Written Answers Nos. 66-85
66. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if construction works on a new advanced technology building in Dundalk, County Louth, have commenced; if not, the date on which construction work will commence; and the estimated timeframe of such works. [22746/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I am determined, together with the IDA, to attract further investment to Louth and the Border counties, as we seek to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
As part of its Regional Property Programme (RPP) the IDA successfully constructed an Advanced Office Building (AOB) at Finnabair Business Park in Dundalk last December and this facility is being actively marketed to prospective investors. The Advanced Technology Building (ATB) that the Deputy is referring to forms part of the second phase of the RPP and I have been informed by the Agency that the contractor for this facility has been selected and approved for appointment. The contracts are in the process of being finalised and the objective is to be on site in early October. The timeline for the building's completion will be approximately 12 months from the commencement of construction work.
More broadly, Louth has experienced year-on-year increases in employment by IDA client companies since 2012, with 486 net new jobs created in 2019. There are now 29 IDA client companies in the county employing over 4,400 people. County Louth is also home to a number of prominent multinationals - such as PCI Pharma, Almac Group and Paypal - that continue to perform well.
67. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if IDA Ireland plans to open a new office in Melbourne, Australia. [22747/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by IDA Ireland that there are currently no plans to open a new office in Melbourne, Australia. The Agency does, however, operate an office in Sydney as part of it global footprint of 19 offices which includes a number of locations in the Asia-Pacific region. The IDA continues to review its presence overseas on an ongoing basis, in line with the strong emphasis it places on attracting FDI from different markets.
The IDA has made significant progress in attracting first-time investors from the Asia-Pacific region. In recent years we have seen notable investments from Chinese, Indian and South Korean firms. This shows that the concerted effort that the IDA has made to target Asian investors is now producing results in terms of new jobs here on the ground in Ireland.
While much has been accomplished in this context, the Government remains conscious of our need to continue attracting FDI from as many different countries as possible. To diversify investment here further, we need to build awareness of Ireland as a preferred investment destination in target countries, as well as improve competitiveness and consolidate Ireland’s traditional strengths in terms of talent, productivity and ease of doing business. I am confident that this approach will help boost further the number of investors here from non-traditional markets and that we will continue to see greater geographic diversity across the IDA's client portfolio. The Agency's efforts in this context are already being reinforced and supported by the Global Ireland strategy, which will build and deepen Ireland's footprint all over the world in the period up to 2025.
68. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost in 2021 if the budget for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission were to increase by 12%. [22759/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to Exchequer funding. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) receives Exchequer funding and Levy funding.
The Exchequer grant for the CCPC in 2020 was €13,836,000. If this allocation was increased by 12% for 2021, as indicated by the Deputy, the allocation which the CCPC would receive in 2021 would increase by €1,660,320 amounting to a total of €15,496,320 in Exchequer funding.
69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if urgent consideration will be given to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) on trade fairs and exhibitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22897/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the adverse impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses right across the country, particularly those in the trade fairs and exhibitions industry. I know that employers, employees and the self-employed in this sector want to get back to work as quickly as possible and I support them in that ambition.
Unfortunately, in recent weeks there have been multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 across workplaces, households and in sports clubs with the result that it has not yet been possible for the Government to relax the restrictions on the number of people who may gather at indoor events. Instead, the Government, in light of public health advice, agreed to put in place a number of measures until September 13 in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Such action was necessary to protect the vulnerable in our communities, enable schools to reopen and support the resumption of health services.
In the interim, the July Stimulus package was introduced to help businesses to open, to help those that are already open to stay open, to get staff back to work and for those who cannot go back to their old jobs, there are new opportunities. These new measures are in addition to those already announced since the onset of the Global Pandemic. Significantly to support viable businesses and jobs, including new hires, we have extended the wage subsidy scheme, which run until the end of March 2021 and will be open to firms that do not currently participate and open to workers like seasonal workers who were not previously included. We are also giving companies extra assistance to reopen and stay open through an enhanced Restart grant available to more firms and more generous. We are providing more and cheaper loan finance through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the new €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme. We have also announced a six month reduction in the VAT, going down from 23% to 21%, together with a range of additional measures designed to stimulate domestic demand. Businesses affected by Covid-19 will able e to delay payment of their PAYE and VAT debts in part of in full for a set period with no interest or penalties
Further information on these, along with the full list of actions within the July Stimulus and how to avail of them, can be found at www.gov.ie/jobsstimulus.
Representatives of the trade fair and events industry have submitted proposals to my colleague Minister of State Troy which outline how trade fairs and exhibitions could be conducted safely. These proposals have been shared with the Minister for Health and will be considered by the Government in the context of lifting restrictions into the future, as we seek to balance public health, economic and social aspects of living with COVID-19 in the short to medium term and try to bring some greater certainty so that society and business can plan forward.
70. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of capital spending in his Department to date for 2020; if he will outline spending in each new programme relevant to the response to Covid-19; the expected total outturn for capital spending for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23002/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised Estimates published by the Department of Public Expenditure Reform in December last year provided my Department with a capital expenditure allocation of €632 million. The Revised Estimate also permitted the Department to carry over some €42.15million in unspent capital monies from 2019 thus giving a total of €674.15million to fund our Core Capital Programmes in 2020. Our capital allocation was increased by €483million in the Revised Estimates approved for my Department on the 30th June by the Dáil. The Government in the July stimulus package agreed that a further €450million in capital money would be provided to my Department this year. Whilst a number of the Department’ Core programmes were refashioned to respond to the Covid challenge, the increased capital allocations provided in the June Revised Estimate and in the July stimulus were specifically intended to fund the myriad of Covid enterprise measures which are being rolled out by my Department.
Some of the capital funding approved by the Dáil in June will transfer to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science once the details of the transfer of functions are finalised.
As regards capital expenditure so far this year, the attached Table sets out the specifics of the Programme allocations by Subhead of the original capital provision as published in the December Revised Estimates together with the increases to particular Programmes/Subheads arising from the Revised Estimates approved in June and the additional capital funding agreed in the July stimulus.
The deputy will see that a total of €862.033m has been drawn down to support the Department’s Core and Covid programmes up to the end of August. Of the additional €917 million in Capital allocated in the June Revised Estimate and the July Stimulus package., a total of €555.53 million has been drawn down so far to fund Covid specific supports.
As regards the expected outturn of capital expenditure in 2020, it is somewhat early to be definitive as to the precise final capital expenditure position as there are a number of variants which can affect the drawn down of capital monies. Nevertheless, I am determined to ensure that the funding supporting our Core and Covid Capital Programmes is readily available to the fullest extent possible to those business who desperately need support to survive the current crisis.
|
Subhead |
2020REV Allocation as published inDec 2019 CAPITAL(€,000) |
Increase as per Revised EstimateJune 2020 CAPITAL(€,000) |
Increase as agreed in Stimulus SchemeJuly 2020 CAPITAL(€,000) |
Expenditure to end August 2020 CAPITAL(€,000) |
|
A4 - Intertrade Ireland |
€7,695m |
€2,500m |
€6,008m |
|
|
A5 - IDA Ireland |
€136,000m |
€20,000m |
€48,500m |
|
|
A6 - NSAI |
€500k |
€0 |
||
|
A7 - Enterprise Ireland* |
€89,250m |
€394,500m |
€344,000m |
€525,008m |
|
A8 - Local Enterprise Development ** |
€33,500m |
€33,000m |
€25,000m |
€33,500m |
|
A9 - Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme |
€500k |
€329k |
||
|
A10 - INTERREG Enterprise Development |
€5,800m |
€2,598m |
||
|
A14 – Future Growth loan Scheme |
€5,750m |
€41,210m |
€10,000m |
€31,834m |
|
A15 – Humanitarian Relief Scheme |
€1k |
€95k |
||
|
A16 – Micro Finance Ireland*** |
€3,001m |
€11,790m |
€30,000m |
€14,790m |
|
B4 – Enterprise Ireland |
€122,000m |
€5,000m |
€60,901m |
|
|
B4 – Science Foundation Ireland**** |
€183,411m |
€85,651m |
||
|
B4 – Tyndall Institute**** |
€7,000m |
€4,170m |
||
|
B5 – Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions***** |
€24,497m |
€19,580m |
||
|
B6 – Subscriptions to International Organisations |
€22,445m |
€17,069m |
||
|
B9 – Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund****** |
€32,800m |
€12,000m |
||
|
Total |
€674,150m |
€483,000m |
€434,000m |
€862,033m |
*Includes A7 Capital Carryover from 2019 of €23.5m
**Includes A8 Capital Carryover from 2019 of €6m
***Includes A16 Capital Carryover from 2019 of €3m
****Includes B4 Capital Carryover from 2019 of €6.425m
*****Includes B5 Capital Carryover from 2019 of €425k
******Includes B9 Capital Carryover from 2019 of €2.8m
71. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the amount manufacturers pay per tonne of plastic produced here; how this compares internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22793/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging placed on the market in Ireland is operated by Repak. The fee that producers pay for plastic packaging placed on the market, in 2020, is €114.32 per tonne. Under the scheme responsibility is shared across the supply chain and different packaging materials are charged at individual rates, reflecting the level of subsidy required to ensure those material are recovered. Further details on the overall fee structure are available in Repak's annual report https://repak.ie/images/uploads/reports/repak-annual-report-2019.pdf.
Fees paid by producers in other EU countries vary greatly from one country to another, depending on the EPR model in place. Different countries have different markets, funding models, collection and treatment infrastructure. Therefore, it is not entirely appropriate to compare fees.
I recently launched the 'Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy' which details a suite of measures to address the impact of plastics in our environment. This includes the introduction of a deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans, a ban on certain single use plastics (SUPs) from July 2021, significantly reduce SUPs being placed on the market by 2026, all packaging reusable or recyclable by 2030. Other measures include mandatory EPR for all packaging producers before the 2024 EU deadline and new rules for EPR schemes to incentivise good practice in waste recycling and product design.
72. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks when fibre broadband will be available for residents on a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe area referred to in the Question covers both BLUE and AMBER areas on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
- AMBER areas represent 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).
- BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
All premises within the AMBER Area will be surveyed as part of the national fibre network rollout. These surveys are required to produce a detailed network design for the high speed fibre broadband network. This detailed design is then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with eir for the area, where eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose, and is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area.
83,000 premises have now been surveyed throughout 19 counties in Ireland and detailed designs for laying fibre are also in process for areas throughout the country. NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website (https://nbi.ie/map/).
73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the search and rescue carried out for two paddleboarders on 13 August 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22703/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Search and Rescue operation was coordinated by the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre - MRSC Valentia and as with all search and rescue incidents is the subject of an incident review. Given the complexity of this incident in terms of number of search resources and duration of the incident the review is not yet to hand.
Valentia first became aware of the incident shortly after 10pm on 12th August and a full scale search and rescue mission was mounted. The Galway RNLI was the first resource to be tasked, followed by the Shannon based Coast Guard Helicopter and Aran Islands lifeboat. Coast Guard units based at Costelloe Bay and Doolin were also tasked that night. The Sligo based helicopter joined the search shortly before 3 AM, the Shannon Helicopter was subsequently re-tasked to be relieved by the Waterford based helicopter. From early morning 17 vessels of opportunity participated in the search and were coordinated by Valentia.
All search equipment on the Coast Guard helicopters including Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) and Night Sun search light were fully operational. The search was hampered by poor visibility, squalls and heavy showers. The search planning tool used by the Coast Guard automatically utilises wind and tide conditions and subsequent checks confirmed that information for the locality was accurately recorded.
Search planning had to be mindful of many potential changing scenarios in terms of the potential location of the casualties with regard to changing tides, local weather variations, the potential that the casualties might have been individually separated or separated from the boards. The possibility that they might have paddled ashore or got access to another stationary device had also to be considered. In that context a number of reports of potential sightings were also considered, most of which were investigated.
The casualties were eventually located within the predicted search box, mindful that with the passage of time this box would have considerably expanded. At that time the focus of the search was moving to the South West of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Shortly after 11 Am on the 13th of August a member of the public on Inisheer alerted Valentia to a possible sighting South West of Inisheer. A number of resources were tasked to the area. This message was picked up by the vessel Johhny O, operated by the members of the Oliver family and they were requested by Valentia to also proceed to the area of interest. As is well documented the Oliver’s were first on scene and successfully located and recovered the casualties.
The casualties displayed an immense level of mental and physical strength to have survived their ordeal and to their credit were wearing personal floatation devices. Of equal importance was the fact that the alert was raised when they had not returned at the anticipated time.
This is a an incident with a happy ending and as always the response and collaboration of the Search and Rescue resources supported by the maritime and local communities was of the highest standard.
74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if the review of the final air accident investigation unit report into the Rescue 116 helicopter crash which claimed the life of four air crew at Blacksod, County Mayo, on 14 March 2017 has been completed; if the review board has submitted its findings; his plans to publish the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22721/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a Review Board was established on 11 March 2020 to re-examine certain findings of the Draft Final Report of the investigation into the accident involving Rescue 116 at Black Rock, Co Mayo on 14th March 2017.
The Review Board is chaired by Senior Counsel Patrick McCann who is assisted by an independent Expert Member. It was established in line with the regulations governing the investigation of air accidents, specifically ‘Statutory Instrument (SI) No 460 of 2009: Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents) Regulations 2009’.
The Review Board is entirely independent in its work and the timeframe for the Board to carry out the re-examination is a matter for the Chairman to determine. The 2009 regulations provide that on completion of the re-examination the Chairperson of the Review shall make a report to me. I have not yet received a report from the Chairman of the Review Board.
75. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if funding for outdoor sports amenities will be significantly increased in view of the importance of such facilities during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. [22730/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
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. The priority in the short to medium term is to advance all of these projects to ensure the facilities are available for use and that the relevant grants are drawn down.
In relation to future grants, following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently being finalised and it is expected that a new round of the programme will be open for applications before the end of the year.
76. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport when the statutory instrument will be signed for the recent acceptance by ballot of the wages grade pension with Iarnród Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22764/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The CIÉ Holding Company provides central services for the whole CIÉ Group including the management of pension schemes.
In light of the above, I have referred the question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
77. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by sports clubs and supporters as a result of the ban on spectators at sporting events; if his attention has been further drawn to the emergence of unsafe unofficial spectator areas at roadsides overlooking sports grounds; and if he will reconsider the ban on spectators at such events. [22769/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the difficulties that COVID-19 has created for many clubs and supporters, especially with the current restrictions on attendance on sports fixtures. As the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, Sport Ireland has issued expert guidance to the sport sector on how to manage the effects of the virus.
As conditions and our understanding of the virus have developed, we have had to respond to evolving public health requirements. Even though great progress has been made in combatting the pandemic, compliance with the public health guidance remains essential.
It has been brought to my attention that, while the overwhelming majority of people are fully respecting the public health guidelines, there have been some difficulties with unauthorised crowds near some sports grounds. This situation is both regrettable and concerning. Compliance with the public health regulations and guidelines remains our best defence against the virus and I would urge sporting organisations to work with local authorities and An Garda Síochána in regard to the management of local traffic conditions and the enforcement of Traffic and Parking regulations.
78. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the additional public funding provided to Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Dublin Bus in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22791/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The Exchequer allocates funding for the purposes of both capital and current expenditure from the Department's Vote to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for allocation to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services and infrastructure. In Budget 2020, an overall allocation of €1 billion was secured to fund public and sustainable transport projects this year.
Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the NTA. The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
The sharp decline in passenger numbers since mid-March this year as a result of the Covid-19 health emergency has caused an unprecedented fall in fare revenues, thus creating a wide gap between the operators' costs and actual revenues. This has put acute pressure on the existing Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget. In response to this situation, and in recognition of the role of public transport as an essential service and in facilitating the Government's Roadmap for Re-opening Society and Business, on 4 June the Government decided to make a substantial increase to the 2020 total PSO allocation, in order to enable the continuation of PSO services for the full year.
In view of the above and the NTA's role in allocating transport funding to individual transport operators, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do you receive a reply within ten days.
79. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out or has plans to conduct an investigation into the development of horseriding trails here that may consider their feasibility in various locations across the country, the potential benefits of same and the potential financial costs. [22865/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. Sport Ireland Outdoors is a function of Sport Ireland focused on supporting and promoting participation in all forms of outdoor sport in Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to its role regarding horse riding trails. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
80. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to continue recognition of driver licences from the UK and Northern Ireland to the end of 2020 and post Brexit. [22724/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUK driving licences are valid in Ireland until the end of the transition period (31 December 2020). After the transition period, UK driving licences will no longer be valid for persons living in Ireland. UK licence holders resident in Ireland will need to exchange their UK licence for an Irish licence.
Details of how to exchange a UK driving licence for an Irish driving licence can be found on www.ndls.ie. Those seeking to exchange their licence should do so immediately and well in advance of 31 December 2020 to allow sufficient time to receive a new licence. The requirement to exchange a licence only applies to people resident in Ireland and does not apply to or affect visitors or holiday makers in Ireland.
However, legislation exists to allow for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in the Road Traffic Acts. Following the transition period the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under those Acts. Ireland will be pursuing this option. This may take a little time to complete as it involves a formal agreement and legislation here in Ireland, as well as corresponding steps by the UK.
81. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the operation of heavy vehicles - for example, bin trucks - will be limited in urban areas to off-peak traffic times in order to improve safety for cyclists and to improve traffic flow. [22727/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic (Signs) (Amendment) Regulations 2012, SI 331 of 2012, and the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012, SI 332 of 2012, provide local authorities with a legislative basis for restricting vehicles from entering particular roads on the basis of weight. The relevant sign in this instance is Sign RUS 015, which is erected at the entrance to a road and provides that drivers of vehicles whose design gross vehicle weight exceeds the weight specified on the sign are prohibited from proceeding beyond that point except where it is necessary for a vehicle to gain access to, or egress from, premises accessible only from that road.
Individual local authorities are best placed to assess the particular local vehicle weight requirements, based on either road safety or traffic management grounds, which should apply to any particular individual road. My Department has no role in deciding where and in which circumstances such weight restrictions should apply.
82. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the availability of free high-visibility vests for cyclists and pedestrians from the Road Safety Authority will be advertised; and if he will make them available in rural locations as well as online. [22728/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
83. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when a chairperson will be appointed to the Dublin Port Company. [22754/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing completion of the Public Appointments Service process, I have written to the selected appointee advising that I intend to appoint them as Chairperson of Dublin Port Company. As provided for in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Companies, this appointment is subject to the appearance of the Chairperson designate before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport.
While there is currently no Oireachtas Committee on Transport in place, it is expected that it will be established shortly during the forthcoming Dail session. My Department will liaise with the Secretary to the Committee once it is established to ensure an early appearance is arranged for the Chairperson designate.
Following this process, a formal letter of appointment will issue to the successful applicant. The appointment will be made with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in accordance with the Harbours Act 1996 as amended.
84. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider correspondence (details supplied) from the retail travel sector; the supports that will be considered for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22767/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the serious difficulties arising for Irish licensed travel agents and tour operators in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the catastrophic collapse of overseas travel and tourism.
The sector continues to benefit from a range of State supports made available for SMEs - including the wage subsidies - and the State is also providing a special financial guarantee under a Refund Credit Note scheme for the sector, which makes the credit notes that licensed travel agent and tour operators issue to their customers a very secure proposition. Credits notes to the value of €17m have already been issued to consumers under the scheme – under which their value is guaranteed by the State - and this is money that the industry would otherwise have had to pay back in cash refunds.
I know that businesses in the sector are looking for more, and the Irish Travel Agents Association has made representations on behalf of its members for additional financial supports in the form of top-ups to business support schemes announced in the July Stimulus. These are being considered.
85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take with Irish airlines that have yet to issue refunds to their customers despite their waiting a number of months for same. [22768/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under the Regulation, if an airline cancels a flight then customers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the statutory body in Ireland with responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations. I understand that the Commission has already written to the airlines reminding them of their legal obligations. My colleague Minister of State Naughton has also written to the main Irish airlines to request an outlook for the remaining customer refunds, including when they expect to clear the current backlog of claims under EU 261. Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
