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Wednesday, 3 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 828-853

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (830)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

830. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number or estimated number of homes and businesses in County Monaghan that do not have access to adequate broadband coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9188/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland. The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State intervention area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The Map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.

- Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

- The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

- The LIGHT BLUE area represents eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.

The following table outlines the latest data on the number of premises in Monaghan where access to a high speed broadband connection is, or will be, delivered by commercial operators (BLUE/LIGHT BLUE) and those where access will be delivered under the State led intervention (AMBER).

County

AMBER

Premises within the NBP State Intervention Area

BLUE

Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area

LIGHT BLUE

Premises within eir's commercial rural deployment

Monaghan

46% (15,125)

54% (17,983)

<1% (76)

 Under the State led intervention, all counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed.

Further details on deployment activities and progress with the roll out are available on the NBI website at www.nbi.ie.

To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. The planned BCP locations, including schools, library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.

The BCPs in identified public places will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised.

Question No. 831 answered with Question No. 827.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (832)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

832. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projected roll-out of the national broadband plan in 2020 in County Cavan; the areas that will benefit from this development; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to have the broadband infrastructure upgraded in many parts of County Cavan due to increased demand for proper connectivity for households, businesses, community and public facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9292/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland. The High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the areas in Cavan which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.

- Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

- The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

- The LIGHT BLUE area represents eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises, including Cavan, as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.

County

AMBER

Premises within the NBP State Intervention Area

BLUE

Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area

LIGHT BLUE

Premises within eir's commercial rural deployment

Cavan

 39% (16,200)

 61% (25,807)

<1% (177)

While deployment activities are underway, the deployment of fibre to pass homes is a Q4 2020 activity and the first homes passed will be able to get connected before the end of this year. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. My Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of the roll out of the National Broadband Plan.

Up to date information regarding deployment activities is available on NBI’s website www.nbi.ie.

To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. The planned BCP locations, including schools, library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020

The BCPs in identified public places will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised.

Question No. 833 answered with Question No. 821.
Question No. 834 answered with Question No. 812.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (835)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

835. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is a detailed schedule available on the roll-out of the national broadband plan by county; if activity is taking place to achieve this schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9422/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract was signed with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in November last to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the nearly 540,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.

There are a number of stages required to roll out the new high speed broadband network including:-

- survey work to inform detailed designs in each deployment area; 22,000 premises have been surveyed to date;

- repair and make ready activities, conducted by eir, to ensure the poles and ducts that are used in each deployment area are fit for purpose;

- installation of the electronic equipment and activation of the backhaul connectivity in each exchange building; 

- development of IT systems that will allow operators place orders and schedule connections etc;

- laying of the physical fibre along the poles and ducts; and

- after an order is placed, the activation of the final connection to the actual premises.

NBI are working to ensure these activities are implemented by mobilising their own staff  and ramping up their capacity to deliver the project, including through multiple subcontractor procurements. While many of these activities are underway, the deployment of fibre to pass homes is a quarter four 2020 activity and the first homes passed will be able to get connected before the end of this year. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years.

Further details on deployment activities and progress with the roll out are available on the NBI website at www.nbi.ie.

To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. The planned BCP locations, including schools, library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (836)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

836. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 949 of 20 May 2020, the status of progress to continue digital skills training to elderly persons; if he has been working with organisations representing older persons in order to continue digital training throughout Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9445/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since 2017 the Digital Skills for Citizens Scheme has delivered basic skills to targeted groups of people who do not have the skills or confidence to use the internet, including almost 22,000 people over the age of 65. The current grant agreements with community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to deliver training, provide for such training to take place in a classroom setting.  In compliance with public health guidance grantees have necessarily cancelled all scheduled classes. The grantees are in receipt of pre-funding of €0.5m to train 5,500 people by 30 June 2020.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Department has extended the completion date for training to 31 December 2020 and has requested that grantees submit proposals to the Department by 30 June on how this training might be delivered in compliance with public health guidance, potentially outside of a classroom setting and with a focus on how to ‘access information’, ‘shop online’ and ‘use video platforms to stay connected’.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (837)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

837. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the key reasons for older persons accessing the national Covid-19 helpline is due to older persons not having access to the Internet and being unable to access all of the information that is being made available in relation to Covid-19; the extent to which traditional media forums such as television, radio and print are being used to target older persons to ensure messaging and support gets to those that do not have internet access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9447/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Although this has not been specifically brought to my attention, I am conscious of the challenges faced by certain cohorts across the country in accessing Covid-19 related information.  It is vital to provide older people with accurate, up to date information regarding the Covid-19 crisis. In this context Covid-19 related information is being widely disseminated. While not specifically a matter for my Department, a number of cross Government information programmes have been run across both local and national traditional media throughout the crisis to ensure the immediate dissemination of important information to those who need it in communities across the country, including older persons. Part of that national response includes the Local Authorities-led COVID-19 Community Call Forum which is working in partnership with ALONE, the national charity for older people. A leaflet with advice for older people, contact details for Alone and each of the Community Call Fora was distributed to homes throughout the country.

Public service and community broadcasting are particularly important as readily available, trusted sources of information on Covid-19. At my request, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has waived the broadcasting levy for commercial and community radio, for quarters 1 and 2 2020. The BAI has also agreed to my request that they put in place a Covid-19 funding round under the Sound and Vision Scheme of €2.5m. This will be for commercial radio given its important role in Covid-19 awareness raising at a local level. It is expected that details of the outcome of this round will be available in the coming days. This will be complemented by a funding round of €750,000 for the community radio sector over the summer. 

HSE information is also being provided on the Saorview information channel which is available to those who may not have an internet connection.

Furthermore, An Post has been delivering Covid-19 related information directly to homes. By providing information on a cross media basis and through An Post, information is in no way limited to those with an internet connection.

Illegal Dumping

Ceisteanna (838)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

838. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there will be extra funding for local authorities to deal with a significant surge in dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9465/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Illegal dumping is first and foremost a matter of individual responsibility and compliance with the law. Enforcement actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement. An allocation of €3 million has been made to support the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative. Since the introduction of the Anti-Dumping Initiative in 2017, funding of €6.3 million has been provided by my Department which has supported over 700 projects and removed 10,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste across the country. This is in addition to the €7.4m annual enforcement grant, which supports the recruitment and retention of 150 local authority waste enforcement personnel nationally.

One million euro of the 2020 allocation has been ring-fenced and prioritised to combat illegal dumping activities associated with these challenging times with funding being provided for monitoring and surveillance of dumping black-spots, removal of illegally deposited waste and other measures that will prevent this activity and catch the perpetrators.

A national anti-dumping awareness campaign has also been undertaken to highlight that household waste services are operating normally, that householders must use an authorised waste collector or their local civic amenity to dispose of household waste and that leaving waste, including recyclables, on the street close to waste collection amenities is considered illegal dumping.

It is important to note that Government has designated waste collection an essential service and that measures taken by my Department, working in conjunction with industry and other regulatory authorities, has ensured the continued operation and availability of these services across all local authorities. The investment made by my Department in the network of waste enforcement officers has resulted in a robust waste system which has been able to operate effectively during this crisis.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (839)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

839. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an overview of the EU and national level regulation pertaining to eel fishing; and if his Department has reviewed the decision regarding the closure of eel fishing and the impact on local jobs and communities as set out in correspondence (details supplied). [9487/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Having undertaken a comprehensive public consultation process, Ireland introduced its Eel Management Plan under EU Regulation 1100/2007 in 2009, once the Plan was approved by the European Commission. In line with the requirements of the EU Regulation, Ireland’s Plan was reviewed in 2012, 2015 and 2018 when further public consultation was undertaken. The consultations afforded stakeholders the opportunity to make written submissions on all aspects of eel fishing in Ireland. The measures in Ireland’s management plan included closure of the eel fishery, improvement in water quality and assessment of barriers to migration.  In addition a trap and transport initiative, employing experienced eel fishermen to transport migrating eels around ESB Hydro-electric plants was also initiated.

It is important to bear in mind that the European eel is a panmithic stock – a single stock across the entire continent - which spawns in the Sargasso Sea before arriving into European rivers and lakes.  The distribution is naturally random between countries. 

Ireland has followed the objective of the EU Regulation which aims to ensure that escapement of eels to the sea should be at 40% relative to “pristine conditions” - those pertaining in the early 1980s which was the reference years selected.

The scientific assessments carried out in each review and the recent EU proposals for a review and strengthening of the existing Eel Regulation do not support the assertion that elver runs are at a record level across Europe.

The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) is that the species remains critically endangered and that recruitment of juveniles in the Northern part of the Atlantic is currently at 1% relative to pristine conditions.  The very latest international scientific advice is that anthropogenic (man-made) mortality should be kept at zero or as close to zero as possible.    

In consideration of the economic and social impacts of the Eel Management Plan reported by fishermen, the Irish Government’s Eel Support Scheme fund was made available from 2018 to all persons who were the holder of a State commercial public eel licence or an eel fishing permit in the 2007 season (the base year).  The scheme provided payments to former fishermen based on their track record in the 5 year period 2003-2007.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (840, 841)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

840. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of the broadband connection points nationally and in County Kildare specifically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9521/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

841. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9522/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 840 and 841 together.

The government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland.

The High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the areas in Kildare which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.

- Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

- The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

- The LIGHT BLUE area represents eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises, including Kildare, as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.

County

AMBER

Premises within the NBP State Intervention Area

BLUE

Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area

LIGHT BLUE

Premises within eir's commercial rural deployment

Kildare

15%  (13,329)

85% (79,837)

<1% (260)

The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years.  My Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this roll out.

Further information on deployment activities associated with the roll out can be found on the NBI website www.nbi.ie

To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities to be connected to high speed broadband this year, 8 are located in Kildare. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. Proposed BCP locations, including schools, library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie . The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.

The BCPs in identified public places will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised.

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (842)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

842. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will engage with Fingal County Council in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9625/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have no function in relation to the matter raised in the Question. Responsibility for the seabees that are being installed at Beach Lane, Portrane is a matter for Fingal County Council.

Air Pollution

Ceisteanna (843)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

843. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the working group on urban transport-related air pollution will report with recommendations to address pollution from traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9628/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Urban Transport-Related Air Pollution Working Group (UTRAP) was formed in Autumn 2019, following a joint decision by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, in recognition of the role that the two Departments have to play in improving air quality nationally. The group was established in order to develop a plan to improve air quality as a direct result of transport-related air pollution and is co-chaired by the two Departments.  The group is to consider potential measures and any associated actions and supports required to facilitate their effective uptake to address Nitrogen Oxide, Particulate Matter and other air pollution directly related to transport.

The group has met on several occasions to discuss a broad range of topics including modelling and monitoring, vehicle standards and the transition of the public transport fleet. The group will continue to meet throughout the summer to examine topics such as demand management measures and the possible impacts of COVID-19, with the aim of presenting a report and recommendations to Government before the end of the year.

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (844)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

844. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that has been spent on advertising in 2020 by his Department and its agencies on social media platforms (details supplied) in tabular form; and the name of each campaign advertised. [9847/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public service broadcasting, as well as regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. My Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on a number of advertising campaigns to promote its policies / programmes from time to time.  In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary. 

 The expenditure incurred on advertising on the particular social media platforms referred to includes the promotion of a number of significant programmes/campaigns associated with my Department such as the Trading Online Voucher Scheme and the Waste Campaign.

 The information requested is outlined in the following table:

Campaign

Platform

Spend to date in 2020

Waste Consultation

Twitter

€469

Trading Online Vouchers

Google

€3,746

Aer Lingus

Ceisteanna (845, 956, 982)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

845. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had direct engagement with the management of a company (details supplied) concerning the restructuring of the company which was announced unilaterally without consultation or communication with the trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8928/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

956. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request a company (details supplied) to engage with employees and unions before deciding on restructuring plans and to place employee rights and welfare at the centre of future restructuring plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9261/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

982. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage on behalf of the employees of a company (details supplied) regarding the company’s intentions to unilaterally move forward with the restructuring up to and including lay-offs following the unprecedented events of Covid-19; if it will be ensured workers and their rights are protected and that workers’ rights legislation is upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9642/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 845, 956 and 982 together.

My Department has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders, including Aer Lingus, since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all businesses impacted by COVID-19. These include the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Pandemic Unemployment Benefit, and the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.

I understand that Aer Lingus is engaging with their employeees and representative bodies regarding the urgent requirement to reduce costs across its business, given the dramatic decline in demand for travel in the immediate term and the uncertainty regarding future travel demand.

Industrial relations are a matter for the airline and its employees and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no role in relation to such matters. The industrial relations machinery of the State would be availabe to assist all parties reach agreement should the need arise.

Tourism Policy

Ceisteanna (846)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

846. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the recently announced scheme to back a new refund credit note scheme for tour operators and travel agents; if this applies equally to tour operators based here that bring tourists here and are now being asked to refund deposits and tour operators and travel agents based here that organise holidays abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8950/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Government has approved a proposal to provide a State guarantee for a Refund Credit Note (RCN); a time bound special measure to address the exceptional circumstances created by Covid-19.  The proposal is that, with customer consent, RCNs can be issued by Irish registered travel agents and tour operators instead of cash refunds for package holidays cancelled due to restrictions arising from Covid-19. The RCNs will be redeemable for cash 6 months after issue but can also be used up to two years to book a replacement holiday.  If not redeemed or used upon expiry, the customer will receive the cash refund to the value of the original booking.  The objective is to protect consumer rights to security on cancelled bookings and at the same time, in circumstances where the customer is willing and able to receive a RCN, give the companies that make up the travel agent and tour operator sector - many of which are small, local family firms - some alleviation from the tidal wave of cancellations and the severe cash flow difficulties that this is causing. 

Legislative provisions are currently being drafted to give effect to the RCNs.

The Deputy will be aware of the catastrophic financial impact of Covid-19 across the travel and tourism sector, affecting Irish companies selling holidays abroad and Irish companies selling and facilitating holidays in Ireland.  This particular scheme is part of a much broader package of measures that are either available or are being prepared to support as many viable businesses and jobs in the sector as possible.  It is limited to travel bookings made in Ireland for travel overseas, as comprehended by the EU Package Travel Directive (2302/2015), and it is aligned with recommendations made by the EU Commission last month.  Ireland continues to advocate for a consistent approach across the EU in order that a level playing field is maintained and to ensure that all companies in the travel supply chain receive the same level of support.  Within the EU travel area, at the least, such a common approach should be of some help to tour operators dealing with inbound visitors.

In relation to the domestic tourism market more generally, on 20 May the Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I established the Tourism Recovery Taskforce in order to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023 to ensure that this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (847)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

847. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if golf clubs and courses are permitted to operate on a pay and play basis during the phase 1 restrictions of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9462/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business is based on public health advice and sets out a variety of public health requirements for each of its five phases.  Phase one of the Roadmap provides for participation in a range of outdoor sporting activities such as golf, on condition that it is undertaken in groups of no more than four people, at a location within 5km of the households of all those involved and where social distancing can be maintained at all times. The manner of payment is not material to the foregoing requirements.

Clubs and facilities affiliated to the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of the sports permitted under phase 1, including for golf, have developed detailed protocols to ensure compliance with the public health requirements for this phase. These protocols facilitate compliance with travel distances, participant numbers and contact tracing. In many cases, the NGBs are applying a ‘member only’ policy for phase one.

The Expert Group on Return to Sport has assessed the protocol prepared by the National Governing Body concerned and has advised that non-members may play golf subject to compliance with the various requirements of each phase of the roadmap, including the travel distance requirement of 5kms applicable for phase one, which is envisaged to be extended to 20kms from the commencement of phase two on the 8th of June, if public health circumstances permit.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (848)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

848. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with representatives of taxi drivers from organisations (details supplied) in view of the difficulties faced by taxi drivers as a result of Covid-19. [9601/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am scheduled to attend the next meeting of the Advisory Committe on Small Public Service Vehicles, sometimes known as the Taxi Advisory Committee, on 25 June 2020. As you may be aware, the Committee's role under s.73 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 is to advise the Minister for Transport in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.

A number of SPSV drivers sit on this Committee and given the role of the Committee, it would be inappropriate to meet with other SPSV drivers until after I have had the opportunity to meet with the Committee.

Tourism Industry

Ceisteanna (849, 900, 914, 929)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

849. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a representative of an organisation (details supplied) will be appointed to the tourism recovery taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9690/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

900. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will include a representative from an organisation (details supplied) on the tourism recovery taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8726/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

914. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the tourism recovery taskforce membership and whether an organisation (details supplied) should have a representative on it to ensure the voice of the transport aspect of tourism is heard. [8793/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

929. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a representative of an organisation (details supplied) will be appointed to the tourism recovery taskforce to ensure the voice of the transport aspect of tourism is heard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8987/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 849, 900, 914 and 929 together.

The Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established by Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I on 20 May 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Ministers 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 will report back later this year.

The Taskforce is made up of an independent chairperson and 13 other members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds including tourism policy, tourism enterprise, international, private and public service. The Minister of State and I selected members on the basis of each person's capacity to bring his/her personal knowledge, skills, experience, competence, capability, strategic leadership and ideas to the work of the group. We have appointed individuals who, together, will work for the good of Irish Tourism as a whole. I can assure the Deputy that in the same manner that no sector was deliberately included, no sector was deliberately excluded.

It is envisaged that the Taskforce will establish working groups to carry out specific tasks and that the Taskforce will undertake a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties will have an opportunity to provide constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way. The CTTC will have an opportunity to contribute to the work of the Taskforce in this way.

I should also point out that in addition to the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, there are other fora whereby tourism stakeholders, including representatives from the coach sector, can contribute. Representatives from the sector have been invited to participate in Fáilte Ireland’s Covid Advisory Group which meets on a weekly basis. Furthermore, officials on the Transport side in my Department are in regular contact with the CTTC in the context of the difficulties its members are facing as a result of the Covid crisis.

Air Services Provision

Ceisteanna (850)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

850. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagements he has had with the airline industry to ensure refunds of cancelled flight fees to customers will be made as quickly as possible and in line with the recommendation of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8299/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 also 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 at EU level to provide a refund is clear and unchanged.  Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission.  Further detailed advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (851)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

851. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request an update from Transport Infrastructure Ireland on a route (details supplied); if all material has been examined in relation to submissions made; when a decision is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8316/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (852)

John Lahart

Ceist:

852. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans in place for the return of the driver theory test, the resumption of the mandatory driving lessons and subsequent driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8317/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

The resumption of driver testing 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.

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.

As a private company, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. The National Return to Work Safely Protocol was developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.

However, I expect a driving school to encounter the same difficulties as the RSA in terms of complying with the requirements of this Protocol. 

I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by the Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements. 

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.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (853, 854)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

853. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if discussions have taken place within his Department on providing funding for the east-west link road and rural roads in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8328/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

854. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town and the east-west link which are urgently needed in the north-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8329/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 853 and 854 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. 

In relation to the East West link, this year I allocated €100,000 to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to continue their work in undertaking an appraisal to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of the Public Spending Code and the Common Appraisal Framework.  Preparation of an appraisal is the responsibility of the Council. Following the completion of this appraisal work the possible funding of future upgrade works would be dependent on a number of matters including the outcome of the appraisal, Government policy and the availability of funding.

Regarding funding for rural roads, the 2020 grant allocations were announced on 21st January. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.   

Regarding the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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