Written Answers Nos. 879-903
879. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if tourism specific funding supports will be provided by the EU arising from the EU Tourism Ministers meeting in April 2020; if so, when such assistance will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11362/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you know, EU Tourism Ministers met on 27 April and 20 May by videoconference to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism. At both those meetings, I urged the European Commission to introduce new, tourism-specific funding supports for member states and to allow maximum flexibility in State Aid rules, to enable the provision of timely and appropriate supports for the sector.
On 27 May, the European Commission published a revised proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework to run from 2021-2027, along with a proposed temporary and frontloaded new European recovery package called “Next Generation EU”, to run over the period 2021-2024. The eligibility criteria for these funds has been further expanded to include objectives that will provide supports for small businesses, tourism, culture and natural heritage, among a range of other areas. This legislation is still being debated in the European Council and Operational Programmes for the period 2021-2027 will be agreed based on the new regulatory framework. The Operational Programmes are expected to be completed by the end of 2020, or early in 2021. The amount of European funding that will be allocated to Ireland and all other Member States is still being negotiated. My Department is exploring all potential EU financial supports for the tourism sector, and is examining the Commission’s proposals in consultation with relevant Departments. EU leaders will discuss these proposals at the forthcoming European Council on 19 June, with a view to reaching early political agreement.
881. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver lessons can resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you for your recent correspondence in relation to the resumption of work by driving schools.
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. To put this in perspective, 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.
I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority and an Garda Siochana, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
882. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken in respect of the crisis in the bus and coach sector arising as a result of Covid-19; if he has met with representatives of the sector; his views on the issues raised by the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to advise that officials in my Department are engaging with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland and will continue to do so on a regular basis.
Since 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 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.
883. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a tender to construct a new national velodrome and badminton centre has been published; if so, when construction works will commence; the estimated duration of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11426/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.
The National Development Plan 2018-2027 included a commitment to develop a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the National Sports Campus in 2020 and 2021. The proposal at that time comprised a 250-metre cycling track, 12-16 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, spectator seating and ancillary facilities including office space.
A review of the original design scheme for the project was undertaken by Sport Ireland in 2019 to assess the suitability and fitness of the design for present and future purposes. The review, which was completed in October 2019, proposed a number of design changes.
Sport Ireland submitted a revised business case for the project to my Department in May. This is currently being examined by my officials in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
Any decision on this project will be subject to Ministerial approval and the availability of funding.
885. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated timeline that overseas travel will be regularised again to enable the hospitality and tourism industry prepare and engage in medium-term planning. [11545/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, the Government advice continues to be against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice.
On Friday 12 June the Government noted a European coordinated approach to lifting COVID-19 border controls and travel restrictions, as announced by the European Commission on 11 June. The Commission recommends that Schengen Member States and Schengen Associated States lift internal border controls by 15 June 2020, but extend the temporary restriction on non-essential travel from third countries to the EU until 30 June 2020.
The European Commission has set out the broad framework for lifting border restrictions, with consideration to the epidemiological context, (i.e. the extent to which the virus is under control in countries and regions), the ability to apply containment measures for safe travel throughout the whole journey, and economic and social considerations, initially prioritising cross-border movement in key areas of activity and including personal reasons.
We will be guided by Government, the Department of Health and the Department of Foreign Affairs as Ireland continues with EU level discussions on these issues.
My Department has had extensive engagement with industry and stakeholders involved in travel and tourism since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, and I have established Task Forces for Tourism and for Aviation Recovery. The Aviation Recovery Task Force established last week will focus on the immediate action required and on further measures with a five year outlook.
Work is also advanced on the development of protocols for safe international travel by air and sea in line with the EU best practice guidance.
886. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will arrange a stand-alone meeting with the representative bodies of the taxi industry in advance of the next meeting of the Taxi Advisory Committee. [11575/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have arranged to meet the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles, sometimes known as the Taxi Advisory Committee, at its next scheduled meeting, later this month. The Committee has a statutory remit, and its role under Section 73 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 is to advise the Minister for Transport, Toursim and Sport in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers. The views of the taxi industry are well represented on that Committee through multiple Committee members with representative functions and backgrounds and experience in the sector. Indeed, the legislation specifically stipulates that membership of the Committee is to include a number of persons "representing small public service vehicle and driver interests". I am not intending to meet separately with the industry representative bodies prior to the Advisory Committee meeting. However, I can assure the Deputy that I am aware of and briefed on the relevant issues of interest to the industry, and I am looking forward to the discussion soon at the Advisory Committee.
887. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be allocated in 2020 towards a road upgrade project (details supplied) in view of the heavy volume of traffic on the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11602/20]
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 the Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Before the post 2008 financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific and Strategic Improvement Grants to improve roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during that period meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance and renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
Project Ireland 2040 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some time yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis and must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF). Given the limited funding available for RLR improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. Our records indicate that no project application has been received in relation to the section of the R178 from Shercock to Bailieborough.
I announced the 2020 regional and local road allocations on 21st January this year and all grant funding available to my 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.
888. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the time frame for the feasibility study on light rail in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11609/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is likely aware that, commencing in 2016, transport investment in all the major cities is guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies. Since 2016 transport strategies have been published in respect of the Greater Dublin Area, Galway and the Cork Metropolitan Area, while development of a transport strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area has commenced and work on the final strategy in respect of the Waterford Metropolitan Area is scheduled to commence this year.
This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.
In relation to Galway, the Deputy should be aware that the issue of light rail in Galway city was comprehensively examined as part of the development of the Galway Transport Strategy. The Strategy concluded that a bus based public transport system, supported by various active travel and public realm improvements, represents the most appropriate system for Galway over the period considered by the Strategy.
889. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the national strategy for rural transport, Connecting Ireland, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11610/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
In relation to policy, my Department is undertaking a Review of Sustainable Mobility Policy which includes the rural dimension. The public consultation phase of the Review concluded on 28 February 2020. Issues relating to rural transport are being considered as part of the development of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy Statement.
In relation to actual services, it is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
The NTA identified a requirement for a complete review of public transport services in non-urban markets, to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the Greater Dublin Area, the other cities and large towns) and ultimately enable the NTA to present its vision for a countrywide connected, low-carbon, public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for this review of services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
891. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated to support local authorities develop and implement cycle and walkway mobility plans; the process for applying for this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11612/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is engaging with local authorities to support them in the development of Covid-19 mobility plans and importantly to also support the local authorities in their delivery of required infrastructure improvements. As we move through the phases of Government's "Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business", improvements introduced under these plans will play an important role in providing additional transport capacity and also facilitating social distancing in urban areas.
I can confirm that the NTA has written to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support will be funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme.
The NTA envisages a range of measures may be required in our cities and towns, such as:
- Widening of footpaths to facilitate queuing outside shops and enable social distancing;
- Potential pedestrianisation of some streets where necessary and feasible to accommodate social distancing, particularly where this supports business activities;
- Potential one-way systems to create space for footpath widening;
- Altering traffic signal times to reduce pedestrian waiting/crowding plus the automatic activation of some pedestrian phases in order to aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons;
- Providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists; and
- Provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities.
The Deputy will be aware that some local authorities have already put in place improvements to facilitate increased active travel and I expect these improvements will continue in the coming weeks and months.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
893. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to establish a dedicated public transport recovery task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11614/20]
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. 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.
895. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider extending the criteria for eligibility for the disabled parking permit to include children with autism and ADHD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11619/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Parking Permit (also known as the European Parking Card or Disabled Parking Badge) is available to people living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, and also to those who are registered blind. In 2010 the Department conducted a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, in consultation with various stakeholders and one of the issues examined was eligibility for the scheme. As a result of the review the scheme was revised so that permits are now given on the basis of mobility impairment rather than the diagnosis of a particular condition or illness. This is in line with the original intention of the scheme.
The possibility of extending the eligibility criteria for the scheme to include people with autism and other invisible disabilities has been raised on a number of occasions and the Department has consulted extensively with the joint issuing authorities of the scheme, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWC), on this matter. In light of these consultations there are currently no plans to change the criteria.
I would particularly emphasise to the Deputy that issuing a large number of extra permits by extending the eligibility criteria would in fact put the existing scheme under significant additional pressure and compromise the availability of disabled parking spaces in general, thus disadvantaging those with restricted mobility who are currently eligible.
896. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation under the rural transport programme in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11620/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
897. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to reduce backlogs that have built up for the driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11641/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the Driver Theory Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
899. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount his Department spent on social media monitoring in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11849/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department has incurred no expenditure relating to social media monitoring for either of the years outlined by the Deputy.
900. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the consideration given to the possible impact of the proposal of Tusla to decentralise its national remit for domestic violence, sexual and gender-based violence services to front-line services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11263/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, currently provides support, coordination and funding to some 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). The operations of the Agency and organisational structures designed to ensure effective delivery of services in line with government policy and strategy is a matter for Tusla's management and Board.
Tusla has advised that where organisational reform is planned, it will be with a view to strengthening governance, allowing for more local influence and leadership of services and enhancing integration for all Tusla and Tusla commissioned services with State services. Any organisational reform would follow a period of engagement, information and consultation, including stakeholders in the DSGBV sector.
Tusla has assured the Department that service provision for victims of DSGBV will not be affected by any organisational reform.
901. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when childcare facilities and services will be made available for non-essential workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11504/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been working through the significant challenges of a phased reopening of Early Learning and Care (ELC) facilities for 29 June, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. The phased reopening will seek to meet the needs of the increasing range of parents and guardians who are returning to work, and prioritise the needs of vulnerable children who need childcare on child welfare grounds.
This approach will facilitate the return of the following groups to services on 29 June:
- children of health and social care workers, other frontline workers, childcare practitioners themselves, and parents who need access to childcare in order to return to work. In the first instance, places will be available to families from these categories who previously used the childcare services,
- vulnerable children, including children sponsored under the National Childcare Scheme (for example, children who are in the international protection process and children of families who are homeless) along with children funded through legacy childcare schemes who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage or child welfare issues,
- children with disabilities, including those preparing to start school in September,
- other children previously registered in childcare services on March 12, whose parents continue to need childcare and who were assured that they would retain their place through conditions attached to the DCYA Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme, and
- subject to local availability of places, children who did not previously use childcare services and whose parents are now seeking a place.
In cases where services do not have the capacity to accommodate all children in their service, services have been asked to prioritise the children of essential and frontline workers and vulnerable children for places when reopening on 29 June.
If there is sufficient capacity, services will provide places for children previously registered with them on 12 March, whose parents continue to need childcare for employment or training purposes.
A further key factor is that, in the best interests of children and parents, children should, as far as possible, be enabled to return to the childcare service they attended pre-COVID-19. Given the changed model of interaction and the time lapse since children last attended, it is important that there is as much continuity as possible for children. In light of the necessary changes, parents may also feel more reassured by placing their children in the care of childcare practitioners with whom they already have a relationship. Familiarity with other children attending the service and their parents may also help with the settling-in phase.
On 10 June I was pleased to announce a comprehensive support package of €75m to the ELC Sector, to support providers to reopen from 29 June.
I acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has been an extremely difficult period for all ELC providers. This model of funding and phased reopening has been designed to align with public health guidance to ensure the safe reopening of services. Furthermore, it will support the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector as it begins again.
902. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the expected time frame for visits to recommence for children in care homes. [10485/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
903. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of early years service providers that are due to re-register by the end of December 2020; if Tusla has adequate resources to ensure the process is completed in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10514/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matter to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Tusla, I have requested Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly within 10 working days.
