Written Answers Nos. 804-828
804. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he has taken to ensure the providers of home telephone, mobile and broadband services are providing adequate customer service to vulnerable members of society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11638/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTelecommunications service providers are regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which operates independently of my Department. The telecommunications regulatory framework, which ComReg implements, requires each telecommunications services provider to establish and operate a code of practice, including requirements for complaint handling. Service Providers must implement these measures, at a minimum, to assist consumers (including businesses) when they need to contact them with a complaint. A copy of the code of practice, which includes the three ways in which consumers can contact service providers, can be accessed at https://www.comreg.ie/code-practice-handling-complaints/
Any operator failing to comply with any of these requirements is a matter to be pursued by ComReg.
I recognise how vital telecommunications services are to citizens for so many aspects of their daily lives, including for working and studying from home. Officials from my Department have been engaging intensively with ComReg and with the telecommunications industry in this regard.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 15 April 2020, I announced that all major telecommunications providers have committed to a number of measures to help people stay in touch and work from home during Covid-19, including:
1. Any fixed broadband customers who do not have unlimited usage already as standard will be given the opportunity, if they require, to upgrade their package (which may be on a temporary basis), with their current service provider;
2. Any customer who does not have fixed broadband and who relies solely on mobile access to the Internet will have the opportunity to avail of affordable unlimited mobile data access/package from their service provider;
3. Fair usage policies will not be automatically applied to unlimited fixed and mobile data packages;
4. Service providers may implement appropriate permitted traffic management measures to avoid network congestion;
5. Access to healthcare and educational resource websites identified by the Government will be zero-rated for all customers where technically feasible;
6. So that customers can remain connected during the crisis, service providers will engage with any customer that contacts them who is in financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19 and has difficulty paying their bills to agree the best way of keeping them connected to voice and data;
7. Service Providers will work with ComReg in the event of complaints raised to ComReg by consumers, who consider they are not being treated in accordance with these commitments.
The commitments will remain available to consumers until 30 June 2020 and will be reviewed in advance of that date, if needed.
As mentioned above, Service Providers have committed to working with ComReg in the event of complaints raised to ComReg by consumers, who consider they are not being treated in accordance with Covid-19 commitments.
805. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount his Department spent on social media monitoring in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11837/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department had no expenditure on social media monitoring in 2018 or 2019.
806. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number and percentage of electric cars sold to the end of May 2020. [10662/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of vehicles on the National Vehicle and Driver File with a current motor tax at 31st May 2020 is 2,748,127 of which 73,192 (2.66%) use electric as a fuel type.
|
Fuel Type |
Number of Vehicles |
|
PETROL/ELECTRIC |
52,929 |
|
ELECTRIC |
10,776 |
|
PETROL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
8,126 |
|
DIESEL/ELECTRIC |
1,275 |
|
DIESEL/PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
77 |
|
HYBRID |
7 |
|
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
73,192 |
807. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to financially support registered holiday cottage owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10795/20]
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 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, including registered holiday cottage owners, 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.
808. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the social distancing guidance provided to tour bus operators in view of the fact that many tours have been deferred to 2021; the supports available to support the operators that have lost significant business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11303/20]
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.
The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport. Nonetheless, 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 on-board; 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, including tour 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.
Minister Griffin and I have also 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.
To assist tourism businesses reopening in line with the Government’s Roadmap, Fáilte Ireland has published guidelines for the tourism sector, prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses to meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely Protocol and based on the latest health advice.
809. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funds will be made available for emergency works on the Cliff Road, Ballyheigue, County Kerry, which is in a hazardous state at present. [11388/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) 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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
The 2020 regional and local road allocations were announced earlier this year and all grant funding available to the Department has now been allocated. 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.
Local authorities may carry out repairs from the RLR grants available to them and from their own resources and in this context, it is open to each Council to determine and reprioritise its work programme in order to address emergency works.
810. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with a surge of persons returning to work in terms of access to public transport systems in view of the fact the system is struggling to cope with the current numbers. [10491/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
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 both public and commercial operators and their 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.
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.
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.
811. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider extending the taxi licences of vehicles to all licence holders beyond the 31 December 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10493/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra813. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if special measures will be put in place to ensure that taxi drivers can avail of NCT tests in order to ensure they can resume work in view of the fact that a taxi driver needs a valid NCT in order for the taxi licence to be renewed; if not, if they can have their taxi licence renewed on a special basis until such time that they can obtain a NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10532/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra819. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi owners will be off the road after 26 July 2020 if their NCT and suitability expires, in view of the fact they are unable to get an appointment for the NCT and suitability test for their taxi prior to 26 July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10560/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra875. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place for taxi vehicles to complete licence renewals requiring national car tests that are unavailable or to make a booking to have the annual small public service vehicle suitability test completed when this requires a NCT test; if penalties will be waived for the duration that testing facilities are unavailable and for an adequate time after they reopen to allow taxi owners to complete the renewal process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11304/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra898. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider extending the renewals for taxi licences falling due from 16 June 2020 until the end of phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business for an additional period in view of the backlogs at NCT centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11642/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 811, 813, 819, 875 and 898 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including regulatory measures in response to 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.
812. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a ring-fenced marketing fund will be considered for Shannon Airport to allow similar initiatives such as visit Dublin and pure Cork be rolled out in order to boost the airport, the mid-west region post-Covid-19 and increase traffic through the airport. [10526/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra890. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures taken to ensure the future viability of Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11611/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 812 and 890 together.
I would like to thank the Deputies for their questions in relation to Shannon Airport.
At the outset I would like to acknowledge the significant challenges being faced by Shannon Airport which has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and the consequential imposition of travel restrictions and the cancellation of flights. Despite these challenges the airport remains open with restricted hours to facilitate cargo operations, essential passenger travel, emergency flights, reparations and diversions. Indeed I would like to acknowledge and thank the Airport for its commitment to keeping the airport open and for keeping passengers and staff safe during this difficult time.
Unfortunately Shannon Airport is not alone in the challenges it faces, as the entire aviation industry is one of the industries most affected by the global pandemic. It was for this reason that I established a taskforce to spearhead the rehabilitation of the aviation industry. The Aviation Taskforce is charged with advising on a framework for promoting the return of aviation connectivity and aviation enterprises that are critical to supporting the wider economic recovery. It will prepare an Aviation Recovery Action Plan setting out recommendations for consideration by Government as appropriate. The Action Plan should be concluded and submitted by July 10th.
Also, the Deputies may be aware that Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I recently established a Tourism Recovery Taskforce that will prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan. The Plan 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. It will also identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023.
Increasing air and sea access to the regions will be an important element of recovery in the tourism sector. Tourism Ireland has been working for many years to drive demand for routes to the regions, and in particular Shannon Airport, through co-operative marketing campaigns in conjunction with the airport, the airlines and other partners. Through the Regional Co-operative Market Access Scheme, €2.5 million has been made available to Tourism Ireland in 2020 for co-operative marketing activity to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions. When the current crisis does abate, and when air connectivity and air services have been restored, Shannon Airport will once again be in a position to avail of this Scheme.
Of course you will be aware that the Government has also put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 crisis on our citizens and businesses. One such support is the COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. This Scheme allows employers to continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 emergency. It aims, as we know, to keep employees registered with their employers, so that they will be able to get back to work quickly as the Country enters the next phases of recovery. The Scheme, introduced on March 26 and initially expected to last 12 weeks until mid-June 2020, was last week extended by Government to end August 2020. Shannon Group is availing of the supports under this Scheme.
814. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, during the process to select independent directors of an organisation (details supplied) a company provided a short list of ten names; if the name of the person ultimately appointed chairman was not one of the names on the list; the way in which and by whom the chairman was selected for the position; if he played a role in nominating the person for the position; if he vetoed names on the list provided by a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10549/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, have no function or role in the appointment of the independent directors of the organisation mentioned by the Deputy.
I received no list of names as suggested by the Deputy, nor did I nominate anyone for the position. The recruitment process for the Chair was conducted by AMROP, an independent recruitment company.
815. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason he insisted on the appointment of six independent directors of an organisation (details supplied) as opposed to three as part of the funding arrangements set out in the memorandum of understanding in view of the fact that this configuration will now give control to the independent directors of the organisation with the casting vote of the chairman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10550/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra816. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason in the memorandum of understanding with an organisation (details supplied) funding was made conditional on all council members of the organisation with ten or more years’ service retiring at the AGM in 2020 in view of the fact agreement had been reached in 2019 that they should remain for three years up to 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10551/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra818. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the involvement of Sport Ireland in issues raised relating to an organisation (details supplied); if he sought its advice regarding the funding conditions outlined relevant to the memorandum of understanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10553/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 815, 816 and 818 together.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed between the organisation to whom the Deputy refers and the Government, signed in January 2020, was required by the Government in order to allow a financial support package to be put in place for the organisation. The MOU was signed in the presence of the organisation's European governing body and the organisation's main lender, both of whom welcomed the MOU.
The conditions for the receipt of the funding, set out in the MOU, were accepted by the organisation, and welcomed by the other stakeholders who also provided financial support.
The MOU provides that six of twelve Board members of the organisation, including the Chairperson will be independent directors. It is important to have this balance on the Board to ensure strong governance and oversight of the association. The organisation's previous governance arrangements were shockingly inadequate and led to serious financial mismanagement.
The new governance arrangements set out in the MOU also require reform of the organisation's Council, where council members with more than 10 years' service will retire by July. This changeover on the Council will address issues around the representative imbalance on the Council, particularly to ensure that women’s football is properly represented.
I acknowledge the good work done by many people on the Council. However, it is now time to move forward with these final governance reforms. I can confirm that I sought the advice of Sport Ireland in relation to the conditions outlined in the MOU.
817. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that three members of the visionary group of an organisation (details supplied) now hold the positions of association chairperson, interim CEO and deputy CEO without having had a formal recruitment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10552/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, have no function or role in the appointment of the independent directors of the organisation mentioned by the Deputy.
For your reference, the role of Chairperson in the organisation mentioned was filled following an independent recruitment process, undertaken by AMROP. I also believe that a recruitment process has commenced this week seeking to fill the permament CEO position by another independent recruitment company.
I welcomed each of these appointments when they were made in January. There was a real need for a change at those levels in the organisation and I commend each of the three people involved for their willingness to take on these key roles at such a challenging time. They have my full support in the work they are doing to reform the organisation.
820. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ascertain the airlines that enter and leave Irish airports that use HEPA filters as standard in their aircraft and which do not (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10610/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of HEPA filters is a design feature related to the manufacturer of the specific aircraft type, for example a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320 and not, per se, to specific airlines. It is my understanding that these High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestor filters have been installed in all modern commercial jet aircraft for many years. For example, Airbus indicate they have been installed on new Airbus aircraft since 1994. Through communication at the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee, I understand that both the Ryanair and Aerlingus fleets are fitted with HEPA filters.
I am informed by the Irish Aviation Authority, that a small number of aircraft are unpressurised and continuously circulate fresh air in and out of the cabin, therefore would not typically have HEPA filters. IAA is unclear if any passenger aircraft have cabin re-circulation of air without a HEPA filter and is consulting with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ascertain if any aircraft of this type are in use in Europe.
I wish to highlight that the air conditioning and the use of HEPA filters are part of a suite of measures that can ensure passengers are safe, and not exposed to the COVID-19 virus, while flying, as set out in the European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control (ECDC) and EASA Guidance. The National Air Transport Facilitation Committee is coordinating the application of these measures by Irish airlines and airports through an agreed code of practice.
821. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the possibility of a development (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10615/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIndividual sections of this potential cycle way are being progressed by the relevant Local Authorities. My Department previously provided funding for the construction of the Omeath to Carlingford Marina Greenway and this section is part of the cross-border EU co-funded Interreg project that links Carlingford to Newry that is currently under construction. We will continue to work with the Departments of Infrastructure and the Economy in Northern Ireland to progress the cross border sections and sections connecting the route to Belfast and Larne. My Department will also work with relevant Local Authorities to facilitate this cycle way down the east coast to Rosslare Europort.
When funding for the construction of Greenways was available in 2019 unfortunately none of the sections of the East Coast Cycle Way (or Greenway) were in a position to be awarded funding at that time as they did not have planning permission in place. However, a number of sections of the route were submitted for funding under the more recent Carbon Tax Fund that will support planning and design work this year and next. The decision on which projects to fund under that call will be a matter for the incoming Minister.
I would encourage all Local Authorities to continue to work on progressing planning and design and consultation with landowners along the route of this proposal so that when construction funding is next available that they will be well placed to be awarded funding.
822. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place to support persons who have holidays booked but due to Covid-19 and travel advice from the Chief Medical Officer, will have to cancel their plans but are not eligible to refunds for the cost of flights under the European air passenger rights legislation in view of the fact the flights have not been cancelled (details supplied). [10617/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra874. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the protections in place for air passengers who are unable to use their tickets due to travel restrictions in circumstances in which the flight is scheduled to depart; if airlines will be obliged to refund these passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11268/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 822 and 874 together.
As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations and other scenarios, including long delays. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law. I understand, however, that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market in instances where flights are not cancelled, and having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher. In some instances airlines are waiving charges on rebooking and offering additional incentives such as extra value on vouchers.
Clearly the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions across the globe. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.
I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances, and it is something that I have raised directly with the two main Irish airlines. I have asked that they take a fresh look at their current offerings to customers, that they bring more clarity to the messaging around entitlements and information on refund timeframes, and that they show discretion in favour of customers whose circumstances clearly make it unreasonable to expect them to travel, even if flights go. In looking to the future recovery, seeking ways to rebuild consumer confidence will be integral to initiating and indeed sustaining any future recovery for all parts of the aviation sector including the airlines.
823. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the number 207 bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10638/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann 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.
824. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the memorandum of understanding with companies (details supplied) as joint shareholders of the Port of Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10643/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I wish to point out that this is a commercial operational matter for the Port of Cork Company.
I understand from the Port of Cork Company that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NextDecade in 2017 to attract new LNG business into Ireland from the USA. Next Decade is a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) development company which is focused on LNG export projects.
Next Decade propose to import LNG through a FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) which acts as a floating storage LNG terminal which will be moored permanently in the harbour. A new FRSU will most likely be commissioned and built for this purpose.
Next Decade and the POCC have had preliminary meetings with the relevant Departments and stakeholders. They have met with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and Gas Networks Ireland (GNI). DCCAE and GNI indicated they are supportive of the project which will feed gas into the national pipeline located beside the proposed site of the new facility. This would give security of gas supply nationally into the long term and in the context of Brexit.
It is also planned that the FRSU facility would be able to provide an LNG refuelling and bunkering facility for ships at the Port of Cork, which would meet the requirement under the EC Alternative Fuels Directive for TEN-T ports. This facility would also be able to provide competitive bunkering to all Irish ports.
A feasibility study is currently being undertaken by Next Decade on where the vessel should be moored and environmental and regulatory matters are being examined. The site chosen will most likely be near the Whitegate refinery, with Bord Gais and the ESB facilities already located in the port. The development will be subject to all the normal planning requirements and compliance with all necessary consents. The proposed project falls under the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
I understand that the project has not progressed at the pace the Port of Cork Company originally envisaged. One of the factors for the delay is the worldwide economic climate and in particular the drop in oil prices internationally. The Port of Cork Company advise that the project remains at a very preliminary stage and the Memorandum of Understanding expires at the end of this year.
The Port of Cork Company have advised that they do not have a Memorandum of Understanding with Flex LNG.
825. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons require driver licences in order to begin jobs; his plans to recommence driver tests in a manner that protects from the dangers of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10690/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months. If it is the case that the NDLS centres have not re-opened before the extension period expires, the possibility of a further extension will be examined.
The RSA has been 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.
Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness testing resumed on 18 May, with the National Driver Licensing Service, National Car Tests, and Driver Theory Tests resuming from 8 June, on a gradual basis. All of the resumed services are now subject to appropriate public health protocols. Services must be booked in advance, and people should follow the required protocols for the sake of their own health and that of others. Further information is available at www.rsa.ie
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 4 of the Government's roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of the driving test, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service 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.
826. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the task force for aviation recovery which he announced in Dáil Éireann on 3 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10693/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra837. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to draft the terms of reference for the task force for aviation recovery announced on 3 June 2020 to ensure that regional airports, including Ireland West Airport Knock, are represented on the task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10812/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra871. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will appoint persons (details supplied) to the task force for aviation recovery that his Department is constituting. [11209/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra892. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the membership, terms of reference and work schedule of the task force for aviation recovery; the proposals it has submitted to his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11613/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra894. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an organisation (details supplied) will be included on the task force for aviation recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11615/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 826, 837, 871, 892 and 894 together.
Information on the Taskforce, including the terms of reference and a list of members, is available on my Department's web site. The Taskforce is chaired by Dr Chris Horn, and there are 14 other members. The Taskforce met for the first time on Friday 12 June, and I have set it a reporting deadline of 10 July. I have asked the Taskforce to make recommendation on actions needed to get Irish aviation back up and running - on a safe and sustainable basis - as a driver of Ireland's economic recovery.
The Aviation Taskforce will coordinate its work with the Tourism Taskforce, where that is appropriate.
827. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when NDLS centres will reopen; when the online facility for first-time driver licence applications will go live; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10733/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
I am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening of the National Driver Licence Service centres from Monday 8 June, in line with Phase 2 of the Government roadmap for the easing of Covid 19 restrictions and the national return to work safety protocol. Further information is available at www.ndls.ie and www.rsa.ie
The operation of the National Driver Licence Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. The Authority continues to work on expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. When this facility becomes available the Authority will update its website.
828. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available for a group (details supplied) in order that urgent upgrades to equipment can be put in place. [10735/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds the 44 volunteer Irish Coast Guard units comprising of approximately 1,000 volunteers.
The budget within Coast Guard Units and Support covers all operational and resourcing requirements for these units as well as grants to Mountain and Cave Rescue and Community Rescue Boat organisations.
Regrettably the Irish Coast Guard is not in a position to offer financial assistance to the Tory Island sea rescue voluntary group.
