Alan Kelly
Ceist:28. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health will next meet. [41654/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (28)
Freagraí scríofa
The next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health is scheduled to take place on Monday, 14 December.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (29)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:29. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on economic recovery and Investment will next meet. [41655/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment first met on the 8 July. It has met on a total of eight occasions, most recently on 4 December. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled.
Departmental Bodies Data
Ceisteanna (30)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:30. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the bodies under the aegis of his Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or ministerial appointments in tabular form. [42487/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
National Economic and Social Council
The National Economic and Social Council is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department.
The Terms of Reference and composition of the NESC are set out in legislation - the National Economic and Social Development Act, 2006, and in the National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order, 2010.
I appoint all members to the Council under this legislation which provides for nominations from
- five sectors (business and employer interests, ICTU, farming and agricultural interests, community and voluntary sector, environmental sector);
- public servants;
- independent members.
Each of the five sectors nominates three representatives to the Council.
A further six members are public servants, mainly Secretaries General, and must include a representative of my Department and the Department of Finance. The Secretary General of my Department is the Chair of the Council and an Assistant Secretary of my Department is the Deputy Chair.
There are also seven independent members on the Council.
Of the seven independent appointees, two were previous members who were re-appointed, one was appointed from the Department of the Taoiseach and four were appointed following an assessment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service in line with the Guidelines for appointments to State Boards.
Central Statistics Office
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is an independent Office under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. The National Statistics Board (NSB) was established under the National Statistics Act 1993 to guide the strategic direction of the Central Statistics Office.
The National Statistics Board, as set out under Section 18 of the National Statistics Act 1993, has eight members - two are nominees of the Taoiseach, three are nominations by organisations representative of users of national statistics, two are Assistant Secretary grade or higher in the Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Finance, and the Director General of the CSO is a member in an ex officio capacity.
In the case of those members who are nominees of the Taoiseach or of organisations representative of users of national statistics, all vacancies are publically advertised through Public Appointments Service and stateboards.ie and appointments are made in line with the Guidelines for appointments to State Board
Departmental Bodies Data
Ceisteanna (31)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:31. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the bodies under the aegis of his Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or ministerial appointments in tabular form. [42476/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of the State Boards that fall under the remit of my Department, including details on board appointments and board vacancies, are available on the StateBoards.ie website. The information requested by the Deputy in regard to the current composition of these boards, disaggregated by appointments through PAS or Ministerial appointment, is set out below.
As the Deputy will be aware, individuals may be nominated for appointment by various organisations arising from terms in the relevant legislation regarding the Body concerned, and accordingly Ministerial board appointments are not in all cases made at my discretion.
The process for selection of Ministerial appointees to boards of Agencies is managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in accordance with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Deputy will also be aware that as Minister I am responsible for the final appointment of any representative that goes through a PAS process.
|
Agency |
Number of Board Members |
Appointments through PAS |
Ministerial appointments |
Nominated for appointment by the Minister |
|
EI |
12 |
5 |
5* |
2 |
|
HSA |
12 |
5 |
1* |
6 |
|
IDA |
12 |
8 |
3* |
1 |
|
IAASA |
9 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
|
NSAI |
12 |
8 |
1* |
3 |
|
PIAB |
10 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
|
SFI |
12 |
6 |
4* |
2 |
|
WRC |
9 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
*This number includes the Departmental representative
Air Quality
Ceisteanna (32)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:32. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which his Department and other State agencies plan to address the poor EPA air quality statistics in Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42237/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Weather conditions are a major factor in “spikes” in levels of emissions at this time of year. Calm and foggy conditions, together with domestic burning of solid fuel can lead to a build-up of air pollutants far greater than those normally experienced. These events also serve to demonstrate how the choices we make in heating our homes can have a significant bearing on the quality of the air in the communities in which we live. It is important that where low smoke zones have been established, such as Ennis, that there are adequate measures in place to ensure regulatory compliance. Responsibility for ensuring such compliance rest with local authorities under Section10 of the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 326 of 2012). My Department has commenced discussions with the Local Authority sector to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement. The intention is to establish dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support effective and consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.
Ireland has a network of 84 monitoring stations which measure levels of air pollutants across the state. The provision of improved data from this network has highlighted the extent to which solid fuels, such as turf, peat and wet wood, as well as bituminous coal, contribute to the emissions in our air and this must be taken into consideration in the development of new measures to regulate to a broader extent the use of solid fuels in the residential sector.
The first step in this process will be the launch of a solid fuel public consultation which will be published alongside the Clean Air Strategy early next year. The consultation will seek views on new measures to regulate the use of all solid fuels in the residential sector, while the Clean Air Strategy will set out a comprehensive cross Government programme of policies and measures that will tackle all sources of air pollution, including those from the transport, agriculture and residential sectors.
Environmental Policy
Ceisteanna (33)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:33. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will be extending a ban on smoky coal to the entire country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42238/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to extend the Smoky Coal Ban to new towns and over the term of Government to move towards a full nationwide ban. I have already delivered on the first part of that commitment by creating 13 new Low Smoke Zones with effect from 1 September this year and the ban now applies in all towns with populations in excess of 10,000 people.
The next step in the process will be a public consultation to assess views on the development of legislation to regulate to a broader extent the use of solid fuels in the residential sector. This is being done with a view to a national transition to lower polluting fuels for residential heating and will:
- Assess the merits of a national approach to regulating sold fuel;
- Determine which solid fuels should be regulated;
- Consider how these fuels should be regulated;
- Set out an appropriate timeline for the implementation of any new regulations.
The consultation will be launched alongside Ireland's first Clean Air Strategy early next year and the responses received will inform the decisions to be made regarding the implementation and enforcement of a nationwide extension.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (34)
James Lawless
Ceist:34. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter regarding the provision of broadband at a location (details supplied). [42246/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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). 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.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.Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence.I am advised by NBI that, as of 3 December 2020, over 139,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company. Surveys have been completed in the following areas across Co Kildare, Killashee, Oughterard, Naas Rural, Rathmore, Kill, Kilteel, Carnalway, Gilltown, Ballymore Eustace, Bodenstown, Naas Urban, Newtown and Donaghcumper. The next step is for NBI to develop network designs to deliver the new fibre to the home network to these premises, followed by pre build and build works. I am advised that NBI intend to have completed surveys at this location in early 2021 and the indicative target for the commencement of network build at this location is late 2021. 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. As of 3 December, 217 sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Affairs for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills for schools. 59 publicly accessible BCPs across the country are now live. BCPs locations due for installation in Kildare include Backgate Lodge, Kilkee Demesne, Castledermot and Crookstown Further Education and Training Centre. Bigstone Community Hall is now fully connected with public WiFi and Lullymore Heritage Park is installed and waiting connectivity. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. Rathmore National School and St Davids National School in Co Kildare will be connected for educational access as part of this initiative by the end of the year. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education and Skills to prioritise other schools with no high speed broadband, within the intervention area for connection over the term of the NBP.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (35)
James Lawless
Ceist:35. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the provision of broadband to houses in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42248/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed in November 2019 to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.In County Cork, there are 273,548 premises of which 79,424 (29 %) are in the intervention area for the National Broadband Plan and 194,124 (71%) are in the commercial area where commercial operators are or have committed to providing high speed broadband. The NBP 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. I am advised by NBI that, as of 3 December 2020, over 139,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company. Of this figure, over 16,000 premises have been surveyed to date in Cork including in the areas of Carrigaline and Midelton, and network designs completed to deliver the new Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network there.
Surveying is the first step towards delivering the new fibre network and involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This informs design solutions for provision of the fibre network to each and every premises in the surveyed area and leads to detailed designs. The detailed designs are then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with Open eir for the area, where Open eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose and the make ready of other required infrastructure. This step also informs decisions on equipment ordering. Survey data is also needed to initiate pre-works which pave the way for the deploying of fibre. Pre-works involve construction of new duct routes, erection of poles, building chambers, and tree trimming. On completion of these pre-works, the main construction works can commence. This involves deploying fibre overhead on poles and in underground ducts, splicing of fibre, and unblocking of ducts. Once the main construction works are completed and the appropriate level of testing has been undertaken, the fibre network can be commissioned and end users can order their connection.
The first fibre to the home connections are expected shortly in Carrigaline and will be subject to technical testing and validation prior to a wider release of the area. I am advised that from early 2021 retailers will be able to resell the service and householders in these areas will be able to order high speed broadband provided via the NBI network.
Further details are available on specific areas within Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence. I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of information available on the deployment of the NBI network and I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans.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. As of 3 December 2020, 217 publicly accessible BCP sites have been installed by NBI, with 59 already connected to high speed broadband service. The remaining locations will be connected through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development in the coming months. In Cork, BCPs at Ballindangan Community Centre, Aghabullogue Community Centre, Castletownkenneigh Community Centre, Lissavard Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre and T.O. Park Labbamollaga Community Facility have been connected. Further BCPs at Bere Island Heritage Centre, Laharn Heritage Centre and Ballydaly Community Hall have had infrastructure installed by NBI and will be connected in the coming weeks. Some 58 schools throughout Ireland have now had infrastructure installed by NBI, with 22 schools already connected to high speed broadband. In Cork, a number of schools including Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School Schools will be connected as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Post Office Network
Ceisteanna (36, 37)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:36. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether the existing post office network is viable; and his plans to increase State funding to the service or to engage with representatives from the sector to discuss their ongoing concerns. [42284/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:37. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the implementation of an action plan to ensure the sustainability of the existing post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42285/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
I am aware of the importance of maintaining a post office network in our society. However I also know that the serious decline in mail volumes and the impact of Covid-19 on footfall through post offices has had a severe impact on the postal network and the revenue being generated for postmasters. I have met with representatives of the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) on a number of occasions to discuss the matters raised in the Grant Thornton report which was commissioned by the IPU.
A lot of work has been done over the past few years to develop the network and this has had a positive effect for both postmasters and customers. This momentum needs to be maintained and if An Post, the postmasters and Government work together we can ensure that the network can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community-focused services.
Government believes An Post has untapped potential to do more and make a further significant contribution across many areas of public, business and community life in Ireland. What we are doing now is working with An Post to investigate the scope to channel additional services through the network. As with any business the post office needs to develop commercial strategies to enable it to grow and maintain its relevance for its users. All options will be considered fully and efforts will be redoubled to give effect to our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and viable post office network.
In the circumstances, there are no proposals to introduce a Government funded subsidy for the post office network.
Waste Management
Ceisteanna (38)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:38. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he will take to address the robbery of catalytic converters from hybrid cars using his powers over waste regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42390/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Issues concerning the theft and handling of stolen property are matters for the Minister for Justice. Under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, maximum sentences of 10 years are provided for the offences of theft and handling of stolen property and 5 years for the possession of stolen property.While regulation of the scrap metal industry, including second hand car parts, is not a matter within the remit of my Department, the regulation of waste activities is, of course, relevant to the industry. In order to improve traceability of waste received and to counter the trade in stolen metal, an amendment to the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations was introduced in 2014 to require the following at all permitted facilities receiving/purchasing waste: the production of proof of identity and current address for the person supplying the material, records to be kept of the registration number and waste collection permit number of the delivery vehicle, records to be kept describing the materials, time and date of sale, weight and amount paid, and the provision of a signed statement by the person supplying the material indicating that they are the lawful owner.Local authorities continue to undertake inspections to ensure compliance with these regulations and these inspections were included in the National Waste Enforcement Priorities for 2020. In addition, officials from my Department continue to participate in the National Metal Theft Forum, which was established in 2012 by An Garda Síochána, to bring together State stakeholders, including local authorities and the Department of Justice, and industry representatives in order to improve information sharing and to develop a metal theft prevention and crime reduction plan.
Warmer Homes Scheme
Ceisteanna (39)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:39. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide data on the better energy warmer homes scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; the average waiting times per county from when an application is made to the scheme and when an SEAI engineer approves the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42391/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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. To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. Budget 2021 provides €109 million in capital funding to support lower income households to retrofit their homes with €100 million of this funding allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. There are currently over 7,000 homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are: currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor, or are awaiting the initial survey of their home. Eligible homes are allocated on a first come, first served basis, and the average time between application and allocation to a contractor is now 22 months. The wait time is a result of strong demand for what is an extremely popular scheme. The work programme was also negatively impacted by Covid-19, particularly between March and June when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. The SEAI does not compile the information requested on waiting times on a county by county basis.
In addition to the increased budget, capacity by the industry to deliver more activity has also increased due to a new, broader contractor panel to provide works which commenced last month. Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will also be finalised shortly.
Electricity Grid
Ceisteanna (40)
Michael Creed
Ceist:40. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn by Eirgrid of the level of capital investment required to improve the grid system over the period to 2030 given the fact that in scenarios in Eirgrid’s document, Tomorrow's Energy, it identifies grid investment as either high or very high across the country; the way in which this level of investment is being provided for; the level of detail available to his Department from Eirgrid regarding the exact locations in which this investment is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42469/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the oversight of the costs associated with the national electricity grid. Part of this remit is to determine the appropriate level of funding that the electricity network system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, require in order to efficiently deliver on the strategic objectives while safely operating the system. This is conducted through the Price Review process in five yearly intervals. There will be two price reviews over the decade to 2030, one of which will be decided on by CRU in the coming weeks. The costs for grid investment covered by regulatory price reviews are borne by electricity consumers and not funded through the Exchequer. The strategic objectives for the price review out to 2025 are: facilitating a secure low carbon future, transforming the role of the distribution system operator (ESB Networks), increasing efficiency and protecting customers and ensuring security of supply.
The CRU as part of its oversight has issued a draft determination for funding over the next five years to the end of 2025 (PR5 - Price Review 5) and this determination can be found on the CRU website. It indicates a spend of €6.78 billion. This is a draft decision and the final determination is expected in the coming weeks.
This price review covers up to 2025 only and thus does not fully factor in all the requirements of the Government's Climate Action Plan or Programme for Government, including substantive electrification of heat and transport commitments and the delivery of at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030. The System Operators are assessing what the potential costs are for the grid to deliver on such commitments.
EirGrid publishes a variety of reports, some on an annual basis, such as the Transmission Development Plan, the Transmission Forecast Statement and the Generation Capacity Statement, all of which provide detailed analysis of grid development needs and projects.
Departmental Bodies Data
Ceisteanna (41)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:41. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the bodies under the aegis of his Department; and the composition of their respective board memberships, disaggregated by appointments through the Public Appointments Service or Ministerial appointments in tabular form. [42477/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the attached table.
The table also indicates where a Ministerial appointment has followed a process conducted by the Public Appointments Service, or selection by a nominating body.
Further information is also available at: www.stateboards.ie
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (42)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of diesel, electric and hydrogen powered buses currently in use in Ireland; the average cost of purchasing each type of bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42224/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the national PSO bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (43)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:43. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if lighting will be installed at Coolanga Cross, Clonoulty, County Tipperary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42282/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993 to 2015, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including public lighting, is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority.
In this context, policy and decisions in relation to new installations and extensions to public lighting schemes beyond urban speed limits is a matter for the relevant local authority.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (44)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:44. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if provision is being made for a resident in Ireland with a UK or Northern Ireland driver licence needing to exchange it without a public services card to do so; if provision will be made in advance of the deadline for submission of 10 December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42293/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
After the transition period (transition period ends 31 December 2020), the UK will no longer be a Member State and so a UK driving licence will not be recognised here. Since 2019, holders of UK licences resident in Ireland have been encouraged to exchange their UK licences for an Irish one before this date.
A person wishing to exchange a UK driving licence for an Irish licence, who cannot avail of the online application system, can book an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre through the NDLS website. All applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS and must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Anyone looking for an urgent appointment can contact the NDLS Customer Service at 0761 087880 however they currently deal with up to 1,000 calls daily so delays are to be expected.
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 and 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.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (45)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:45. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of inspections carried out by the marine service office into Irish-registered fishing vessels in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of these inspections that were unannounced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42317/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department has in place a programme of survey and inspection
for fishing vessels which includes both unannounced and announced inspections. In 2019, the MSO carried out inspections of 152 fishing vessels, with 40 of this number being unannounced inspections. So far during 2020, 56 such inspections have been completed, of which 10 have been unannounced.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (46)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:46. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the current BusConnects process is compliant with the Kazakhstan advice in relation to the Aarhus Convention (details supplied). [42375/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the BusConnects programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Brexit Preparations
Ceisteanna (47)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:47. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 22 of 12 November 2020, if he will provide a copy of the traffic management group’s no-deal contingency plan as referenced to in the reply. [42395/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of the Traffic Management Contingency Plan have now been made available on Gov.ie.
It is important to note that no matter what happens in the ongoing Brexit negotiations, there will be major changes in how we do business with the UK from January 1st.
This traffic management plan, which is the result of close collaboration by many different agencies, is designed to deal with any congestion that may arise due to increased level of checks at Dublin Port and to minimise the impact on the Port tunnel, nearby motorways and the rest of the city.
The ultimate aim of the traffic management plan is to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the flow of movement in Dublin Port and surrounding city, which can only be achieved if all stakeholders undertake to prepare to the best of their ability.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (48)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:48. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if travel advice will be updated in line with the European Centre of Disease Control updated travel advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42400/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government decision of October 2020 has delivered on the commitment in the Plan for Living with Covid-19 in adopting the EU “traffic light” approach to international travel, details of which are published on Gov.ie. Ireland has previously incorporated the guidance in the EASA/ECDC Aviation Health Safety Protocol within the protocols for passenger travel by air and sea in light of Covid-19, published in July 2020 by the Department of Transport, and updated in October 2020.
On the 2 December the European Centre for Disease Control and European Aviation Safety Agency jointly published Guidelines for COVID-19 testing and quarantine of air travellers – an Addendum to the Aviation Health Safety Protocol. The Addendum provides information to assist the health authorities to make informed decisions on the best possible measures for international travel.
Subject to ongoing review by the HSE, NEPHT and Government a negative result from a Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is the only test result that means the passenger is not expected to follow advice to restrict movements. While agreed Covid-19 measures are kept under review, and in the lead up to a challenging Christmas season for all, there are currently no plans to make changes to the current implementation framework around the “traffic light” system.
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (49)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:49. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport when a new chief executive for a company (details supplied) will be appointed; the process underway to select a replacement for a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42410/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question. In my reply which follows, I am surmising that the Deputy is referring to the position of Chairperson of the Board of Shannon Group, (a position previously held by Ms. Rose Hynes) as opposed to a replacement of Shannon Group’s Chief Executive Officer.
The position of Chairperson of Shannon Group Board was advertised by the Public Appointments Service and the closing date for receipt of applications was 14 October last. An Assessment Panel has been convened by PAS to consider the applications received. I expect to receive a shortlist of the most suitably qualified candidates shortly and I hope to be in a position to appoint a new Chairperson to Shannon Group in the coming weeks .
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (50)
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:50. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport if the waiver for the SPSV licence renewal is in operation for those currently in the process of applying for renewal of their licences; if the fee to renew a licence for a person (details supplied) will be waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42411/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA), the statutory regulator, has since the start of the pandemic taken action to reduce the operating costs for small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators. It has extended vehicle age limits and waived late renewal fees though to March 2021. Furthermore, my Department will provide funding to the NTA to enable it to waive its standard SPSV (vehicle) licence renewal fees in 2021. Arrangements for SPSV driver licences, which are issued by An Garda Síochána, are unchanged.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (51, 52)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:51. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the additional resources that will be provided to local authorities in County Longford to ensure that there are adequate road safety measures in place including footpaths for children walking to a school (details supplied) given the specific reference to physical activity amongst children in the programme for Government. [42446/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSorca Clarke
Ceist:52. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the steps taken to date to facilitate safer walking to schools given the commitment in the programme for Government for an ambitious road safety strategy. [42448/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
The Deputy is aware that significant additional financial resources have been available to local authorities since the establishment of the Government as evidenced by the July Stimulus measures, the additional allocations made available under Budget 2021 and the establishment of a new active travel fund as part of those Budgetary allocations which will be managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is specifically targeted at those local authorities, such as Longford, that traditionally have not had access to dedicated active travel funding.
In addition to these additional allocations of funding, there is also work underway in relation to the development of new strategies / programmes and of particular relevance in this respect is the new Road Safety Strategy and the proposed Safe Routes to School Programme.
The Road Safety Authority is now well advanced with work on the new Road Safety Strategy. In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, it will particularly target the needs of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, whether walking to school or otherwise. I look forward to the completion of this Strategy, which will run from 2021 to 2030 and provide us with a basis to make a safer environment for all, and particularly for those who choose healthy and non-polluting forms of travel.
In relation to Safe Routes to School, the Deputy is aware of the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish such a programme and I know Minister of State Naughton has been meeting with relevant stakeholders as we look to progress that commitment and develop the Programme.
All of this activity sits within the broader Programme for Government and its commitment to allocate €1.8bn toward active travel over the lifetime of the Government. I recognise that a complementary aspect to this increased expenditure is ensuring that local authorities are adequately resourced in terms of their institutional capacity to deliver this increased ambition and proposals are under consideration in that regard in line with the Programme for Government commitment in relation to same.