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Thursday, 22 Oct 2020

Written Answers Nos. 26-46

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (26)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

26. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the level 3 restart grant of 30% top-up to be operational in County Louth to help local businesses following the recent upgrading from level 2 to 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32123/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Restart Grant Plus provides direct grant aid to businesses with up to 250 employees to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. 

As the Deputy will be aware, on 6th October 2020 all parts of the country moved to Level Three of the Government’s Framework for Restrictive Measures. In recognition of the impact of these restrictions on businesses, a 30% top-up to the Restart Plus grant is being provided to help support those affected through this period. We know the move to Level 5 will have a significant impact on businesses and we will continue to provide as much support to businesses as possible during this difficult time.

I have made enquiries with the Local Authority in question and I understand that the software to run the payments system has been updated in order to process applications for top-up payments that have been introduced in recognition of further restrictive measures currently in place. I am advised that the Local Authority expects the payment of the 30% top-up to occur early in the coming week.

Further information on top-up payments and application forms for the Restart Grant Plus Scheme are available on the websites of all Local Authorities. The closing date for receipt of applications to the scheme has been extended to 31st October 2020 to ensure the scheme is accessible to as many businesses as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (27)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

27. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will respond to the concerns of office workers by indicating the best safety precautions that they and their employers can put in place to mitigate contraction while in their offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Framework for Living with Covid-19 plan sets out how businesses should operate at each level of the Restrictive Measures Framework.  The current advice under level 5 is that only essential workers should attend the workplace and individuals should restrict travel to 5 kms apart for reasons of essential work, education and other essential purposes. What is deemed to be essential services or work during level 5 restrictions is set out on the Government website www.gov.ie.

Under previous level restrictions, where employees returned to the physical workplace the employer was required to ensure that the public health measures set out in the Return to Work Safely Protocol (RTWSP) are being fully adhered to. The RTWSP operates in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements and sets out in very clear terms for employers and employees, in all business sectors, the steps that they must take on an ongoing basis to mitigate against the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace.

The RTWSP states that, “office work should continue to be carried out at home, where practicable and non-essential work. The employer should develop and consult on any working from home policy in conjunction with workers and/or Trade Unions".

While recognising the Level 5 restrictions, it should be noted that the Living with COVID-19 Plan, and Return to Work Safely Protocol, do not create an automatic entitlement or an employment right to work from home. Employers and employees should engage on this matter and seek to come to an agreement. If this is not possible, it is for the employer to decide, in the first instance, whether remote working arrangements are practicable in meeting the business’s needs and to decide on what work can be done from home, while at all times taking account of the latest Public Health advice.

An employee with concerns around adherence to the RTWSP could bring their these concerns to the attention of the designated lead COVID-19 worker representative. The RTWSP emphasises that collaboration, communication and exchange of information between employers and workers is vital and both the employer and the worker have a role to play and responsibilities towards the protection of each other.

The Workplace Contact Unit (WCU) of the HSA can be contacted in confidence by anyone with concerns regarding workplace health and safety matters including matters relating to the Return to Work Safely Protocol by phone (1890 289 389) or email (wcu@hsa.ie) and the matter will receive the appropriate attention.

Any industrial relations dispute arising, whether of a collective or individual nature, may be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission.  In the context of the former, either party (workers or employer) may refer the issues in dispute for conciliation with a view to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution with the assistance of an Industrial Relations Officer.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (28)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

28. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce supports for businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19 disruptions but are not rate payers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32255/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am keenly aware that businesses are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible. My Department has worked to ensure that appropriate supports are in place for businesses that require finance as they develop their response to their exposure to impacts arising from COVID-19. The uptake of these supports has been robust and indicates that businesses are taking action in response to this period of disruption.

Budget 2021 provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. The measures in the Budget are in addition to those announced in the July Stimulus, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities. Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes are available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

As a result of the fact that businesses have to close, we are making changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the EWSS. The new payment structure for the PUP includes the increase in the top rate to €350 for those who were earning in excess of €400 per week. This change to payment rates will apply in respect of all existing and new applicants.

The EWSS is also being amended to align with the amendment to PUP, with the top payment increasing to €350 for those earning over €400.

As part of Budget 2021, the New Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), is now operational through Revenue and offers a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID of up to €5,000 per week.

We are providing more and cheaper loan finance through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the new €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme. I announced the reopening of MFI lending on 31st August and I launched the €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme on 7th September. We are giving companies extra assistance through an enhanced Restart Plus grant of up to €25,000.

We have also announced a six-month reduction in the VAT rate, going down from 23% to 21%, a reduction in the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% which will benefit the hospitality sector, together with a range of additional public capital investment measures to support the domestic economy.

These supports are supplementary to the wide range of existing loan and voucher schemes available to assist businesses affected by COVID-19 provided through the July Jobs Stimulus and other Government initiatives.

I am working with my colleagues across Government to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 and I will continue to monitor the measures in place for SMEs with the goal of setting our country towards economic recovery.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (29)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

29. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a plan as part of the Government's plans to reduce carbon emissions to help management companies of apartment complexes install electric charge points in underground car parks for residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32206/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Climate Action Plan, published in June 2019, sets out a range of actions to support the delivery of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. These actions, which are further underpinned by the Programme for Government, include developing the electric vehicle charging network necessary to support the growth of EVs and to ensure the supply of infrastructure stays sufficiently ahead of demand. The development of a strategy to meet these objectives is currently underway.

As part of Budget 2021, the Government has provided €36.5 million to support the growth of EVs and charging infrastructure during 2021. Charging while at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle (EV) charging in Ireland and Government policy is to promote home charging in order to maintain this current high level of charging. To support home charging the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department, continues to administer an EV Home Charger Grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit for those with access to an off-street parking space which can be connected to their domestic supply.  

Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV Home Charger Grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. However, there are a number of complex planning and legal issues to address before we can expand the grant in an appropriate manner so as to include the required categories of shared parking. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address the issues involved.  

In relation to new build it should be noted that the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2018/844/EU) requires Member States to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is installed in all new residential buildings and non-residential buildings, as well as those buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, for the purpose of enabling the installation at a later stage of charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) in such developments. It is intended that this EU requirement will be transposed into Irish law by end 2020.

Mobile Telephony Services

Ceisteanna (30)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

30. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address concerns in respect of mobile phone coverage in Border areas (details supplied); if changes being brought in on the 1 January 2021 by the UK Government will have very serious consequences for persons on Irish contracts in Border areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32104/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Providing telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator.

Any complaint regarding the quality of service and coverage issues should be raised directly with the service provider. If the service provider fails to resolve the matter, the issue should be brought to the attention of the Regulator.

ComReg is responsible for ensuring that all providers meet relevant obligations in areas such as roaming alerts. ComReg also has information for customers in relation to roaming on its website:(https://www.comreg.ie/consumer-information/roaming), including tips on how to avoid inadvertent roaming, should they wish to.

My Department is in ongoing contact with industry and with ComReg and even in a situation where a Brexit deal is not reached at the end of the transition period, it is expected that there  would be no change in consumers' experience of using their mobile phone on the island of Ireland. No operators have indicated  that they have any plans to change current arrangements in continuing to apply the current roam like at home regime.

My Department will continue to monitor the situation closely. 

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (31)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

31. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the steps taken to address the situation faced by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32119/20]

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 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract.

The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years. As of 20 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 25 counties and steady progress is being made with over 114,000 premises surveyed to date. This activity is increasing week on week and NBI expects to have completed some 120,000 surveys by the end of the year.

This activity involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This is informing design solutions for provision of the fibre 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. It is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area. The laying of fibre should commence shortly with the first fibre to the home connections expected around December this year in Cork. NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie.   Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the  roll out of the fibre to the home network. Some 174 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 55 of theses are now connected  with  high speed broadband service  through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills for schools.  Locations in Mayo in areas such as Taugheen, Bofeenaun, Islandeady and Killaser Community Centres were chosen by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with Mayo County Council and are all installed and connected. Other locations installed and awaiting connection include Belderrig Community and Research Centre and Clare Island Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.

I understand that there can be instances where premises remain unconnected, although 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 is underway.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (32)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

32. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32210/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government sets out that, as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG terminals that import fracked gas. The Programme for Government is clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and commits to developing a Policy Statement to establish that approach.

My Department is developing the Policy Statement and the legal/regulatory provisions necessary to ensure LNG terminals could not, under any circumstances, import fracked gas. This includes detailed consideration of the European energy and environmental frameworks, in which our national laws operate, to ensure the Policy Statement will be legally robust. Once finalised, I intend to bring the Policy Statement to Government for approval.

In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review will include a full updated technical analysis of the security of supply challenges and mitigating options and the undertaking of a public consultation.

The review will inform future policy in relation to gas supplies, electricity interconnection, hydrogen, energy efficiency, demand management, gas storage, emergency reserves and other measures that would enhance our security of supply in the context of the doubling of the electricity generated from renewable sources (principally wind and solar) to 70% of Ireland’s final consumption and the achievement of net zero emissions by 2050. I expect that the review will be completed by the end of 2021.

Better Energy Homes Scheme

Ceisteanna (33)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

33. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in County Tipperary that have been awarded funding as part of the SEAI warmer homes scheme in 2020. [32258/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. 

Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for residential and community retrofit programmes next year to be funded by my Department through the SEAI.

Of this allocation, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes and participate in the transition.  This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty. The funding will mean that more households can receive free energy efficiency upgrades making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, in line with the Programme for Government.

The table below sets out the number of home upgrades completed under the scheme in Tipperary in 2019;  the number of home upgrades completed under the scheme this year, to end of September 2020; and the number of homes currently in the scheme work programme yet to be completed.  It should be noted that activity under the scheme in 2020 has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions.

Completed in 2019

Completed to end September 2020

In WHS work programme

85

17

262

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (34)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

34. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test can be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32082/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

In general terms, my Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service  since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.

It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date.  While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the RSA's capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Ceisteanna (35)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

35. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the deadline provisions for the re-tendering of air sea rescue services in Ireland; if he has had engagement with the Department of Defence regarding its possible interest or inclusion to a tender proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32092/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Transport /Irish Coast Guard has begun a procurement process with the objective of providing a Search and Rescue (SAR) Aviation service when the current contract ends. The current contract with CHCI is in place since 2012 for 10 years with an option to extend for a period(s) up to 2025. The existing contract was extended earlier this year for one year to 2023.  It can be further extended for periods up to 2025 depending on procurement process and the transition period required between the existing and a new contract.

A Steering Group chaired by the Director of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) has been set up to manage the project with all relevant state entities represented.  The Department of Defence and the Air Corps are represented on the Steering Group for the procurement of the new service and are fully engaged in deliberations as key stakeholders in the development of the SAR service. In a recent PQ, my colleague the Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, T.D.  confirmed that there were no plans to subsume the air rescue services provided by the Irish Coast Guard into the roles and responsibilities of the Defence Organisation.

Road Improvement Schemes

Ceisteanna (36)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

36. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the follow-ups completed by his Department and road authorities in respect of works carried out on roads, such as road opening, in cases in which reinstatement works deteriorate in the aftermath of their completion (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32136/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport 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 operation and maintenance 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 case, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the procedures and protocols in place following roadworks  or road openings on the national network.

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

Parking Regulations

Ceisteanna (37)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the fines for cars parked obstructively in order to block bus, cycle lanes and footpaths from their planned uses due to the danger involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32172/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Parking on a footpath and parking in designated bus and cycle lanes is illegal under the current Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking Regulations), as amended, and carries a fixed charge of €40, rising to €60 if not paid within 28 days.

Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 grants powers to the Minister for Transport to make regulations prescribing different amounts for fixed charge notice offences. The Department keeps these charges under constant review and can intervene to impose increases where it is deemed appropriate.

Most recently, for example, in March 2018 my predecessor, Mr. Shane Ross T.D., increased the fixed charge for the offence of parking in a disabled bay from €80 to €150 in response to evidence presented by An Garda Síochána and by disability representative groups of a sharp rise in non-compliance.

While my Department is open to the possibility of introducing similar increases for other parking offences, such changes will require engagement both with An Garda Síochána and with the local authorities so as to ensure fairness and proportionality and to take into account issues of implementation and enforcement.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (38)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

38. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS can refuse legal tender such as cash or postal orders and insist that transactions can only be made by card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32174/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This is an operational matter within the remit of the Road Safety Authority.  I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply.  If a response has not been received within 10 days please contact my office directly.

The status or otherwise of payment methods is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

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

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (39)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

39. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if frontline and essential workers will be prioritised for driver tests in view of possible further restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32175/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Road Safety Authority has advised it is prioritising driver testing for essential workers and has set up a dedicated email, urgentdrivingtest@rsa.ie, where applicants can request to be given priority and supply supporting documentation.  These requests are prioritised during the scheduling process with cancellation slots being offered where possible. 

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (40)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

40. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if driver licences will be extended for those drivers due to turn 70 years of age in the coming months that have been requested to attend a NDLS centre for licence renewal due to the fact they have not been in a centre over the past five years. [32242/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is not intended to further extend the validity of driving licences at this time. Irish driving licence legislation is based on a framework of EU law, and our current law is in line with that of the EU.

At present, there is a requirement for a person to attend at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre to have their photograph taken if they have not had such a photograph taken within the last five years, regardless of age. This is to ensure that a recent photograph is available. This matter is currently under review to see if an alternative process can be introduced in light of Covid 19.  

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (41, 42)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

41. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if special arrangements will be made for those drivers turning 70 years of age in October 2020 who need to renew their licences, such as online renewal, as many of these drivers are not comfortable attending a NDLS centre due to Covid-19. [32243/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

42. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if special arrangements will be made for those drivers turning 70 years of age in October 2020 whose appointment to renew their licence has been delayed due to Covid-19, and their licence will be out of date for a number of weeks before their appointment for renewal at a NDLS centre. [32244/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.

I am pleased to inform you that those 70 years of age and over will be contacted directly by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and invited to renew their licence or permit by post.

Previously only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis were invited to renew by post. As a temporary measure, given the situation with Covid19, the RSA, through its licensing service the NDLS, has expanded the postal renewal option, to those over 70 who renew their licence every three years.

The process of contacting drivers 70 years and over will commence this coming week and will initially target renewals due in October 2020. You do not need to contact the NDLS directly about your application. All those 70 years and over who have previously presented at an NDLS centre in the last 5 years, and whose licence or permit is due to expire, will receive a renewal pack in the post and be invited to apply by post.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (43)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

43. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if the issuing of a replacement driver licence card will be facilitated for a person (details supplied) working on the frontline in the United Kingdom, and who is unable to return home due to the current Covid-19 restrictions and quarantine rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32257/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Irish driving licences can only be issued to people resident in Ireland.  There is therefore no facility to issue driving licences to Irish citizens living abroad.

EU driving licences are mutually recognised by Member States. If a holder of an Irish licence resides in another Member State, it is recommended that they exchange their Irish licence for a licence issued by the State they now reside in. 

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (44)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

44. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport when the waiting times for a theory test in County Tipperary will be reduced in view that young drivers are travelling to other counties to do the test against Covid-19 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32262/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Covid-19 has had on profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s driver theory testing services and a significant backlog developed. 

The Driver Theory Test service has seen its capacity reduced significantly to comply with occupational and public health requirements.  The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements. In this regard, there would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments. 

However. as you will understand, the decision to move to level 5, which is essential for public health reasons, is likely to lead to further delays with theory tests, as the Government decision and the public health regulations will now require that driver theory tests be suspended generally.

Additional appointments are added frequently. Candidates should regularly check the service through https://theorytest.ie/ or by telephone at 1890 606 106 for assistance with finding a date and location near to them.

Cycling Facilities

Ceisteanna (45, 46)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

45. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the status of the bike station at King John's Castle and Limerick Institute of Technology which was committed to in 2017 by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32264/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

46. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the reason for and a breakdown of the additional €273,000 provided by the NTA to a company (details supplied) on 2 July 2019 which was in addition to the €1.2 million annual lump sum price paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32265/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to sustainable mobility infrastructure. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations including the development and management of public bike schemes. Decisions, including allocations to schemes, contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your questions to the NTA for a more detailed 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
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