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Wednesday, 22 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 60-79

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (60)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

60. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to protect the pub sector. [17507/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has introduced a range of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes 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. Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.

MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business -Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m)- are facing.

Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.

I am currently reviewing the full range of supports in place to help businesses, together with my Ministerial colleagues, as we prepare the forthcoming July Stimulus and I expect an ambitious stimulus package will be announced this week.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government will not be found wanting. Not only must we address the current challenges, but we must also look ahead.

Workplace Relations Commission

Ceisteanna (61)

James Browne

Ceist:

61. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 306 of 3 December 2019, the way in which a person can secure recourse when a court order following a WRC decision is not honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17551/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

If an Employer/Respondent fails to comply with a decision of an Adjudication Officer of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), or a decision of the Labour Court arising from an appeal of an Adjudication Officer's decision, within the prescribed time, an application may be made to the District Court in accordance with section 43 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015 for an order directing the Respondent to carry out the decision. The application can be made by the following:

- The complainant concerned;

- The WRC, on behalf of a complainant where the complainant requests the WRC to make an application;

- A Trade Union, with consent of the employee; or

- An excepted body of which the employee/complainant is a member.

Section 51 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015, further provides that failure to comply with an Order issued by the District Court in accordance with Section 43 is an offence and that a person guilty of that offence shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a Class A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.

In terms of applications made to the District Court by the WRC, some 16 such cases have been initiated in the years 2017 to date : payment has been confirmed on foot of 6 orders issued and 4 respondents have been convicted for failure to comply with a Court Order issued. The remaining cases are ongoing.

Where applications are made directly to the District Court by a complainant or a trade union or excepted body on behalf of a complainant, the WRC has no direct knowledge of the outcome in relation to compliance with the Order. Ultimately, Sheriffs (or County Registrars acting as Sheriffs) are responsible to the Court for the enforcement of Court Orders. The law and procedures governing the execution of Court Orders is contained in the Enforcement of Court Orders Acts, 1926 to 1940 which is under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Ceisteanna (62)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

62. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of cooperation between Ireland and Canada with respect to CETA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17579/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is a progressive and comprehensive trade agreement between the EU and Canada. CETA has provisionally applied since 21st September 2017 meaning that duties on 98% of products (tariff lines) that the EU trades with Canada have been removed. The reduced trade barriers, tariff elimination, simplified customs procedures and more compatible technical requirements all make it easier and cheaper for Irish companies of all sizes to export to Canada.

International Trade Policy is a competence of the EU Commission under the EU Treaties and defined as the Common Commercial Policy. Under this architecture the Commission represents Ireland and other Member States in taking into account the needs of individual Member States and the collective good of the Union in international trade negotiations.

Bilaterally, business links between Ireland and Canada are deep and extensive - outside of Europe, the US and China, Canada is our largest indigenous export market. More than 400 Enterprise Ireland clients are doing business in the Canadian market with over 6,000 people in Canada employed by Enterprise Ireland clients. This strong economic relationship, as well Ireland's support for a fully implemented CETA, was emphasised to our Canadian partners by former Minister of State at my Department Pat Breen during a Trade Mission to Canada in May 2019. While the 2020 Programme of Trade Missions had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department sees the Canadian market as continuing to present strong opportunities for Irish exporters and, therefore, foresees Canada featuring again in our 2021 Trade Mission Programme.

I might also add that my Department's analysis has found that when comparing the last full year of trade prior to the provisional application of CETA, 2016, and the first full year of provisional application, 2018, trade grew by 27%. Furthermore, the cost of service barriers to trade will, on average, be reduced under CETA by 10 per cent in Canada and by 4 per cent in the EU. Moreover, the benefits and opportunities to business in the removal of non-tariff barriers to trade (NTBs) - in areas such as regulatory co-operation, trade facilitation measures, streamlined administration etc. - contained within CETA will be especially valuable for SMEs, given that trade barriers tend to disproportionately burden smaller firms, which have fewer resources to overcome them than larger firms.

To date, 14 Member States have signaled to the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union the completion of their respective national ratification procedures while several other Member States are currently progressing approval of the Agreement. Ireland, like many Member States, was awaiting the opinion of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in a case that regarding the compatibility of CETA with EU law prior to considering the commencement of our ratification process. The Opinion of the CJEU issued on 30th April 2019 and found that there were no issues regarding the compatibility of the Agreement with EU law and no changes to the text of CETA required.

As a result of this decision of the CJEU, I will, in due course, consider with my Government colleagues, the moving a motion in Dáil Éireann (in accordance with Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution), seeking approval on the terms of the Agreement. If Dáil Éireann votes in favour of the Agreement, Ireland will subsequently notify the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union that we have completed our respective internal requirements and procedures concerning the ratification of CETA.

Brexit Supports

Ceisteanna (63)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

63. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures being taken to encourage continued up-take among SMEs of the Enterprise Ireland Brexit SME scorecard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2017, Enterprise Ireland developed and launched a Brexit SME Scorecard, an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. The Brexit Scorecard remains a very informative tool to help companies understand their Brexit exposure and generate a Brexit action plan.

To date 7,211 scorecards have been completed. The Scorecard is promoted through discussions with Enterprise Ireland clients and also through Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Office online channels. Enterprise Ireland is now encouraging clients to review these Brexit action plans and put in place the implementation steps necessary to be ready for the end of the transition period on the 1st of January 2021.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (64)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

64. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to delays in some Dublin authorities in processing applications for the restart grant; and if steps can be taken to rectify this. [17535/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The numbers of applications processed varies between Local Authorities. Delays in processing can occur for a variety of reasons such as lack of relevant information provided by applicants, further information being sought from applicants, applications made in respect of properties not relevant to a particular Local Authority, adjustments necessarily being made to software systems to match the appropriate Scheme criteria and the sheer volume of applications which has generated considerable work for the teams handling the scheme.

One particular Dublin local authority, South Dublin County Council, experienced software problems which led to grant applications being incorrectly rejected. I understand that the technical problem has been solved now and that the council staff are actively working with affected applicants to process their applications.

The processing data currently available to my officials does not indicate processing delays in the three other Dublin local authorities. However, this is carefully monitored to ensure that any emerging problems are addressed as soon as possible.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (65)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

65. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the requirements of employers for recording pregnancy related sickness absence in the workplace; if an employer is required to record pregnancy related sickness absence separately from other sick leave in order that it is ignored as absence and not used as a disadvantage for disciplinary action, dismissal, or redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17588/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Maternity benefit and sickness benefit payments to employees are administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Unfair Dismissals Act 1979 and the Redundancy Payments Act 1969 are currently the responsibility of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection although they will shortly move to my Department as part of a wider Transfer of Functions.

The Maternity Protection of Employees and the Employment Equality Acts are the responsibility of the Minster for Justice and Equality.

Under Irish law, pregnant employees, employees on maternity leave and employees who have recently given birth are afforded significant protection from dismissal. Under the Unfair Dismissal Acts a dismissal is considered to be automatically unfair if the employee is dismissed for reason of pregnancy, giving birth, breast feeding or any connected matters. The twelve-month service requirement, which usually applies under the Act, does not apply to employees dismissed for these reasons. In the case of pregnant employees, the burden of proof is on an employer to prove, on the balance of probabilities, that the dismissal was unrelated to pregnancy.

The Equality Acts prohibit the treatment of one person less favourably than another on the basis of nine grounds including gender (this includes pregnancy-related discrimination). Once it can be shown the employer knew of the pregnancy, the burden of proof shifts to the employer to show, on the balance of probabilities, that there has been no discrimination. There is no service requirement under the Equality Acts: employees are entitled to this protection from day one of their employment.

Complaints in relation to contraventions of, and disputes as to entitlements under employment, equality and equal status legislation may be referred to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission using the online complaint form https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/publications_forms/workplace_relations_complaint_form1.pdf.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (66)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

66. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will introduce a waste waiver scheme for persons with disabilities as promised by the last Government [17455/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has been examining this issue in detail and has engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representative organisations and the HSE, in an effort to see how best to support persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear. However, there are complex issues at play in this area, which are understandable given the sensitive nature of the medical data in question.

Since mid-2017, a range of charging options have operated, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste. This provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging was not introduced. A Price Monitoring Group (PMG) was established in mid-2017 to monitor the on-going cost of residential waste collection to homeowners across Ireland as the ‘flat-rate structure’ was being phased out. While fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend has been relative price stability. Results from the PMG are available on my Department's website. I will shortly be bringing forward an ambitious new Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy which will contain important measures to enhance consumer protection in our waste collection system.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (67)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

67. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband will be available at a property (details supplied); the steps the person can take to accelerate the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17563/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Question refers to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). 

The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset.  By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. The Government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland and my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Further information on deployment activities associated with the rollout can be found on the NBI website http://www.nbi.ie. 

To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main deployment under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The planned BCP locations, including schools, library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie.

The BCP delivery project is well underway and connectivity is being provided to each of the sites by National Broadband Ireland (NBI). Subsequent to this, the sites, other than schools, are being Wi-Fi enabled by Vodafone under a contract with the Department of Rural and Community Development. This work also involves the local authorities and site owners determining the services that will be provided for end-users at each site. For the 75 schools that are also part of this project, enabling these schools with Wi-Fi is being led by the Department of Education subsequent to NBI providing the connectivity to the schools.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (68)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

68. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason 20 houses in an area (details supplied) cannot avail of high-speed broadband in view of the fact houses on the road have no issue availing of same [17463/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Question refers to premises which are located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). 

The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset.  By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. The Government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland and my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Further information on deployment activities associated with the rollout can be found on the NBI website http://www.nbi.ie. 

I understand that some of the premises referred to are close to premises that are passed by eir’s fibre network.  eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and, as such, decisions regarding the areas and premises served are made by eir. My Department has no role in the matter and has no statutory authority to intervene in decisions of commercial operators, as to where they build infrastructure and provide services. Throughout rural Ireland, eir’s fibre deployment is primarily focussed on towns and villages and the premises on their outskirts. Where that network ends is where the National Broadband Plan in effect commences to ensure that nobody is left behind. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this commenced earlier this year.

To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main deployment under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The planned BCP locations, including schools, library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie.

The BCP delivery project is well underway and connectivity is being provided to each of the sites by National Broadband Ireland (NBI). Subsequent to this, the sites, other than schools, are being Wi-Fi enabled by Vodafone under a contract with the Department of Rural and Community Development. This work also involves the local authorities and site owners determining the services that will be provided for end-users at each site. For the 75 schools that are also part of this project, enabling these schools with Wi-Fi is being led by the Department of Education subsequent to NBI providing the connectivity to the schools.

Bringing connectivity to remote rural locations is central to promoting regional development and BCPs represent an important delivery in the early stages of the National Broadband Plan. 

Energy Efficiency

Ceisteanna (69)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

69. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of projects completed under the deep retrofit scheme; the expenditure involved; the number of outstanding projects to be completed; the estimated cost of each; and the number that will not go ahead. [17522/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme was launched in 2017 as a time bound pilot to investigate the challenges and opportunities of deep retrofit in Ireland. The Pilot provides 50% funding for energy upgrades to an A BER rating with 95% funding provided for low-income households. The scheme, which is funded by my Department and operated by the SEAI, closed for applications on 19th July 2019. All applications received in advance of the deadline were evaluated in line with the scheme terms and conditions.

The information requested in relation to number of projects and expenditure under the Deep Retrofit Pilot is set out in the table below.

Project details

Amounts

Total projects completed

54 (341 homes)

Expenditure to date

€13.656 million (includes completed projects and milestone payments on projects to be completed)

Projects to be completed

58 (256 homes)

Balance to be paid

€14.259 million (includes monitoring and verification amounts for completed projects and projects to be completed)

Number not going ahead

1 (project withdrawn by Service Provider)

More generally, the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets for the number and depth of residential retrofits to be completed by 2030. The targets are to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. Retrofitting has the ability to contribute to a number of important goals including - decarbonisation; warmer, more comfortable homes; and job creation and retention.

A cross-Departmental Retrofit Taskforce has been established to develop a new retrofit delivery model capable of achieving these targets. This process has been informed by experience from existing schemes in Ireland such as the Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme, consultation with stakeholders and an analysis of relevant international experience. The model is designed to address barriers to energy efficiency investments in four key areas: customer proposition and demand generation, financing and affordability, supplier capacity, and delivery structure. The Climate Action Plan, as part of this process, commits to reviewing and redesigning the existing grant schemes to ensure alignment with Government climate objectives and value for money.

The Retrofit Taskforce report, to be published in October 2020, will inform the future design of retrofit schemes to deliver the ambitious targets as set out in the Programme for Government.

Broadcasting Sector

Ceisteanna (70, 71)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

70. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding allocated to the Sound and Vision Fund in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020. [17552/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

71. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if community radio receives funding from the Exchequer; if so, the details of the allocation for each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17553/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.

Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the disbursement of 7% of the net television licence fee receipts to the Broadcasting Fund administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The Broadcasting Fund supports both the Sound and Vision (S&V) and Archiving Schemes. Total Licence Fee Receipts comprises monies from TV licence sales and Exchequer funding from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for the operation of the free TV licence Scheme.  

The total of licence fee revenues allocated to the S&V Scheme Fund is detailed in the table below;

Sound and Vision Scheme

2018

€14,512,923.06

2019

€13,456,122.40

2020 (to date)

€7,093,942.55

The newly launched fourth round of the S&V Scheme provides for funding for the community radio sector in respect of their social benefit obligations. Under this ancillary round the BAI have put in place additional funding of €750,000 for community radio in 2020 which is now open for applications. Further information is available on the BAI's website at https://www.bai.ie/en/broadcasting/funding-development-3/sound-vision-4/.

The table below details the previous funding rounds under S&V 3, awarded to programming either to be produced by a community broadcaster, or by an independent production company in association with a community broadcaster.

 -

Community Radio

Community TV

Total

2018

467,385

483,700

951,085

2019

461,914

279,299

741,213

2020*

*Excludes the €750,000 ancilliary round under S&V4

302,195

227,550

529,745

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (72, 73)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

72. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the reopening guidelines for non-food pubs will be published; the reason for the delay in their publication to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17510/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

73. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the delayed reopening of pubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17511/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.

In line with the sequence of actions detailed in the revised ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’, pubs that do not serve substantial meals are due to reopen in Phase 4, which is scheduled to commence on 10 August.

Following receipt of relevant public health guidance the guidelines for the reopening of pubs are being updated by Fáilte Ireland and will be published in the coming days.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (74)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

74. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will issue specific Covid-19 return to work guidelines to driver instructors in view of the nature of their profession which entails being in a confined space with their student; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17556/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The decision taken by Government, following the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team, to allow for the reopening of certain businesses, including driving instruction, as part of the revised Phase 3 of the Roadmap for reopening the country, was based on assessments of the level of risk to public health of reopening these businesses. It is not an instruction to open such businesses but a recommendation that it can be safe do so, provided appropriate measures to protect the health of workers and customers are taken.

In terms of guidance to assist businesses, including driving instructors, a National Return to Work Safely Protocol has been produced under the aegis of the Labour Employer Economic Forum and is the result of a collaborative effort by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The HSA has in turn produced COVID-19 checklists and templates, based on the Protocol, to help employers, business owners and managers to get their business up and running again and to inform workers about what they need to do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

The RSA developed protocols in relation to the resumption of driver testing, based on the overall national protocol and the additional templates and checklists from the HSA. I understand that the National Office of Traffic Medicine was also available to the RSA to assist in its task. The RSA shared these protocols with driving instructors via a series of Frequently Asked Questions when, in anticipation of the resumption of driver testing on 29 June, the Authority wrote to each Approved Driving Instructor(ADI) on 22 June, advising them of the planned phased return of driver testing. These protocols may assist driving instructors in taking the necessary measures resuming their businesses safely.

Neither the RSA nor the Department can instruct driving schools on how they should run their business. It is up to each driving instructor or driving school to protect themselves, their families and customers by adhering to the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

When reviewing proposals from the RSA for resuming services in line with the Roadmap, the Department asked about engagement with the ADI sector in relation to the plan. The Department was advised that the RSA was engaging with the Stakeholder Forum for ADIs as well as communicating directly with each ADI to update them and to direct their attention to information on the RSA website including the Frequently Asked Questions. In dealing with ADIs on COVID and indeed on other matters, it is important to note they are not employees or contractors of the RSA but are individual/independent operators.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (75)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

75. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if measures will be put in place to prevent incoming travel from countries and regions currently experiencing a high Covid-19 infection rate. [17495/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As you are no doubt aware, the Department of Health is the lead Government Department in relation to public health matters, including COVID-19 and also measures taken at ports and airports in relation to arriving passengers.

Measures to protect public health are recommended by the National Emergency Public Health Team (NPHET) within the Department of Health, and my Department and its agencies follow the government's public health advice.

All queries in relation to public health should therefore be directed to the Department of Health.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (76)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

76. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding persons entering and exiting Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17513/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I would like to advise the Deputy that our State Airports have remained open during the Covid-19 crisis to ensure critical supply chains have been able to remain operational, and citizens have been able to return home. While our three State Airports have seen some increases in operations since more passenger flights resumed on 1 July, passenger numbers still remain low. At Dublin Airport, 9m passengers are expected in 2020 (compared to over 32m passengers in 2019). Cork Airport’s overall passenger numbers were down around 90% last week compared to the same period last year. While Shannon Airport has seen a slight uplift in passenger numbers, they also still remain on average over 87% down on this time last year.

Statistics on the countries of departure for passengers arriving into Ireland are set out in the table below . Transfer passengers are not included in the arrivals statistics for airports as Ireland is not the final destination for these passengers who do not leave the airport before travelling onwards to their final destination. A breakdown of arrivals into Ireland of Irish residents returning home or foreign residents visiting Ireland is not available. All statistics set out below are provisional figures provided by the airport and are subject to change.

The first table below shows the approximate number of passengers arriving in Ireland through Dublin Airport for the time periods requested. The figures do not include transfer passengers.

Passengers Arriving in Ireland through Dublin Airport

Country of Departure

29 June - 05 July 2020

6 July - 12 July 2020

13 July - 19 July 2020

Austria

155

162

229

Belgium

499

527

678

Bulgaria

276

295

287

Canada

118

132

142

Croatia

198

257

357

Cyprus

25

31

63

Czech Republic

137

175

267

Denmark

213

246

325

Estonia

103

84

154

France

1,055

1,755

2,137

Germany

1,433

1,656

2,019

Greece

124

221

439

Hungary

272

333

458

Italy

748

881

1,324

Latvia

372

396

498

Lebanon

170

0

0

Lithuania

339

394

566

Malta

58

97

168

Moldova

355

231

345

Montenegro

4

14

66

Netherlands

1,708

2,020

2,041

Norway

0

0

64

Poland

1,444

1,634

2,020

Portugal

892

1,123

1,697

Qatar

307

254

314

Ireland

257

274

309

Romania

669

1,071

1,079

Slovakia

0

177

155

Spain

1,570

2,842

4,965

Sweden

30

75

202

Switzerland

333

435

590

Turkey

135

205

357

Ukraine

83

66

104

UAE

1,205

806

647

United Kingdom

6,795

8,742

10,743

USA

1,074

992

1,122

Total

23,156

28,603

36,931

The second table below shows the approximate number of passengers arriving in Ireland through Cork Airport for the time periods requested. The figures do not include transfer passengers.

Passengers Arriving in Ireland through Cork Airport

Country of Departure

29 June - 5 July 2020

6 July - 12 July 2020

13 July - 19 July 2020

France

90

104

120

Hungary

56

78

81

Italy

38

52

85

Malta

17

46

42

Poland

292

368

363

Portugal

25

56

101

Spain

225

284

450

Switzerland

0

42

38

United Kingdom

988

1,144

1,566

Total

1,731

2,174

2,846

The third table below shows the approximate number of passengers arriving in Ireland through Shannon Airport for the time periods requested. The figures do not include transfer passengers.

Passengers Arriving in Ireland through Shannon Airport

Country of Departure

29 June - 5 July 2020

6 July - 12 July 2020

13 July - 19 July 2020

Austria

20

15

30

Barbados

0

7

0

Canada

0

1

0

Lithuania

43

63

70

Poland

175

199

238

Portugal

28

26

67

Spain

93

151

332

United Kingdom

475

685

772

USA

2

0

13

Total

836

1,147

1,522

In relation to ports, passenger numbers by specific country of departure through Ireland’s ports are not currently available. The below table shows the most up to date information on approximate number of passengers arriving at Irish Ports in the weeks 29 June to 5 July and 6 to 12 July 2020 .

The Central corridor accounts for services to/from the port of Dublin to Great Britain. This includes sailings to Holyhead by Irish Ferries and Stena Line; to Liverpool by P&O Ferries and Seatruck Ferries; and to Heysham by Seatruck. The Southern corridor includes routes to/from Rosslare- to Fishguard by Stena Line and Rosslare to Pembroke by Irish Ferries. The Continental corridor covers all direct services to/from Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain from Dublin, Rosslare and Cork. Passengers services go to/from Rosslare to France and Spain and from Cork to France.

Passengers Arriving at Ireland's Ports

-

June 29 - July 5 2020

July 6 - July 12 2020

Central Corridor

5,048

4,998

Southern Corridor

1,023

1,241

Continental Corridor

759

724

Total

6,830

6,963

Garda Operations

Ceisteanna (77)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

77. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid by the NTA and TII to An Garda Síochána during the past five years in respect of the provision of policing services; and the basis on which this is being charged by An Garda Síochána. [17515/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised is a matter for both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA and TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (78)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

78. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date the Limerick to Ballybrophy and Limerick to Waterford rail lines will reopen. [17548/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As 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 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (79)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

79. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being put in place to ensure that those who have flights booked but are following guidelines and not travelling will not lose the complete cost of the flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17554/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.

Evidently the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses. I understand that the main Irish airlines have been offering the option to rebook in circumstances where a flight occurs but people are not able to present because of Government advice. That said, I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances.

The Government is continuing its deliberations on the resumption of international travel in light of the ongoing health crisis and the issue of passenger rights is part of those deliberations.

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