Written Answers Nos. 528-547
528. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports in place for hotels that have more than 50 employees; if there will be a restart grant introduced for hotels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10107/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs.
The measures put in place by the Government to support businesses initially focused on supporting those who have lost their jobs and in supporting businesses to remain viable during this difficult time with specifically targeted supports to assist companies to stay operational and retain their staff.
As a result, many tourism businesses are now availing the various cross-sectoral economic supports that the Government has already put in place such as; the wage subsidy scheme, increased unemployment benefits, the state credit guarantee scheme, working capital loan schemes, enterprise support schemes and deferrals of tax liabilities, VAT, social contributions and local authority rates.
Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
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.
To assist tourism businesses reopening in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Fáilte Ireland has today [Tuesday 9 June 2020] published guidelines for the tourism sector, prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice.
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.
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 Taskforce will report back later this year.
529. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to help and compensate those that have paid for holidays that they cannot now take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10295/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra569. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal position for customers that booked and paid deposits for foreign holidays through travel agents licensed here in circumstances in which that holiday cannot now be availed of due to Covid-19 restrictions; if there is an obligation on the travel agents to repay deposits in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10005/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra582. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of assistance offered to families that may have booked foreign travel packages for later in the summer period. [10188/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 529, 569 and 582 together.
Consumer protections for holiday-makers who book packages through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. 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, in the case of unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances such as those related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have issued the following updated guidance on the right of travellers to terminate package travel into the summer months: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/40f0d7-guidance-on-the-right-of-travellers-to-terminate-package-travel-cont/
Where customers of travel agents and/or tour operators are not receiving requested refunds, they have recourse to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the State's consumer watchdog, for advice.
I am conscious that meeting the refund obligations of the EU Package Travel Directive is putting incredible financial strain on travel agents and tour operators. For that reason, the Government has approved special support measures 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 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.
530. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is examining or proposing new legislation in the area of the use of scramblers, mopeds and quads in parks and greens. [10301/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged with other stakeholders, including the Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda Síochána, on the issue of possible legislation to address the problem of scramblers and quads in public parks.
Following from these discussions, my officials are currently exploring a possible approach in the legislation, which could, if agreed, be introduced as an amendment to the forthcoming Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. The passage of primary legislation through the Houses is dependent on the formation of a new Government.
Consideration of the possible approach has inevitably been delayed by the need to focus staff resources on the response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
531. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the exemption will be extended for taxis whose licence runs out after 13 June 2020 when the first extension expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9644/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle licencing arrangements during the present COVID-19 pandemic, 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.
532. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on potential job losses in a company (details supplied). [9656/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders, including Aer Lingus, since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge.
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 uncertainly 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 to reach agreement, should the need arise.
533. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to extending the bus service in Grenagh, County Cork in view of the fact the service is perceived as inadequate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9673/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and 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.
534. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an airline announced a significant number of redundancies here and across Europe; if he has engaged with the company in respect of the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9678/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge.
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.
Industrial relations are a matter for the airlines and their 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 to reach agreement, should the need arise.
535. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the introduction of a turnover-linked direct grant will be considered to assist with liquidity for the tourism and transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9686/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with transport, 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 transport and 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.
Government will continue to explore potential funding for all enterprises including transport and tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
Minister Griffin 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.
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 Taskforce will report back later this year.
As regards public transport, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
Public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting the Government’s Roadmap in the weeks and months ahead.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors. That is why the Government worked to introduce supports for impacted businesses.
536. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider increasing direct support to scheduled bus services to ensure that social distancing can be properly observed while safeguarding the viability of these operations in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9689/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
Public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures onboard; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for 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 am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators. The 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' was published by the Minister Humphreys on 9 May 2020 and sets out the steps and processes employers and workers must take to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. The Protocol is a living document which will evolve with changing Public Health advice.
537. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the establishment of a public transport recovery task force will be considered to be independently chaired and include all key stakeholders and organisations involved in public transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9691/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Ensuring the provision of integrated public transport services (bus, rail, light-rail and taxi) by public and private operators throughout the State is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority.
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.
Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators. In relation to active travel the NTA has offered financial and technical support to all local authorities in order to deliver improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country. The NTA’s technical and financial support will be funded by my Department’s sustainable mobility investment programme and will support delivery of measures 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 aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons
- providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists
- provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities
My Department is also engaging directly with PSO and commercial operators to help inform policy decisions in relation to the public transport sector as we progress through the various phases of the Roadmap. My Department is also engaged intensively across Government in relation to progressing relevant issues. In view of these necessary approaches and engagements to address what is already a complex and difficult set of issues, I have no plans, at this time, to establish an additional administrative structure.
538. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the installation of a bus shelter at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9713/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
539. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the legality of electric scooters and bikes here in view of the fact many are seeking alternative transport during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9716/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic Act 1961 defines a mechanically propelled vehicle as a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means, including a bicycle or tricycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power, whether or not the attachment is being used. It also includes a vehicle the means of propulsion of which is electrical, or partly electrical and partly mechanical.
Escooters and powered skateboards fall into this category, and are therefore considered to be mechanically propelled vehicles. Any users of such vehicles in a public place (as defined in the Road Traffic Act 1961) must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, with penalties under road traffic laws (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) for not being in compliance with these requirements.
As it is currently not possible to tax or insure escooters or electric skateboards, they are not considered suitable for use in a public place.
Electric bicycles are in a different category to eScooters. Where a bicycle has an electric motor attached which may be used as an alternate means of propulsion, the vehicle is defined as a mechanically propelled vehicle under the Road Traffic Acts whether or not the motor is being used. However, under Article 1 (h) of EU Directive 2002/24/EC E-bikes are defined as “cycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedalling”. As bikes of this type require continuous effort on the part of the cyclist, they are considered to be pedal cycles – in other words, the engine is not the means of propulsion, but an aid to the user.
Pedal assisted cycles with a maximum continuous rated power of more than 0.25 kW and E-bikes that can be exclusively propelled by the motor are classified in the Directive as low-performance mopeds, i.e. vehicles with pedals, with an auxiliary engine of power not exceeding 1 kW and a maximum design speed not exceeding 25 km/h. Such vehicles are subject to Road Traffic legislation as outlined above, with the user obliged to have tax, insurance and an appropriate driving licence where the vehicle is to be used in a public place.
In the current context, in several jurisdictions it has been noted that there were significant increases in demand on accident and emergency medical facilities due to the use of other Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs), such as electric scooters. This would not be advisable here given the ongoing demands on our health service due to the Covid 19 pandemic and so any change that may create such additional demands would also have to be subject to consideration from that wider public health viewpoint.
541. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when all public tennis courts will reopen (details supplied). [9725/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOutdoor tennis is among the sports that may be played since the 18th of May, 2020, the commencement of phase one of the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Indoor tennis cannot currently be played.
I have no function in relation to reopening decisions for individual public tennis courts. This is a matter for the owners and operators concerned.
542. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will approve funding for proposals for a low-cost safety scheme at Killard, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9735/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
My Department sought applications in September 2019 for funding of safety improvement works on regional and local roads to be carried out by local authorities during 2020. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the local authorities. Allocations are made by the Department taking into account the terms applying to the scheme and the available budget for the grant programme.
Cork County Council submitted 24 projects for funding under the Safety Improvement Scheme in 2020 and 24 were approved for funding. A total grant of €900,000 was allocated for these Safety Improvement Schemes on 21st January 2020. My Department did not receive an application for a scheme in Killard.
It is also open to local authorities to fund Safety Improvement Schemes from the Discretionary Grant or from their own resources.
543. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review motor tax policy by which the car of a person is outside their parent’s house since lockdown and they are 180km away and unable to access the car due to restrictions of non-essential travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9752/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the current tax status of the vehicle in question has not been indicated, I wish to set out the position in relation to refunds (where a vehicle is currently in tax) and in relation to the making of a declaration of non-use of a vehicle.
In relation to refunds, the legislation which sets out the circumstances for refunds of motor tax provides for a refund 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.
In order to obtain a refund, there must also be a minimum of three months remaining on a disc at the time of surrender of the disc to the licensing authority.
I wish to advise that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes. The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office.
The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
Where a declaration is not made in advance, arrears of motor tax must be paid in full and motor tax paid for a minimum of 3 months before a declaration of non-use can then be made in the final month of the tax disc.
There are no plans currently to amend the legislation to extend the grounds for the granting of a refund or to amend the provisions for declaring a vehicle off the road.
544. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has spoken with the Minister for Health regarding healthcare workers impacted by the suspension of driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9754/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe suspension of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), including the driving test, has had an inevitable impact on many people. The services are suspended in the interests of public health and safety, which must always be our highest priorities.
During the period of the viral outbreak, the RSA has provided limited tests, on an emergency basis, in the C and D licence categories, that is buses and trucks. The Authority explored the possibility of providing emergency category B - car - driving tests, but found that this would be impossible in light of the current health-based restrictions.
Neither my colleague the Minister for Health nor the Health Services Executive have raised any issues with me regarding healthcare workers and the suspension of driving tests by the RSA. In the event that such issues were to be identified as of concern to those responsible for the health services, I would of course engage with the responsible authorities. It would have been an inappropriate imposition on the Minister for Health's time - in the midst of the first global pandemic in the history of the State - for me to seek to discuss with him matters which had not been identified as impacting on health services, such as the suspension of a service based on unambiguous health advice.
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 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 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.
545. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is appropriate that an organisation (details supplied) does not operate on an all-island basis. [9766/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra546. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the 1999 agreement between organisations (details supplied); and his further views on whether in the context of this agreement that an organisation should operate on an all-island basis. [9767/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 546 together.
The organisation and delivery of sport in Ireland is mainly a matter for the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). NGBs, including the one mentioned by the Deputy, are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance procedures and competition rules for their sports.
I understand that the organisation mentioned by the Deputy operates on an all-island basis in relation to the development of the sport and that under the statutes of its international federation the organisation's jurisdiction at international events covers the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland.
I also understand that there is a Memorandum of Understanding in place which reflects the shared goals of the relevant bodies.
547. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 765 of 27 May 2020, the way in which he plans to address the situation of a front-line health worker unable to reach their place of work by public transport, unable to have a qualified driver with them to accompany them to work and back each day and unable to sit a driver test due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9790/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI outlined in my answer, to which the Deputy refers, why it is not safe to allow unqualified drivers to drive unaccompanied. Public safety in all its aspects, including on our roads, has to be the highest priority of any responsible Minister.
I appreciate that this creates difficulties for many people at this time, including some health workers. However, I am not prepared to risk the safety of the learner drivers themselves, or of other road users. To do so would be an irresponsible response to a temporary inconvenience, and I am disappointed that the Deputy would imply that laws intended to keep people on our roads safe might be worked around at the present time.
I would add that the health service is focused on addressing the viral outbreak and increasingly the needs of those whose care was interrupted by the emergency response to COVID19, and it would be doubly irresponsible to burden it with the added pressure of further road casualties.
Individuals facing difficulties in this respect should bring them to the attention of local health service management in the first instance, given their responsibilities in relation staffing and also health and safety. I am confident that they will be able to advise on appropriate safe alternatives. The Deputy will be aware that temporary accommodation can also be made available to healthcare workers where necessary and I understand that, where transport is required, local arrangements may be made and managed at Area Crisis Management Team (ACMT) level. I refer the Deputy to https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/coronavirus/policies-procedures-guidelines/temporary-accommodation-for-healthcare-workers.html.
