Written Answers Nos. 650-674
650. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be provided to Kerry County Council to carry out repairs on the road at Dromature, Ballyheigue, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12690/20]
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 selection and prioritisation of road repair works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
It is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement local authorities in their spending in this area and it is open to the Council to fund works from its own resources.
As the Department does not select or prioritise the roads scheduled for repairs each year, under the Restoration Maintenance, Restoration Improvement or Discretionary Grant programmes, I would suggest that contact is made with Kerry County Council directly in order to establish the details of its prioritised projects.
651. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if builders will be instructed to have caps fitted on the revolving drum of all cement trucks in order to prevent spillages (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12908/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to inform the Deputy that regulation 96(4) of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) prohibits a load from being carried on a public road in such a manner that part of the load is liable to fall on the road, so as to cause damage to the road or other endanger other road users.
Please note that the enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
652. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the guidelines for pubs and restaurants relating to Covid-19 social distancing measures include outside spaces which may be used for seating. [12913/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland’s detailed sector specific guidelines are designed to assist tourism and hospitality businesses reopen and operate in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice. The suite of guidelines comprises nine documents in total – a general overview document plus more detailed guidelines for each of eight sectoral strands (including one for restaurants and cafés; and another for pubs). All the guidelines are available on the Fáilte Ireland website.
The comprehensive operational guidelines cover a range of important matters, such as putting together a business response and action plan; employee and customer health; employee responsibilities; physical distancing; cleaning products and protocols; technical and maintenance services; front and back of house; and the kitchen area; as well as guidelines for suppliers of goods and services.
Fáilte Ireland’s guidelines for tourism businesses do not, however, address issues around the use of outdoor areas for the provision of seating. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, I believe such matters are likely taken into consideration by local authorities when considering street furniture licences and appeals in line with the relevant provisions of planning legislation and relevant public health and health and safety advice. This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
653. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the HSE has liaised with the RSA regarding the resumption of car driving lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13235/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
654. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver lessons will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12693/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the revised Roadmap announced by Government, driver testing has resumed from 29 June on phased basis.
The resumption of driver testing means that driving instruction will also need to resume. On 22 June, the Road Safety Authority wrote to all Approved Driving Instructors advising them of the planned reopening of driver testing services from 29 June and the health protocols being applied.
It is up to each driving school and individual self-employed driving instructor to ensure that they are able to resume their businesses safely in compliance with the National Return to Work Safety Protocol.
655. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if electric scooters are legal to use; if so, the locations in which they can be used;hisplans to make electric scooters legal; the timeline for legislation in relation to same; and ifhewill make a statement on the matter. [12695/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my intention, in accordance with Programme for Government, to introduce new legislation to regulate the use of e-scooters
656. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding air traffic control fees for military flights using Irish airspace and airports here; if fees are waived for military aircraft; if so, the cost of waived fees in each of the years 2010 to 2019; and the cost waived for each individual military body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe practice of exempting en-route charges for certain specified classes of airspace users, including military aircraft, derives from the exclusion of State aircraft from the scope of the 1944 Chicago Convention establishing the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). While the application of the exemption from charges is at the discretion of the State concerned, the policy and general practice at international level is to exempt such flights from charges. Ireland, in common with the vast majority of Eurocontrol's 41 member states, subscribes to this practice.
The cost incurred by the Irish Aviation Authority in providing exempt en-route services for such flights is reimbursed by my Department.
The breakdown of the amounts reimbursed for military flights is not held by my Department, however the aggregate figures for exempt services payments to the Irish Aviation Authority are available and are shown in the below table.
|
Year |
Exempt services payment (€) |
|
2010 |
2.8m |
|
2011 |
2.9m |
|
2012 |
2.7m |
|
2013 |
2.3m |
|
2014 |
2.4m |
|
2015 |
2.5m |
|
2016 |
2.6m |
|
2017 |
2.4m |
|
2018 |
2.0m |
|
2019 |
1.9m |
657. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if financial assistance will be put in place for self-employed taxi drivers in view of the impact of Covid-19. [12699/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 decided to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Operators who suspended 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.
658. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason persons that attended for the NCT before the Covid-19 lockdown and could not get the lift test done at the time due to the failure of the NCT company to provide it are now being charged €28 for the lift test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12710/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on Monday 8 June 2020, in line with the commencement of Phase 2 of the Government's Roadmap for easing Covid 19 restrictions, the National Car Test (NCT) resumed on a phased basis.
Members of the public who presented their vehicle for an NCT test before the suspension of the servcie but could only complete a partial inspection due to the vehicle lift issue are now required to return to a test centre to complete their NCT. If the vehicle has travelled more than 5,000km since the partial test, they will also have to undergo a brake and suspension test. This is being carried out free of charge for the vehicle owner
If a vehicle failed its initial NCT inspection and is required to undergo a re-test as a result of that failure, the usual re-test fee of €28 applies.
659. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) was charged €28 for the NCT lift test in view of the fact it could not be taken originally due to faulty NCT equipment and having passed the rest of the NCT they could not rebook the test within 30 days of the original test due to Covid-19 lockdown measures; the steps he will take to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12711/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in individual cases. 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
660. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there is no representative from the ground transport and scheduled services sector on the tourism recovery taskforce in view of the centrality of the sector to the tourism sector here. [12715/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established on 20 May 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is 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. 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 members were selected 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. The individuals appointed will work together 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 may establish working groups to carry out specific tasks and has undertaken a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties provided constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way. The consultation process finished on June 28 and the Taskforce is considering the results.
661. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered extending financial support or waiving State fees that are imposed on scheduled coach services or bus tour operators, such as NCT fees, CVRT fees and vehicle licensing. [12716/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra663. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered extending grant payments to bus and coach operators in respect of vehicle insurance in view of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. [12718/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 663 together.
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.
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.
On the 25th of June, Government announced changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions. It has been agreed to move from 2 metres social distancing on public transport to 50% capacity. This will help to underpin public transport during these unprecedented times for the sector, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. The Government also decided to legally require the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to age (under 13). These measures will protect both passengers and staff and significantly help ease the pressure on operators by reducing the gap between public transport supply and demand.
Further, on the 25th of June Government agreed new temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, will be introduced for the licensed bus sector. Licensed operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery. These supports are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and revenues generated on the services. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support package through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.
Furthermore, the Government previously introduced a €12bn package of supports for impacted businesses of all sizes, which include: the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
Concerning vehicle testing fees - the cost of a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) is set by regulation 14 of the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 347/2013) as amended. I do not intend to make further amendments to this legislation at present.
Furthermore, there are no plans currently to amend motor tax legislation to provide for waivers from motor tax (vehicle licensing). I do wish to advise that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes. The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office, using the following declaration https://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.
662. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered automatically extending vehicle licences for coach and bus tour operators for a period of 12 months in view of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. [12717/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to the licensing of Large Public Service Vehicles.
An Garda Síochána has over-arching responsibility regarding Public Service Vehicle licensing and testing, which is carried out by the Carriage Office for the purpose of ensuring that the vehicles are both safe and suitable for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, under the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations, 1978.
An Garda Síochána has recently advised my Department that LPSV licensing and examinations are being conducted as normal throughout this period. The office hours of the Carriage Office have been extended, and the office is currently open from 9.30am–4.30pm. The Carriage Office is operating in line with all relevant Covid-19 safety procedures, including adherence to current social distancing guidelines and, as a result, only 1 person is permitted in the office at a time to allow for this.
Given that the Carriage Office has continued to operate effectively in the provision of all services regarding LPSV licensing, there are no plans to provide for an extension to the periods of validity of LPSV licences at this time.
664. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No.1069 of 13 May 2020, if a timeline will be provided in relation to the release of the latest rail review report on the western rail corridor commissioned in 2019, in view of the fact the publication of the report is already delayed by more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware from the reply received on 13 May 2020, Iarnród Éireann commissioned a financial and economic appraisal of a proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, and, in late 2019, submitted a draft copy of that appraisal to my Department.
As was signalled publicly at the time of the commissioning of the appraisal, and, as is required under the Public Spending Code (PSC), my Department is reviewing the documentation that has been received and is engaging with Iarnród Éireann and the consultants as required during this review.
I will release the report as soon as is practical.
665. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation in place governing the sale of cars to underage drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12761/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra666. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation in place governing the sale of cars to unlicensed drivers or drivers in possession of learner permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12762/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 665 and 666 together.
In accordance with Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, it is illegal to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a to a person who is under the age of 16 years. Furthermore, it is illegal to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a person who has attained the age of 16 but is under the age of 17, other than a vehicle in respect of which the person is entitled to hold a driving licence to drive from the age of 16.
Once they reach the minimum age requirements for the respective driver licence category, there is nothing wrong with a person who is unlicensed buying/owning a car, as long as they do not drive it. For example an elderly person might own a car which someone else drives for them. Likewise there is nothing wrong with a learner driver owning a car, provided they do not drive it unaccompanied.
667. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected start date and construction time for the north Cork link road. [12763/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
668. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review and clarify the policy surrounding the NCT and licence extensions in the wake of the Covid-19 public health emergency (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12781/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation 3(5) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations, S.I. No. 415 of 2017, determines the first NCT test due date for small public service vehicles (SPSVs).
If an application is made for an SPSV licence within 90 days of the vehicle being registered with the Revenue Commissioners and if the vehicle has travelled less than 3,000 km, the NCT test due date is the anniversary of the SPSV licence application date. However, if an application for an SPSV licence is made after this 90-day period has elapsed, the NCT test due date is the date of the SPSV licence application.
Accordingly, if an SPSV licence application is made when a vehicle is over 3 months old, that vehicle must have a valid NCT certificate in order to satisfy the SPSV licence application process.
669. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter regarding the skills development certificate will be clarified (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12784/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licencing, 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.
670. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration given to a rebate of motor tax payments for persons that have been cocooning due to Covid-19, have been off the road for this period and that have received a refund in respect of motor insurance for this period; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12792/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation which sets out the circumstances for refunds of motor tax provides for a refund of motor tax in certain limited circumstances, where:
- a vehicle has been scrapped or destroyed;
- a vehicle has been permanently exported;
- a vehicle has been stolen and has not been recovered by the owner;
- a vehicle in respect of which a tax disc has been taken out has not been used in a public place at any time since the issue of the disc;
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of illness, injury or other physical disability, to use the vehicle;
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of absence from the state for business or educational purposes, to use the vehicle; or
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of service overseas with the Defence Forces, to use the vehicle.
There are no plans currently to amend the legislation to extend the grounds for the granting of a refund.
The Deputy should note that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road if a vehicle is not going to be in use. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes. The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office using the following form:
https://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.
671. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding bus cancellations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12798/20]
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.
672. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the locations in Dublin city that have cameras to catch motorists breaking red lights as a result of the NTA trial; the number of prosecutions in the post-trial period issued as a result of these cameras; if no cameras are operational, his plans to introduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12841/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, who are primarily responsible for prosecuting traffic offences.
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.
673. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a decision will be made on appeals to the large-scale capital programmes; and if he will review an appeal by Westmeath County Council for a regional sports centre. [12845/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Sports Policy was published in 2018 and provided for a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports capital project where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the Sports Capital Programme. The first grants under the new scheme were announced in January of this year.
Westmeath County Council submitted an application for funding towards the design of a regional sports centre in Mullingar. The total funding applied for under the scheme significantly exceeded the funding available and the application in question did not score sufficiently highly to warrant a provisional allocation.
All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. All appeals have now been assessed by officials who were not involved in the initial assessment process and a final decision on the appeals will be made shortly.
674. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver instruction can take place once again. [12846/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the revised Roadmap announced by Government, driving tests and instruction may resume from this week starting 29 June.
Driving lessons are provided privately and are not a State service. 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.
I expect a driving school to encounter the same difficulties as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in terms of complying with the requirements of this Protocol. The resumption of both driver testing and driver instruction raise particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as both scenarios require the learner and either the tester or instructor to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes.
In light of this, I understand that, while driving instructors are responsible for their own compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, the RSA are advising Authorised Driving Instructors (ADIs) of their plans for resumption, including the protocols they are using, to assist ADIs in their work.
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 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.
