted that no refund is payable where the annual rate of motor tax is €119 or less i.e., a concessionary rate of motor tax. The current rate of tax applicable to taxis and hackneys is €95 per annum.

The Deputy should note, however, that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road if a vehicle is not going to be 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 using the following form:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/4df54e-declaration-of-non-use-of-a-vehicle/.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (830)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

830. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific financial supports are available for taxi drivers to adapt their vehicles to meet Covid-19 public health advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7968/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

I understand the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the COVID-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors.

That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example.

The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the statutory regulator for the SPSV sector, has published information and guidance for the SPSV industry about reducing the spread of COVID-19.

The NTA has also taken a number of actions 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 extended licences expiring before 12 June 2020 by three months, waived late licence renewal fees, and temporarily relaxed rules around vehicle age limits. It has engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decide to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Arrangements are in place to facilitate the swift re-activation of the suspended licence when such an SPSV operator wishes to return to work.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (831)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

831. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a taxi driver will need an engineer's report to verify works if they adapt their vehicle to meet Covid-19 public health advice; and if so, the person or body that will cover the cost for the report. [7969/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

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

Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (832, 849)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

832. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it will be made mandatory for all passengers and staff to wear face coverings on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7972/20]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

849. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the request by trade unions for passengers and commuters to wear face masks on bus, rail and air services during the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the ongoing challenges regarding restricted space on public transport. [8256/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 849 together.

On the 15th of May, An Taoiseach announced new public health guidance in relation to wearing face coverings in certain circumstances, as part of efforts to tackle coronavirus in Ireland, recommending that face coverings should be worn when using busy public transport or in enclosed indoor public areas such as retail outlets. The public health guidance recommends that face coverings should be worn as an additional hygiene measure in these circumstances; it does not impose a mandatory requirement.

The public transport sector has continuously engaged with public health to ensure the safe operation of services throughout this health emergency, and will continue working to ensure the ongoing safe provision of public transport as restrictions are lifted. The implementation of work protocols for public transport workers and providers is a matter for individual operators, in line with public health advice and the recently published 'Return to Work Safely Protocol'.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (833)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

833. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects national car test centres to reopen; if he envisages a phased reopening schedule to apply; if so, the vehicle types he expects to be included in the early phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7973/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

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 the 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 the National Car Test roadworthiness testing service in light of the roadmap and national return to work protocols published by Government. Based on the work carried out to date, it is likely that a phased resumption will take place in line with the phases detailed in the roadmap.

Dates for the resumption of services and any specific arrangements that need to be put in place to allow for the provision of these services will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

I hope to make a further statement on this matter shortly.

Driver Test Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (834)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

834. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated backlog of driver tests in each county, in tabular form; his plans for addressing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7975/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Shane Ross)

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

Question No. 835 answered with Question No. 822.