Written Answers Nos. 257-281
259. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if regulations will be amended to allow small public service vehicles, SPSVs, taxis and hackneys to pass the required SPSV suitability tests in view of the fact that Covid-19 guidelines provide for Perspex screens between drivers of such vehicles and their passengers in order to prevent their insurance being voided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15879/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA), as the statutory regulator for the SPSV sector under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, has published information for the SPSV industry which includes guidelines in relation to COVID-19. This information is available on the NTA's website.
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.
260. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the reopening of the Killucan, County Westmeath train station; if a decision has been made as to when the station will reopen; and the engagement he has had with a group (details supplied) since becoming Minister. [15883/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand a reply issued in recent days from my Private Office in reply to correspondence received from the Group referred to in the Deputy's question..
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I am not aware of any decision in relation to the reopening of the station at Killucan.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
261. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an additional bus stop for the Wicklow to Glendalough Local Link bus route will be put in place to facilitate residents of a direct provision centre (details supplied) in view of the fact that no other public transport exists in the area leading to increased isolation for those residing in the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15912/20]
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.
262. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the National Driver Licence Service did not extend the validity of driver licences beyond 30 June 2020; if the matter will be reviewed for those drivers who fall outside the criteria for online renewal and cannot obtain a timely appointment such as a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe validity of driving licences and learner permits that expired between March and June was extended for 4 months from date of expiry. People with driving licences with an original expiry date in March, which was extended to July and are now due for renewal, and they can renew their licence at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre.
The NDLS resumed services on Monday 8 June 2020 on a gradual basis with centres re-opening on a phased basis countrywide. Part-time NDLS offices in Belmullet and Clifden are expected to reopen in the coming weeks.
Due to public health measures in place to tackle the spread of the Covid-19, walk-in appointments are no longer available. While services are returning to normal, there will be some delays in acquiring appointments. I understand the individual in question has an appointment for next week. The RSA continues to work on expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.
Learner permits were further extended for an additional 4 months. This extension was given to allow the NDLS to give priority to applications for driving licence renewals.
263. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the €11.2 million allocated to National Transport Authority under the accessibility retrofit programme was spent in each of the years 2018 and 2019. [15931/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Accessibility Retrofit 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.
264. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an aircraft (details supplied) was given approval to land and refuel at Shannon Airport on 1 July 2020; if the aircraft was approved to transport weapons, munitions or other military materials through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15961/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chicago Convention is the main treaty that governs international civil aviation. Article 5 of the Convention makes provision for overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes, including for refuelling, for aircraft from Contracting States engaged in non-scheduled flights. Both Ireland and the United States are party to this Convention. This provision is implemented in Irish law in the Air Services Authorisation Order, 1993. A stop for non-traffic purposes was authorised for the aircraft concerned, pursuant to Article 3 of the Air Services Authorisation Order, 1993.
There was no application made for exemption to carry munitions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973.
266. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide Covid-19 testing for GAA players to prevent outbreaks in the community; if this could be seen as urgent in view of the fact that social distancing in the sport is deemed impossible; and if financial support will be made available to fund such a strategy. [16015/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of publicly-funded COVID-19 testing is a matter for the public health authorities and my colleague the Minister for Health.
The Expert Advisory Group on the Return to Sport, established by my predecessor and which includes medical personnel from the sports sector, has advised - in line with public health advice - that the basic principles of good hygiene practice, hand washing, cough etiquette and social distancing are the most important tools available for the management of this virus. It is recognised that certain sports inherently have social distancing constraints. A sport stratification has been developed to identify low risk and high risk sports in terms of contact. However, the Expert Advisory Group considers that a key message remains that what is done off the field of play is as important as on the field of play.
I am aware that some sports, both domestically and internationally, are using testing as a means to aid return to sport. I wish to inform the Deputy that for the purposes of educating Ireland's National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) on what these tests are, the role they can potentially play and also to facilitate NGBs in making an informed decision as to whether they wish to employ testing as a tool, the Expert Advisory Group is in the process of completing an information circular for NGBs. It is planned to distribute this information circular in the near future.
The Government is strongly supporting the resumption of sport. A funding package of up to €70 million has been announced to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding package will be administered by Sport Ireland.
267. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the train timetable for Carlow will return to a normal schedule; if services ceased during Covid-19 will be reinstated (details supplied). [16022/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
268. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 7 July 2020, if the advice since February 2020 constitutes advice not to travel; the body a person can complain to regarding breaches of this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16028/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy's follow up question to the Parliamentary Question of 7 July to be related to the EU Package Travel Directive and consumer's rights to cancellation and refunds in light of Government travel restrictions.
The Government's travel restrictions mean that people can cancel a package holiday booked through an Irish licensed travel agent or tour operator and receive a full refund, as provided for under EU Directive 2302. Advice to this effect is available at the following web address: www.gov.ie/en/publication/40f0d7-guidance-on-the-right-of-travellers-to-terminate-package-travel-cont/. People can also agree to a Refund Credit Note, instead of cash, which is Government-backed and which can be used to rebook a cancelled holiday at a later stage or can be redeemed for cash in 9 months.
In terms of a complaints process, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is the relevant government agency in respect of Directive 2302. If customers are having problems receiving their refunds from travel agents/tour operators they have recourse to escalate their complaint at www.ccpc.ie or on the helpline 01 402 5555.
269. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the relevant meetings with his officials will be organised to progress a proposal (details supplied) in relation to the provision of an athletics track and municipal stadium which is much needed in the east County Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16033/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Schools may apply for funding so long as they do so with a sports club or organisation.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects.
Following the finalisation of all applications, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently under consideration and I understand that a decision on the timing of a new round of the SCP will be taken after it is finalised.
Furthermore, the 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 projects where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the Sports Capital Programme. The first call for applications under the LSSIF was confined to National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Authorities and the first grants under the new scheme were announced in January of this year.
In both the SCP and the LSSIF, higher scores are awarded to applicants showing that the proposed facilities will be shared with other users. In relation to the proposed project referred to by the Deputy it will be open to project sponsors to consider applying for assistance under either the next round of the SCP or the LSSIF as appropriate.
273. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16121/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications, Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.
Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the current National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the position of this project.
Noting the above, 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.
274. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been under way; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [16140/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
275. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Finance if seasonal tourism businesses will be able to avail of the temporary wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15202/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Finance if the temporary wage subsidy scheme will be expanded to include seasonal restaurants and other businesses open during summer months when tourism is at its peak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15918/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra281. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding seasonal employers who have requested inclusion in the temporary wage subsidy scheme but who have been denied due to the fact their businesses were not operational by the cut-off date of 29 February 2020. [15998/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra289. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the Covid-19 payments beyond August 2020. [15065/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will expand the temporary wage subsidy scheme to include seasonal workers who had not returned to work by the deadline in March 2020 and who face little prospect of employment for the remainder of 2020 unless covered by the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15155/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra307. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason the temporary wage subsidy scheme cannot be amended to allow those seasonal businesses that were not yet fully operational on 29 February 2020, but which would have been fully operational since March or April 2020, to avail of the scheme in order that they can return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15408/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 280, 281, 289, 294 and 307 together.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) was introduced in March and was specifically designed to support firm viability and preserve the relationship between the employer and employee insofar as is possible through the lockdown period, in circumstances where the employer’s business had been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The scheme was developed in a short period of time, having regard to the overarching urgent Government objective of getting assistance to employers and employees quickly.
Since it was introduced, over 50,000 firms have availed of the scheme (which is almost a third of all employers from 2019). Over 500,000 jobs have been directly supported over the period and many more indirectly. This is considerable coverage and it is noted that the value of payments made to date is over €2 billion.
As the public health restrictions are eased, the challenge for the economy and enterprises is evolving. Having regard to the novel circumstances surrounding the re-opening of the economy as well as the need to avoid the risk of forcing otherwise viable firms to close, in July it was announced that the TWSS will remain until the end of August. Work is currently ongoing around how best to support employers into the more medium term. The position of various sectors, including the businesses and workers mentioned by the Deputies, will be taken into account in this process. As stated in the Programme for Government, it is planned that the July Jobs Initiative will set out a pathway for the future of the TWSS.
276. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance his views on the ring-fencing of the sugar tax to tackle obesity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15480/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHypothecation is not a feature of the Irish tax system in general. The Department of Finance is opposed to the hypothecation of Exchequer receipts as it reduces the flexibility of the Government to prioritise and allocate funds as necessary at a particular time. This constrains expenditure decisions and can distort the allocation of resources resulting in reduced value for money and sub-optimal outcomes.
An annual budget is allocated to the Department of Health as part of the estimates process and that is assigned according to the needs within that Department, including in relation to measures to tackle the problem of obesity.
Accordingly, I do not intend to hypothecate sugar-sweetened drinks tax receipts.
277. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Finance his plans in relation to travel management companies and other business travel companies and the extension of the temporary wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15512/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is provided for in section 28 of the recently enacted Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 (The Act) and is being extended until the end of August.
The underlying legislation and the TWSS itself were developed having regard to the Government objective of providing assistance to employers and employees, where businesses have been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions which were introduced as a result. The scheme is available to eligible employers across all sectors, excluding the Public Service and Non-Commercial Semi-State Sector. This includes businesses that have closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions and those that continue to operate and employ their workforce. The sector to which the Deputy refers is no different in this regard.
The Government decided on 5 June 2020 to extend the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) until the end of August. The intention is to continue to monitor the scheme closely in the coming period. I expect that decisions will be taken at an appropriate time on next steps for the TWSS beyond end-August. In this regard, I acknowledge that certain sectors will face particular challenges into the future as we re-open our economy, and this is one of many factors that will inform such future decisions.
In relation to other direct support measures, I would draw the Deputy's attention to a recent publication by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, which outlines the key financial supports and resources that are being made available to help all businesses and sectors impacted by Covid-19. This publication is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c644c0-supports-for-businesses-impacted-by-covid-19/.
278. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to amend the help-to-buy scheme for persons who build their own home in order that the reckonable limits apply to the cost of the home rather than the loan to value, LTV, rate in view of the fact that the current conditions discriminate against rural dwellers who build on their own land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15700/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Help to Buy incentive is to help first-time buyers fund their first home, which may be purchased from a builder or self-built. The incentive applies for the period from 19 July 2016 to 31 December 2021 (having recently been extended by a further two year period in Finance Act 2019). The legislative provisions for the Help to Buy incentive are set out in Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
Currently, in order to avail of the Help To Buy incentive, the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) for a property must be 70% or more. In the case of a self build residence, the lender will apply a valuation using the Central Bank macro prudential mortgage rules, which consists of the aggregate of the market value of the land and the estimated costs of construction.
The scheme as announced in Budget 2017 was limited to persons who had mortgages with a minimum LTV of 80%. However, Central Bank data indicated that a sizeable number of first-time buyers take out a mortgage with a LTV of less than 80%. It was decided to amend the scheme in the Finance Bill to set the minimum LTV at 70% so as to ensure that first-time buyers did not feel compelled to borrow larger amounts than they would have otherwise in order to qualify for the scheme.
I do not believe that it would be fair or equitable to allow for different eligibility criteria with regard to loan-to-value ratios in respect of self-build properties vis a vis that which applies to all other new build homes. As such, there are no plans to amend the scheme in the manner that has been proposed by the Deputy.
279. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Finance if banks have continued to accrue interest on accounts availing of the Covid-19 repayment holiday period without an obligation to do so; the measures he plans to take to motivate and incentivise banks to reimburse such interest to customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15880/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Members of the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) introduced the payment break for their customers on 18 March last to provide relief for people whose income had been affected by the Covid-19 crisis. The scheme was introduced in advance of the EBA guidelines of 2 April 2020.
The guidelines stated the following in paragraph 24:
"The moratorium changes only the schedule of payments. This condition is consistent with the objective of the moratorium to address the systemic short-term liquidity shortages. In order to achieve this objective, the moratoria suspend, postpone or reduce the payments (principal, interest or both) within a limited period of time. This clearly affects the whole schedule of payment and may lead to increased payments after the period of the moratorium or an extended duration of the loan. However, the moratorium should not affect other conditions of the loan, in particular the interest rate, unless such change only serves for compensation to avoid losses which an institution otherwise would have due to the delayed payment schedule under the moratorium, which would allow the impact on the net present value to be neutralised."
Banks across Europe interpreted the above paragraph in different ways with the results that different schemes were introduced. Some countries provided for the accrual and capitalisation of the interest. Others provided for the non-accrual of interest and a number of countries provided for accrual of the interest but not its capitalisation. As the Deputy is aware, the payment break introduced by the BPFI does provide for the accrual of interest.
Subsequently, in its letter to Deputy Doherty on 22 June last, the Central Bank stated that the EBA was expected to provide further clarity on the specific issue of interest accrual and it outlined that both net present value (NPV) neutral and NPV negative solutions are possible. The Central Bank also informed Deputy Doherty that the scheme introduced by the BPFI is acceptable within the context of the EBA guidelines.
In its implementation report published on 7 July, the EBA stated that the report "provides clarification on questions raised in the context of the EBA's monitoring of the implementation of Covid-19 policies".
A key clarification is that:
" There may be a decline in the NPV if the obligor makes use of the moratorium and postpones one or several payments and no interest is charged for the time covered by the moratorium. Alternatively, the moratorium may be NPV-neutral (i.e. no change in the NPV) if subsequently at least one of the instalments is adjusted upwards or added."
Finally, the Deputy should note that the Central Bank instructed lenders that customers applying for a payment break must be fully informed about the implications. This means that lenders should outline if the repayment term of the mortgage will be extended due to the payment break, if monthly payments will increase following the resumption of the mortgage repayments, if interest will continue to accrue during the payment break and the implications this will have for the total cost of the credit, and any other significant matter for the customer when availing of a Covid-19 payment break. This was done to ensure that borrowers could make fully informed decisions about whether or not to proceed with a payment break.
