Tuesday, 10 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 263-287

Córas Iompair Éireann

Ceisteanna (263)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

263. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport when the CIÉ annual report for 2019 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34768/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 (the Code) requires that the CIÉ Board, not later than four months after the end of the relevant financial year, publish its Annual Report and/or Financial Statements.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted CIÉ's ability to comply with the Code's specified timeframe, so earlier this year - as provided for under the Code - CIÉ sought and received derogation from the requirement to publish its 2019 Annual Report within the first four months of 2020.

It is expected that the 2019 CIÉ accounts will be published shortly.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (264)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

264. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if a bus driver licence renewal appointment can be expedited for a person (details supplied) [34789/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS). All applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS. The Department of Transport cannot schedule such appointments.

The RSA is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types to enable accessibility on-line rather than by calling to an office. The NDLS hopes to allow all application types to apply online by mid-November. The introduction of these steps may help ease some of the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.

Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, for six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets is available on www.gov.ie.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 076 108 7880 or by emailing [e-mail].

Departmental Meetings

Ceisteanna (265)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

265. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if his officials engaged with the employee unions at locations (details supplied); if so, when the meetings took place; when his officials next meet with the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34824/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I can confirm to the Deputy that officials in my Department have not engaged with the employee unions at Shannon Heritage sites and no such engagement has been requested nor is it currently planned. Industrial relations matters are for the Company and trade unions concerned with the assistance, where appropriate, of the industrial relations institutions of the State.

Heritage Sites

Ceisteanna (266, 267)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

266. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if an application has been received for funding to ensure sites (details supplied) will remain open beyond 31 December 2020; and if so, if the application includes funding for the two sites that have remained closed since March 2020. [34825/20]

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

267. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the status of the review by his Department into a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34826/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.

I would like to thank the Deputy for her questions on Shannon Heritage sites and Shannon Group.

In terms of supports for particular Shannon Heritage sites, I refer the Deputy to my reply of 7 October 2020 last (29234/20). Since then, Budget 2021 reflected this Government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Ireland’s strategic heritage sites, like Bunratty and King John’s Castle. A range of horizontal and targeted measures were announced for tourism and heritage companies like Shannon Heritage. It is open to the Company to explore the various support mechanisms on offer such as the Department of Tourism, Culture Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media's €55m Recovery and Resilience Scheme.

The Deputy will be aware that I have committed to undertaking an examination of the future viability and sustainability of Shannon Group. This review will consider financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate for Shannon Group and its subsidiaries, including Shannon Heritage. I will be bringing recommendations to Government in this regard shortly.

I want to ensure that the Company will be well positioned for the future particularly given the important economic contribution Shannon Airport makes.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (268)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

268. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 54 on 13 October 2020, the breakdown of funding allocated to each LocalLink route in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34864/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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

As I explained to the Deputy in my reply to her Question No. 54 (ref 29647) on 13 October 2020, it is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.

That is why I forwarded the Deputy's Question of 13 October to the NTA for direct reply. I understand that the NTA replied to the Deputy on 14 October 2020.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your further Question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (269)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

269. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when the waiting times for a driver theory test in Cork city and county will be reduced in view of the fact that young drivers that were due to sit their tests in November 2020 (details supplied) now have to wait seven months to sit the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34872/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Driver Theory Test has not been deemed to be an essential service under level 5. As a consequence, the service is closed, effective from midnight on Wednesday 21st of October, and for the duration of level 5 restrictions. All appointments during that time have been rescheduled to the next available appointment date.

As I am sure you are aware, the Theory Test service was temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to the Covid 19 emergency. When the service resumed in June, there was an increased level of demand and a significant backlog developed. This was coupled with the need to significantly reduce normal daily capacity to comply with occupational and public health requirements.

When the Driver Theory Test Service closed on the 21st of October due to the latest restrictions, the majority of testing centres had almost full bookings up to end December and some into January too as it worked its way through the initial backlog. The decision was taken by the service provider that those whose appointments were cancelled due to the latest restrictions would be rescheduled to the next available appointment date.

The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services are resumed. This will help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as level 5 is lifted.

Arrangements for specific driver theory test centres are operational matters for the RSA.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (270)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

270. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce the waiting times for driver theory tests in Cork city and county as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34873/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Specific details on individual theory test centres are an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The Driver Theory Test has not been deemed to be an essential service under level 5. As a consequence, the service is closed, effective from midnight on Wednesday 21st of October, and for the duration of level 5 restrictions. All appointments during that time have been rescheduled to the next available appointment date.

The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as level 5 is lifted.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (271, 272)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

271. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide for a continuation of MetroLink to south-west County Dublin; and if the metro to Knocklyon feasibility study will be amended to include areas beyond that locality in order to future proof the line. [34881/20]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

272. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if a public consultation will be opened in respect of the metro to Knocklyon feasibility study. [34882/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.

As Minister for Transport, 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 light rail.

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

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (273)

James Browne

Ceist:

273. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding driver licence appointments for those seeking to exchange their UK driver licence in exchange for an Irish driver licence before Brexit as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34909/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS). All applications for a driving licence, including a licence exchange, must be made through the NDLS.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) , through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), is working to expand the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office.

The necessary legislative amendments to facilitate the online system have been made and the regulations came into effect on the 9th November. The NDLS plans to allow all application types to apply online from this week on. A Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account will be required to access the online system.

This may help ease some of the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.

Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, for six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets is available on www.gov.ie.

Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 257.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 250.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (276)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

276. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with a driver theory test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35184/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

This 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.

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

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (277)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

277. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the way in which counties Kildare and Laois will benefit from the expanded local bus service detailed in and funded by the July Stimulus Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35208/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.

The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (278)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

278. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if public transport providers, such as Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann, DART, Luas and LocalLink, will increase services for students travelling to and from school in order to facilitate social distancing for school children on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35213/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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

I am aware that many schoolchildren, particularly in urban areas, use public transport to travel to and from school. Public transport is provided on an open basis for all members of the public, and its availability does not distinguish between schoolchildren, students, and other passengers. Indeed, under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 the definition of a ‘public bus passenger service’ excludes the National Transport Authority (NTA) from licensing or providing services for carrying children to or from school. Consequently, the NTA does not manage the delivery of dedicated school transport services. As the Deputy will be aware, the School Transport Scheme (STS) - which is separate from the public transport system, and which operates predominantly in rural areas - comes under the remit of the Department of Education, and is managed by Bus Éireann on their behalf.

The NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both public and commercial operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.

The Government's new "Living with Covid" Plan sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the new Plan. The Plan provides guidance for the public about using public transport at the different risk levels; including that wearing face coverings is mandatory, and encouraging use of off-peak services and sustainable active travel alternative options where feasible.

Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both all operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.

Due to the rising incidences of Covid-19 in the community, An Taoiseach announced that for a period of six weeks from midnight on Wednesday 21st October, the whole country would move to Level 5 of the Plan. At current levels of risk, public transport operators are restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles. Importantly, the Plan's guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has reduced the demand for public transport well below normal levels. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, including front-line workers and students. Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice.

Since the move to level 5, the NTA and bus operators in Dublin (Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland), have re-allocated a number of vehicles and drivers across the network to enhance the capacity in areas where they were experiencing capacity issues.

Approximately 43 buses have been redeployed by Dublin Bus since October 22nd to help mitigate the impact of the capacity restrictions and reduce the number of passengers being left at stops. Where possible, these vehicles are being deployed during peak demand times, particularly for school travel. These measures have also assisted in reducing passengers' wait times at stops. Currently, all available vehicles are in use, so whilst the re-allocation will ease the situation, it remains the case that there will still be instances of people having to wait for another bus.

The NTA continues to monitor the effects of the reduction in capacity very closely in conjunction with public transport operators.

Shannon Airport Facilities

Ceisteanna (279, 280)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

279. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 801 of 27 May 2020, the number of US troops and the quantity of weapons and munitions that have passed through Shannon Airport in each of the months May to October 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35232/20]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

280. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to continue the practice of providing exemptions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order for US military contracted plans to take weapons through Shannon and Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35233/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.

The 1944 Chicago Convention is the main treaty governing international civil aviation. Article 35 of this Convention relates to the carriage of munitions of war in the sovereign territory of a State. This is implemented in Irish law in the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989.

Under these Orders, the carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory/airspace and on Irish registered civil aircraft, wherever they may be, unless an exemption for such carriage is granted by the Minister for Transport.

A well established procedure is in place in my Department, for processing applications for such exemptions, which includes consultations with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Justice and Equality on each application, ensuring both foreign policy and security matters are considered.

My Department uploads statistics to the gov.ie website regarding the number of such applications made, which includes the numbers that are granted, refused and cancelled. These statistics are available at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/15da60-the-carriage-of-munitions-of-war-on-civil-aircraft/

My Department has no statutory function with regard to the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish airports.

Shannon Airport Authority has informed my Department that they collate such information at the end of each month, and that the numbers of US military personnel that transited through Shannon Airport from May 2020 to the end of October 2020 were:

Months in 2020	Number of US military personnel that transited Shannon Airport
May	7,577
June	6,553
July	10,711
August	4,097
September	4,832
October	6,070

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (281)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

281. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding entitlement to compensation with regard to driver theory tests which have had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 in which these cancellations happen within five days of the scheduled theory test as provided for on the theory test website; if he will reconsider the rescheduling of these cancelled theory tests in which they would be conducted at the earliest possible date when the theory tests resume rather than some eighteen weeks later as is the case in certain circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35243/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

This 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.

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

Traffic Management

Ceisteanna (282)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

282. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the status of a report commissioned by his Department to consider measures to address the impacts of growing traffic levels in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford; when the report will make recommendations on the way to manage travel demand in each cities; if a final report recommending measures that should be most effective for each city outlining the impacts of introducing these measures and identifying implementation roadmaps will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35262/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

My Department commissioned the Five Cities Demand Management Study in late 2019, pursuant to Action 81 of the Climate Action Plan 2019. The purpose of the Study is to identify transport demand drivers in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, and to assess the impact and suitability of an array of different demand management measures for each city. The Study focuses on addressing four main challenges facing our cities: decarbonisation, air quality, congestion, and urban environment. The Study will be evidence-based using insight from an extensive international best practice review, national and local stakeholder engagement and supported by detailed qualitative (Phase 1) and quantitative (Phase 2) appraisal. I expect that Phase 1 of the Study will soon be completed while Phase 2 should be completed by year end/early 2021.

I understand that the reports issuing following each of the two phases will make recommendations regarding how we might better manage travel demand at national and city level. I plan to publish both when I have received and considered them.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (283)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

283. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow drivers over 70 years of age whose licences expire during the level 5 restrictions and who have to renew their licences in their local National Driver Licence Service centre to reschedule their renewal appointment for when the restrictions are eased even if in cases in which their licence is expired for a short number of weeks. [35263/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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

The RSA is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types to enable accessibility on-line rather than by calling to an office. The NDLS hopes to allow all application types to apply online by mid-November. To access the online system aPublic Services Card and a verified MyGovID account is required.

A driving licence can be renewed up to 10 years after the date of expiry of the licence.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (284)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

284. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to facilitate persons to undertake the driver theory test online and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35279/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I understand that planning is underway in the Road Safety Authority, as the body which the Oireachtas has made responsible for driver testing under the Road Safety Authority Act, to examine whether theory tests can be taken online remotely. However, this planning is at a very early stage and is unlikely to come on stream in the near future.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (285)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

285. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of recruiting three additional engineer and ship surveyors for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35314/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The estimated full year cost of recruiting three additional engineer & ship surveyors for my Department is €222,037.76

The breakdown of costs is set out in tabular form, below.

Engineer & Ship Surveyor Salary, point 1 (PPC)	€66,379.00
EPRSI @11.5%	€7,633.59
Full Year Cost for 1 post	€74,012.59
Full year cost for 3 posts	€222,037.76

Question No. 286 answered with Question No. 250.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (287)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

287. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing a package of financial measures for older taxi drivers wishing to exit the industry in view of the difficulties they are experiencing due to Covid-19; if they will be given compensation for transferring their taxi licences to younger taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35381/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Government recognises that the trading environment for self-employed individuals remains difficult. Accordingly the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will continue until 1 April 2021. Self-employed recipients, including SPSV drivers, can earn up to €480 per month while still receiving the payment. Furthermore, individuals exiting that payment may avail of the COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant, a once-off grant of up to €1,000 which can be used towards the costs associated with reopening a business, including the purchase of cleaning materials and personal protective equipment.

These measures build on the supports provided since the start of the pandemic. The NTA took action at the outset of COVID-19 to support the SPSV sector, such as licence extensions, the waiver of late renewal feels, and facilitating the suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decided to temporarily stop working and suspend their licence. The NTA has also extended age limits for vehicles that were due to reach them since March until the end of 2020, and are currently considering extending them further until the end of 2021.

Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware that the recently published Budget 2021 contained further measures to aid SPSV operators. My Department will provide funding to the NTA to enable it to waive standard SPSV licence renewal fees in 2021. A €15 million scrappage scheme has also been introduced to encourage operators of older vehicles to switch to electric vehicles.

The transfer of small public service vehicle licences, as suggested by the Deputy, is prohibited under section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. There are no plans to adjust this provision at this time, the rationale being that a licence should indicate a person’s suitability to carry out a function and should not have, by association, a monetary value or be tradeable on the open market or redeemable for a value. There is, therefore, no basis for introducing the type of compensation scheme suggested by the Deputy.