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Thursday, 30 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 238-262

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (238)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

238. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the issuing of driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19927/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As you can appreciate, Covid 19 has had a profound effect of the delivery of services. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has just resumed and is operating at around 60% of its pre Covid capacity to ensure that it complies with social distancing, occupational and public health requirements.

The NDLS offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.

Currently, it is not possible for first time applicants to apply for a driving licence online , as supporting documentation is required. The RSA is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (239)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

239. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the issuing of driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19928/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Road safety is of paramount important.

It is an offence to drive unaccompanied without a full driving licence.

The current legislation does not provide that a learner with a learner permit and a certificate of compentency may drive unaccompanied.

Covid 19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of services.  The National Driving Licence Services has resumed but due to social distancing and compliance with occupational and health requirements it is not operating at full capacity. It will take a period of time for services to return to normal. The Road Safety Authority is working with service providers to increase capacity and clear the backlog.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (240)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

240. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will arrange for narrowing of the proposed study area for the M20 in view of the fact it is hindering and restricting a disproportionate number of persons and preventing planned development of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19951/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and 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 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 on  the proposed study area for this proposed project.  

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.

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

Cycling Policy

Ceisteanna (241)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

241. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a bike life report will be compiled for other cities and regions of the State other than Dublin. [19990/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I very much welcome the publication by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Sustrans of the Bike Life survey report for the Dublin Metropolitan Area, which I understand is the first time ever a report has been produced by Sustrans for a city / city region outside of the United Kingdom, albeit Belfast is included within its UK surveys.

This Bike Life survey report demonstrates the health, economic and environmental benefits associated with cycling and, with the investment in cycling planned under this Government, I want to see even further increases in those benefits in the coming years. While this survey relates to the Dublin Metropolitan Area, I think its findings echo throughout the country. Indeed the nationwide relevance of Bike Life’s findings can be seen in the most recent National Travel Survey as published on Wednesday which reiterated the finding that people want to see safer cycling routes developed.

It is clear to me, backed up by evidence such as that provided by Bike Life and the National Travel Survey, that people want to see more investment in walking, cycling and public transport – and that’s exactly what this Government plans to do in the next few years.

In relation to whether the Bike Life survey might be extended to other Irish cities in future years I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you not receive a reply within 10 workings days.

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

Cycling Facilities

Ceisteanna (242)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

242. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20039/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport I have policy and funding responsibility for the National Roads Programme.  Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.  I understand from TII that:

- the default position, under TII’s design standards, is to construct a cycleway on all new Type 2 and Type 3 single and dual carriageway roads. Cycle facilities are not appropriate for motorways (Type 1 D/C); 

- the N71 road cross section is single carriageway, with no hard shoulders.  There are no plans to widen or upgrade the N71 from Dinis towards Torc Waterfall Carpark, Killarney. There are significant obstacles to undertaking any works in this vicinity, given the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the National Park. 

However, I would encourage all local authorities, including Kerry County Council, to investigate all options for providing improved cycle facilities in their areas.

I shall refer the Deputy’s question to TII for further consideration and will request that TII contact the Deputy directly with any additional information.

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

Fáilte Ireland

Ceisteanna (243)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

243. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount available in adaptation grants from Fáilte Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to a delay in administering the grants to applicants; the date on which this service will be rolled out fully for applications; the number of staff working full-time on the project of adaptation grants at Fáilte Ireland; if his Department is and or will temporarily transfer staff to assist Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20046/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of the July Stimulus Package announced last week, a funding package of €26 million will be available for a Business Adaptation Grant Scheme to assist tourism and hospitality businesses with the costs of adapting their premises to meet public health requirements and making them safer for customers.  Fáilte Ireland is currently developing the scheme and I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further details and direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

Fáilte Ireland

Ceisteanna (244)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

244. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extra funding provided to Fáilte Ireland in 2020, by funding area in tabular form. [20060/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Details of the annual funding allocation provided by my Department to Fáilte Ireland is available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available on that Department's website. The subheads of relevance to Fáilte Ireland are E3, E6 and E5 (shared with Tourism Ireland) and further detail is available in the Agency Statement for Fáilte Ireland under Vote 31. Funding for the tourism agencies is the subject of the annual estimates discussion with the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.

As part of the July Stimulus Package, additional funding of €20 million was provided to put in place a Business Adaptation Grant Scheme for tourism premises and a Business Continuity Scheme to assist the coach tourism sector impacted by the lack of international tourists.  Fáilte Ireland will administer both of those schemes.

Cycling Policy

Ceisteanna (245)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

245. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the cycling manual will be updated; the way in which investments currently being implemented are cost effective in view of the length of time since the update of the infrastructure guidance document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20181/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister 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 cycling infrastructure and is also responsible for the National Cycle Manual.

The Deputy is aware that the National Cycle Manual was developed and published by the NTA in 2011 and is a very useful guide to best Irish practice in developing cycling infrastructure and was informed by experience elsewhere.

In the context of significant infrastructure development I do not consider the time elapsed since its publication to be particularly significant; however, it is right to say it should be reviewed and updated as required.

I am glad to say that this process will commence this year and I look forward to that review.

In terms of cost effectiveness of public investment, the Deputy will be aware that all public expenditure must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and all publicly funded cycling infrastructure projects are developed in line with those requirements.

Road Safety

Ceisteanna (246)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

246. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the statutory obligations to be implemented prior to the return to school to assure safe routes to school in view of the fact that these were included in the Sustainable Mobility Programme 2010-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20182/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is unclear what statutory obligations the Deputy references in his question; however he can be assured that my Department is funding local authorities throughout the country to assist them with their response to the mobility needs of their local communities, including local schools where identified by the relevant local authorities.

In May, the National Transport Authority (NTA) wrote to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support in responding to Covid-19 mobility challenges and this support is being funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme. I am glad to say that positive outcomes of this technical and financial support are increasingly evident in a number of local authority areas and I hope to see even more positive developments in the coming weeks and months ahead.

In order to build upon the work already undertaken I recently announced a further €82 million to support pedestrians and cyclists across the country in the coming months as part of the July Stimulus. This funding will further support local authorities as they assess the needs of their local communities, including local schools, and look to put in place new or improved infrastructure. Within the overall programme there will also be a specific initiative to support increased bicycle parking at schools which will hopefully complement infrastructure works supported by the broader programme in the wider community.

I have no doubt the Deputy welcomes the supports announced and like him I very much look forward to re-orientating our streets toward walking and cycling, including for people walking and cycling to schools.

In support of these current initiatives, I can inform him that my Department is undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy.  Over 250 submissions were received as part of a public consultation process held between November 2019 and February 2020 and these are currently being analysed.  I intend to publish a report of the public consultation process shortly.

I intend to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme.  The new policy statement will be informed by the review of the previous policy framework (known as Smarter Travel), submissions received during my Department's consultation period and the views and recommendations of other relevant stakeholders and will provide a platform to advance the ambitions of the Programme for Government in the area of sustainable mobility, including active travel, and will replace the previous Smarter Travel policy, dating from 2009.

Cycle to Work Scheme

Ceisteanna (247)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

247. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the bike to work scheme or implement a similar scheme, in view of the fact that its limited nature excludes large groups including older persons, disabled persons, persons without citizenship, school-going children and carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20183/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, tax policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance in the first instance. In that regard I very much welcome his recent announcement of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the July Stimulus package launched last week by the Government. The increases he is introducing are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government in relation to the Scheme.

In relation to the specific suggestion of the Deputy, and noting the Minister for Finance’s responsibilities in the area, I do not have any such current plans. I believe the issue can be considered more fully in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility policy which is currently ongoing.  I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (248, 288)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

248. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will instruct the National Transport Authority to establish a dedicated Covid-19 response unit for the taxi sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20222/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

288. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a Covid-19 response for taxis will be provided within the NTA. [20957/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 288 together.

I recognise that from the onset of the Covid-19 Emergency and the introduction of restrictions as part of the necessary public health response, passenger demand for taxis and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) services fell considerably and many operators stopped working.

In recognition of the challenges facing businesses, the Government 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.

Over the past few months, the National Transport Authority (NTA), which is the body under the aegis of my Department with statutory responsibility for regulating the SPSV sector, has undertaken a number of measures to assist operators in the industry including waivers, facilitating temporary licence suspensions, interaction with the Insurance industry, and providing guidance to operators on cleaning and other ways to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.

At the present time, while the financial supports mentioned continue to be available, the focus now is on assisting those who have stopped working to get back to work as the economy reopens and passenger demand for SPSVs returns. My Department is in regular contact with the NTA to monitor the impact that 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. There is no reason to believe that this work would benefit from the creation of new structures within the NTA and therefore there are no plans at present to ask for the creation of such structures.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (249)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

249. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the MetroLink project; if Covid-19 has caused significant delays to the project; if the project is a priority for him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20294/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  In terms of status, I can assure the Deputy that the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future prioritises plans for the delivery of MetroLink and I look forward to seeing the project progress during the lifetime of the Government.

In terms of any COVID-19 related impact on the project's progress this year, the Deputy is aware that National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the MetroLink project. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (250)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

250. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the planned eco-friendly bus shelters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20295/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus shelters.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (251)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

251. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an assistant secretary general been appointed to oversee implementing walking, cycling and carbon reduction measures in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20296/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Public Service Management Act 1997, the assignment of responsibilities within a Department is the responsibility of the relevant Secretary General.

 I can confirm that in my Department there is responsibility at Assistant Secretary level for sustainable transport policy and investment including walking, cycling and carbon reduction measures as well as public transport policy, services and investment.  A key focus within the portfolio is on overseeing the development of public and sustainable transport policy, services and investment, to enable the delivery of transport choice and support change to more sustainable transport options and contribute to carbon reduction.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (252)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

252. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation for public transport accessibility for persons with disabilities in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 respectively; if additional funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20300/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.

Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure from the design stage. Newer systems such as LUAS are fully accessible.

However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities, for example our Victorian era railway stations. To address these infrastructural legacy issues, my Department funds the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme which is managed by the NTA. The four year capital envelope for public transport announced in Budget 2018 included a multi-annual allocation of almost €28 million for the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme for the period 2018 to 2021.

The annual allocations under this four year Plan are €4 million in 2018, €7 million in 2019, €7 million in 2020 and €9.8 million in 2021. This ring-fenced €28 million in funding is a trebling of the previous allocation for accessibility under the Capital Plan.

This funding facilitates the continued roll-out of the programmes to progressively make public transport accessible, including the installation of accessible bus stops, the upgrading of train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users and the provision of grant support for the introduction of more wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) into the taxi fleet.

In addition to funding under the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme, in 2020 a ring-fenced rail lift refurbishment / replacement programme was established by the NTA, with funding of €3.3 million in 2020.  The programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure that the reliability and availability of lift access. Similar funding is envisioned for next year.

My Department has also launched a review of sustainable mobility policy, which includes accessible public transport, and held a public consultation process, including a stakeholder engagement event, between November 2019 and February 2020. I intend to publish a report of the public consultation process shortly.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (253)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the stakeholders forum will be established for public transport; the intended make-up and remit of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20329/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government encompasses a wide and ambitious range of commitments for public transport, one of which is the establishment of a national level forum in relation to public transport.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has already been undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy, which incorporates public transport and active travel.  In this context the Department held a public consultation process between November 2019 and February 2020, and included a stakeholder event in the course of that consultation.  I will be publishing a report of that public consultation shortly.  More broadly, the review work and the consultation will now be feeding into the development of a new statement of sustainable mobility policy that will replace the existing policy from 2009, Smarter Travel, and will set the framework for the Government ambitious plans for public transport and active travel over the coming years.  Our Programme for Government commitment about a forum will be progressed in the context of that new policy statement.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (254)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

254. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that the holders of annual taxsaver bus and rail tickets are compensated for the period of months when they were unable to access public transport due to the Covid-19 pandemic; the reason such compensation has not occurred to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20379/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services.  The NTA issued a press statement on 1 May last which provides an outline as to how customers of the TaxSaver monthly and annual public transport tickets are to be accommodated. 

Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA 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.

Sports Capital Programme

Ceisteanna (255)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

255. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will announce details of the Sports Capital Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20450/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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.

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.

All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline.  The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved. 

Following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently under consideration and a decision on the timing of a new round of the SCP will be taken after that.

Question No. 256 answered with Question No. 235.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (257)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

257. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Transport if the recent July stimulus package will include additional funding for the Boyne Greenway from Mornington, County Meath to Drogheda, County Louth and a greenway to the Brú na Bóinne centre at Newgrange, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20501/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Yesterday I announced funding of €4.5 million to 26 Greenway Projects. The funding was allocated under the Carbon Tax Fund 2020 and provides support for feasibility, planning and design for Greenways around the country. I am pleased to confirm that funding of €750,000 has been allocated to Meath County Council for the Boyne Greenway.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (258)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

258. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding streams available from his Department arising from the July stimulus package to local authorities for town centre pedestrianisation programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20502/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I was delighted to announce a further €82million to support pedestrians and cyclists in urban and rural Ireland as part of Government's July Stimulus. The Stimulus programme will further support local authorities across the country as they respond to the needs of local communities and businesses in the months ahead and details are available on my Department’s website. Funding under the Stimulus programme must be expended by year end.

The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has already, through the National Transport Authority (NTA), been funding local authorities’ immediate response to mobility challenges posed by the COVID-19 Emergency and that a number of local authorities, including Louth County Council I understand, have accessed the technical and financial support offered by the NTA.

I very much welcome the fact that local authorities across the country are re-orientating our streets toward pedestrians, cyclists and public transport and I would encourage all local authorities to avail of the funding now available.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (259)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

259. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the final plan of bus schedules proposed as part of the BusConnects programme have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20513/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the BusConnects programme. 

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (260)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

260. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to levies on airlines to discourage unnecessary foreign travel; and if so, the other statutory instruments on the aviation industry that will be considered or implemented to achieve this public health goal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20528/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and all airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge.

Given the current domestic and international situation, the safest thing to do is not to travel abroad. However, many people need to travel to and from Ireland to carry out essential functions. There are also essential supply chains from overseas bringing food, medicines and other products to Ireland which are critical to our health and for economic activity. For these reasons international travel must continue to be facilitated.

The imposition of levies on airlines to discourage travel is not being considered at this time.

Question No. 261 answered with Question No. 235.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (262)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

262. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will encourage the Road Safety Authority to meet with representatives of driving instructors to resolve issues in relation to test centres and the difficulties that instructors have in not been allowed access the main buildings during tests; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that similar issues in the UK have been resolved; if the matter of mandatory wearing of masks and provision of hand sanitiser will be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20604/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This is an operational matter for the Road Safety to answer directly. 

I have forwarded this query to the RSA for reply, and if the Deputy has not received a response within 10 working days, I ask that she contacts my office directly.

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