Alan Kelly
Ceist:682. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a copy of the status report of the latest Fáilte Ireland capital spending plan will be provided. [12122/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland
Ceisteanna (682)
Freagraí scríofa
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's Question to that agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (683)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:683. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12158/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that the Department of An Taoiseach is arranging for the publication of material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of An Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations. I believe that this will provide the documents and information the Deputy is seeking.
Memoranda of Understanding
Ceisteanna (684)
Joe O'Brien
Ceist:684. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Port of Cork plans to renew the memorandum of understanding with a company (details supplied) when it expires at the end of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12162/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I advised the Deputy on the 16th June 2020, this is a commercial operational matter for the Port of Cork Company. My Department has forwarded the query to the Company for direct reply to you.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Airport Development Projects
Ceisteanna (685)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:685. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will intervene in the decision by an airline (details supplied) to withdraw from Shannon Airport by writing directly to the management and urging it to reconsider in addition to asking it not to focus the airline's future development plans on Dublin Airport alone. [12164/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that I recently wrote, and spoke on the telephone, to the senior management of United Airlines to convey my concerns in relation to the recent decision to suspend its operation at Shannon Airport. I understand the Airline proposes to re-engage with the Shannon Airport Authority, once all travel restrictions are removed and they have a better understanding of market demand for air travel.
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (686)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:686. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a PSV licence application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12176/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (687)
Pa Daly
Ceist:687. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for approved driver instructors in order that they can avail of the necessary PPE to reopen their businesses safely. [12179/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The RSA has advised authorised driving instructors of their plans for resumption of services, including their protocols for driving tests, to assist them in reopening their businesses on or after 29 June, in accordance with the Government's acceleration of Phase 3 of the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
However, it must be noted that 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. Businesses are responsible for meeting the costs of their legal obligations in relation to health and safety and always have been.
I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
If any company returning to work decides that it requires PPE in order to carry out its business safely, it will be a matter for that company to absorb the costs of this, and any other equipment or modifications, as part of its business costs.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (688)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:688. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a pension increase will issue to CIÉ group pensioners in the current review recommendations due in May or June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12187/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
Issues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the scheme, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
In light of the above, I have referred the question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (689)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:689. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when guidance will be available for driving instructors on a safe return to work; when car driver tests will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12213/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that the RSA has advised driving instructors of their plans for resuming driving tests for 29 June, with a view to them reopening their businesses on or after 29 June, in accordance with the Government's acceleration of Phase 3 of the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
The RSA is providing guidelines for instructors. However, it must be noted that 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.
I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
The resumption of car 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.
It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles will resume on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus in or before Phase 4. Final dates for service resumption remain under discussion and are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of driving tests, 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (690)
James Browne
Ceist:690. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to support a company (details supplied) here following the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12215/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The company referred to by the Deputy is a sales and marketing platform for a variety of accommodation types for both tourism and other purposes. Supporting online sales platforms is not a matter for which I am directly responsible.
With regard to supporting tourism enterprises generally, my 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 AirBnB, 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (691)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:691. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public health advice regarding the expected phase for the resumption of driver lessons and tests based on the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12232/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Due to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Regulations to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit, were put in place. 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.
The resumption of car driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the National Return to Work Safely 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.
It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the revised Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles will resume on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus to follow. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.
The arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service, are being determined by the RSA following consultation with employee representatives and with the advice of health authorities.
I can confirm that the RSA has advised approved driving instructors of its plans for resumption, including the protocols being used for driving tests, with a view to them reopening their businesses on or after 29 June, in accordance with the Government's acceleration of Phase 3 of the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
However, it must be noted that as a business, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses.
I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
Parking Regulations
Ceisteanna (692)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:692. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to regulations, rules or other measures that would prevent cars parking in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic in order to improve road safety in particular for cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12236/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current recommendation on directional parking is set out in the Rules of the Road (page 134 of the 2018 edition) which directs drivers "where possible, [to] park in the direction of traffic flow."
The possibility of introducing legislation in order to allow local authorities make this practice compulsory has been raised with the Department in recent years. The matter was in fact considered in detail by the Road Safety Authority in the consultation process leading up to the mid-term evaluation of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020. This consultation concluded that there was no definitive evidence that enshrining such directional parking in law would save lives and there are no plans to amend the relevant legislation at present.
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (693)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:693. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he last had written engagement and correspondence with the Road Safety Authority; and the date it occurred. [12254/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I last wrote to the Road Safety Authority on 19 June 2020.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (694)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:694. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount allocated for cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in each of the years 2020 to 2024 under the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the transport spend projected for each of those years; the figures on these allocations prepared for discussions on a potential programme for Government; if copies of documentation generated within his Department for such negotiations will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12256/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Project Ireland 2040 Capital Tracker published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform provides details of infrastructure projects, indicative allocations, current status, project commencement dates and proposed completion dates. It is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/6db7c4-investment-projects-and-programmes-tracker/.
The individual projects and programmes are subject to compliance with the Public Spending Code, including its requirements in relation to appraisal and Sanctioning Authority approval points.
In addition to the cycling and walking programme identified in the Tracker, there are other expenditure programmes which will assist with the better development and provision of cycling and walking infrastructure across the State. The BusConnects programme in Dublin which will inter alia deliver around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes where possible, TII anticipates that it will deliver 64 km of segregated cycle tracks as part of its roads programmes between 2020 and 2024, the Greenways programme will support the development of new Greenways in more rural areas and the Sustainable Urban Transport programme which includes smarter travel projects to allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion. In addition walking and cycling benefit from investment delivered under wider Government programmes such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Cycle to Work scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
I understand that the Department of An Taoiseach is arranging for the publication of material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of An Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations. I believe that this will provide the documents and information the Deputy is seeking.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (695)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:695. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation for cycling and pedestrian work under the BusConnects programme; the proportion of the spend it accounts for; the value placed on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12257/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 BusConnects Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (696, 730, 735)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:696. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the advice of his Department with regard to the installation of protective screens in taxis; if such screens are considered an adaptation of the vehicle; if their installation needs to be carried out by a certified professional; the way in which and the body that certifies such persons; and if he has engaged with the motor insurance industry on this issue to ensure that taxi drivers do not experience difficulty in renewing their insurance following the installation of such screens. [12276/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:730. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if properly fitted safety screens installed in taxis to protect the driver and passenger from the spread of Covid-19 will not be a factor in taxis not passing the suitability test. [12532/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:735. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which taxi drivers can protect themselves from Covid-19 without protective screens in view of the fact insurance companies will not insure the car with the protective screen as the screen is not safe in case of an accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12559/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 696, 730 and 735 together.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA), as the statutory regulator for the SPSV sector under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, published information for the SPSV industry which includes Advisory Guidelines on Temporary COVID-19 Dividing Screens on 18 May 2020. This document is available on the NTA's website (www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi-and-bus-licensing/advisory-guidelines-temporary-covid-19-dividing-screens/).
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (697, 727, 728, 736)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:697. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional supports he plans to provide taxi drivers impacted by loss of trade due to Covid-19; and the engagements he has had with the Taxi Regulator to ensure that the NTA and the motor insurance industry provide all necessary supports to taxi drivers. [12277/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John Lahart
Ceist:727. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he has in place to assist the taxi industry and drivers when the pandemic unemployment payment is due to end and to assist in the industry generally in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12503/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Donnelly
Ceist:728. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grants will be available to self-employed taxi drivers to enable them to restart their businesses after being off the road due to Covid-19. [12530/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Seán Crowe
Ceist:736. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the challenges facing taxis resuming work post Covid-19 lockdown; and if his Department is reviewing and working on new supports that will help alleviate the hardship they are currently enduring. [12596/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 697, 727, 728 and 736 together.
I recognise that from the onset of the COVID-19 Emergency and the introduction of restrictions as part of the necessary public health response, passenger demand for taxis and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) services fell considerably and many operators stopped working.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) - the agency under my aegis which regulates the taxi industry - took action to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change. These actions included licence extensions and the waiver of late licence renewal fees. The NTA has also engaged with the motor insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those SPSV operators who decide to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Operators who suspend their licences will be able to either reduce their monthly premium or receive a refund from their insurer, depending on their individual arrangements with their insurer.
In recognition of the challenges facing businesses, the Government also put in place a range of measures to assist businesses during the current COVID-19 pandemic, including the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme, the COVID-19 Restart Grant, and a waiver of commercial rates. Self-employed owner operators of SPSVs may also avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week that was introduced.
At the present time, given the range of financial supports available, I do not see the need for additional supports for the SPSV industry. However, noting that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is scheduled to end on 10 August 2020, this question will be kept under continual review by Government. In addition, my Department is in regular contact with the NTA to monitor the impact the reopening of the economy in line with the Government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business is having on demand for SPSV services and to ensure that SPSV operators who have temporarily stopped working are well placed to return to work.
Motor Tax
Ceisteanna (698)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:698. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will enable the issuing of retrospective declarations of non-use for vehicles owned by drivers over 70 years of age for the period they were instructed to cocoon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12296/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Up to 2013, vehicles were declared off the road retrospectively.
The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act came into effect on 1 July 2013. The primary purpose of the Act was to replace the system whereby a vehicle was declared off the road retrospectively with a system under which the vehicle must be declared off the road in advance. The procedure where vehicles were declared off the road retrospectively was non-verifiable, and was at the time estimated to be costing some €110m annually (of which half was not considered to be genuine).
Under the new provisions, a declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office using the following form:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/4df54e-declaration-of-non-use-of-a-vehicle/.
The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
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 to re-introduce retrospective declarations.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (699)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:699. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to difficulties that taxi drivers face in suspending their insurance during the Covid-19 crisis due to the fact the NTA insists on receiving the tamper-proof disc from the taxi and the likelihood that the NTA offices will be overwhelmed when taxi drivers request appointments to retrieve tamper-proof discs; if he will allow taxi drivers to suspend or update insurance without removing tamper-proof discs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12298/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the onset of the Covid-19 Emergency and the restrictions introduced as part of the necessary public health response, passenger demand for SPSV services has fallen radically and many SPSV operators have stopped working. The NTA has therefore taken action to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change.
The NTA has engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those SPSV operators who decide to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Operators who avail of this facility will be able to either reduce their monthly premium or receive a refund from their insurer, depending on their individual arrangements with their insurer.
To avail of this insurance reduction, SPSV operators must temporarily suspend their SPSV licences. Since the start of April about 5% of SPSV licences have been suspended. The suspension of a licence requires the removal and return of a vehicle’s tamper-proof discs to the NTA in accordance with section 17 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. A tamper-proof disc is evidence that an SPSV is genuine with a valid licence and appropriate insurance. It would therefore be inappropriate for an SPSV to display such a disc if its licence and insurance was suspended.
The NTA is keen to facilitate the swift return to work of any SPSV operator who wishes to reactivate their licence following a temporary suspension. I am informed that the NTA has a team available nationwide to reapply tamper-proof discs free of charge, that the process takes only minutes, and that a suitability inspection will not be required to apply duplicate tamper-proof discs to an SPSV.
Question No. 700 answered with Question No. 672.
Tourism Industry
Ceisteanna (701)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:701. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an association (details supplied) will be invited to contribute to the tourism recovery task force; if the association will be invited to contribute to the taskforce for aviation recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12316/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established by Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I on 20 May 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Ministers which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and will report back later this year.
The Taskforce is made up of an independent chairperson and 13 other members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds including tourism policy, tourism enterprise, international, private and public service. The Minister of State and I selected members on the basis of each person's capacity to bring his/her personal knowledge, skills, experience, competence, capability, strategic leadership and ideas to the work of the group. We have appointed individuals who, together, will work for the good of Irish Tourism as a whole. I can assure the Deputy that in the same manner that no sector was deliberately included, no sector was deliberately excluded.
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 Western Chauffer Drive Association has an opportunity to contribute to the work of the Taskforce in this way.
In relation to your second query; the Aviation Taskforce was established as an industry advisory group and it has been set a very short timeframe to make recommendations to the Minister and to Government, having regard to the urgency of the crisis affecting the sector. That timeframe, which is a final report by 10 July, does not lend itself to broad public consultation. The Members of the Taskforce were chosen based on the their expertise and the perspective they can bring to deliberations and each has been requested to make submissions on what needs to be done. There is broad representation, including the main airports and airlines, tourism representatives, trade unions and consumer protection. That combination should be in a position to make a balanced and informed set of recommendations.