Written Answers Nos. 122-149
122. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver theory tests scheduled to take place between 23 February 2021 and the end of level 5 restrictions as currently set by centre in tabular form. [11239/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he plans to take to ensure that all those who have had driver theory tests cancelled as a result of Covid-19 restrictions will take the test in a reasonable timeframe as restrictions begin to be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11240/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
The Driver Theory Test (DTT) is not operating during level 5 restrictions. There are therefore no tests scheduled for the period in question.
When the DTT Service closed in late 2020 due to the latest restrictions, the backlog arising from the first suspension (March to June 2020) had not yet been cleared. This, coupled with the need to significantly reduce normal daily capacity to comply with occupational and public health requirements, led to further delays for those wishing to take the DTT.
The DTT was not deemed to be an essential service under Level 5 restrictions, and the service has been closed since late December 2020. In-person services will remain closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place. No exceptions will be made. While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses, I am sure you will agree with me that the limiting of the spread of the virus and the safeguarding of public health takes priority.
The RSA, together with its service provider, have put plans in place to significantly increase capacity within the service when it is allowed to re-open. To cope with the initial four-month suspension, the service increased capacity from an average pre Covid-19 capacity of 15,000 to over 25,000 monthly. A plan is being progressed to increase this capacity up to 50,000 per month when service resumes, to manage the backlog of customers and shorten waiting times.
In addition to the increased capacity initiative, and at the request of the Department, the RSA is also working on a plan to roll out an online driver theory test service. This has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses during the months of December and January. The pilot is now being evaluated and the RSA is committed to extending the service for all theory test customers during 2021. There will be a limit on the number of customers that can avail of the service during the initial roll out phase but the objective is that it should be an option for all theory test customers during later phases of the roll out, in line with enhancing access to public services. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
As you can appreciate, the first priority has to be public safety – we want to provide services, and we know that people are looking for services, but services can only be provided to the limit possible while preserving public health.
The extension of Level 5 restrictions will impact on how quickly the backlog plan can be delivered and the position will be reviewed again when Level 5 is lifted .
124. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the work his Department has undertaken to date or plans to undertake to examine the online taking of driver theory tests given the current and growing backlog that exists. [11252/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile this is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), my Department had previously requested that the Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on-line remotely and what is required to do so.
I am pleased to inform you that the Driver Theory Test service has launched a pilot phase of a new initiative, which offers a Remote Testing service for specific categories of Theory Test (C, D, CD, BMT, TMT, ADI, CPCB and CPCT).
During the pilot phase Remote Testing will be available on a limited basis and extra capacity will be added as it is rolled out to allow more customers to sit their bus, truck, Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) or Advanced Driver Instructor (ADI) Theory Test online. Remote Testing allows candidates to test from their home or another suitable environment once the minimum requirements for the service have been met.
Following a review of the pilot phase, the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles. The RSA are keen to progress and extend the service to all categories of Driver Theory Test, however scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
125. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the position of young learner drivers concerning driver licences and public services cards, in which learner drivers cannot review their driver test booking or access the portal without a MyGovID account, such accounts cannot be verified without a public services card and no bookings are being taken for public services cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11277/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe driving test and driver licencing services are not currently operating as normal due to the impact of Covid-19. Tests are only available, under Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, to essential workers. This has had a significant impact on waiting times. A Public Service Card is not required to book a driving test or to access the RSA Customer Portal.
To renew a learner permit or driving licence, you are required to present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement. An applicant can normally present in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office where the required documentation can be examined and a face to face verification can be made. However, this service is restricted to essential workers only during Level 5.
When applying online, the same information is required and the challenge of verifying a person’s identity is more difficult than when someone presents in person at an NDLS office. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Service Card (PSC), satisfies this requirement.
The PSC is a way to streamline the identification process across all public services, making application for all services easier for everyone, and taking away unnecessary burdens from the citizen and the State. The intention is that people will need to go through the cumbersome process of providing documents to prove their identity only once - for the PSC - and then be able to use that card as an ID for a wide range of public services. More particularly, if people are to have confidence in using public services online, they need to have an verified and authenticated online identity and MyGovID, building on the PSC, gives people that confidence and the means to access services online.
The Department of Social Protection is responsible for issuing Public Service Cards.
126. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the requirement regarding grants funded by his Department and administered by the NTA to local authorities for cycling and walking that such grants can only be paid for projects within town boundaries; if so, his views on whether it is an unfair condition and restricts the opportunities available under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11314/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including cycling and walking infrastructure.
Details of individual projects are matters for the NTA and the relevant local authorities, accordingly I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
127. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driver licence in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11315/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Irish driving licence can only be issued to a person resident in Ireland. A UK driving licence will be accepted for exchange in Ireland for up to one year after the expiry date of the licence.
A UK licence can be exchanged for a Irish licence online if an applicant has a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account.
My Department and the Road Safety Authority has advised holders of a UK driving licence resident in Ireland to exchange their licence for a Irish one since 2019.
128. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if persons can avail of cable protectors in order to charge electric vehicles parked on-street from their homes in cases in which the cable runs over a small section of public pavement. [11324/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally-friendly means of charging, especially when using night-rate electricity. It accounts for about 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future.
The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers by purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600.
Currently there are no proposals to provide assistance for the provision of cable protectors. People charging electric vehicles by running cables (whether cable protected or not) across public footpaths should be aware that their local authority may have bye-laws governing the use, operation, protection, regulation or management of footways.
A Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place since September 2019 and will continue to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of EVs, who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes, to charge their EVs.
129. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to changing the terminus of the 46A bus route in Dublin city to Heuston Station reflecting the needs of persons travelling from outside Dublin to access services and to make citywide transport links more accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11341/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the actual routes of these services. Therefore, the issue raised is a matter for the NTA, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
130. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a front-line worker will receive a driver licence (details supplied). [11346/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My Department does not have access to individual applications.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from the Authority in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
131. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the details of contracts of €25,000 or more that have been awarded by his Department or bodies under his aegis that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the value and nature of the contact work carried out in each case; the year of each contract in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11387/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in purchasing and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines. In 2018, the Department complied with the guidelines with the exception of one payment totalling €60,872 in respect of a contract above the €25,000 threshold held without a competitive process. This contract was listed in the Department’s annual return in respect of Circular 40/02 and published in the 2018 Appropriation Account which is available from the Comptroller and Auditor General here - https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/appropriation%20accounts/appropriation%20accounts%202018.html.
In 2019 the Department complied with the guidelines with the exception of payments totalling €458,154 in respect of three contracts above the €25,000 threshold held without a competitive process. These contracts are listed in the Department’s annual return in respect of Circular 40/02 and are published in the 2019 Appropriation Account which is available from the Comptroller and Auditor General here - https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/Find-Report/Publications/2020/Vote-31-Transport-Tourism-and-Sport.pdf
The Department is in the process of compiling details of all procurements in the period January-December 2020 and this information will be published on the Departments website shortly. Non-compliant procurements in 2020 will be listed in the Department’s annual return in respect of Circular 40/02 and published in the 2020 Appropriation Account in the coming weeks.
Details of non-compliant procurements in 2021 will be published in the Appropriation Account in 2022.
132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the details of the meetings, correspondence and engagements he and his officials have had with a group (details supplied); if he will specifically address the concerns outlined by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11418/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that a number of press releases from the group in question have been received by my office. Neither my officials nor I have had any engagement or correspondence with the group.
As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Health is the lead Government Department in relation to public health matters, including COVID-19.
Measures to protect public health are recommended to the Government by the National Emergency Public Health Team (NPHET) within the Department of Health, and my Department and its agencies follow the Government's public health advice.
133. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the oversight his Department had with Iarnród Éireann in setting the terms of references for a report (details supplied) on the western rail corridor; his views on whether it was reasonable to ask the consultants to give only one option for the development of phase 2 and 3 as a 90 mph rail service when most studies would have given a number of options, for example, freight-only, 70 mph, 90 mph; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11442/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra174. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the level of scrutiny applied to a report (details supplied) into the western rail corridor by his Department to ensure it was accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12534/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a company (details supplied) had the opportunity to review the submissions that were made by local authorities, regional development organisations and business organisations when reviewing a report on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12535/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 133, 174 and 175 together.
As the Deputy is aware, in line with a decision of the previous Government, in 2019 Iarnród Éireann commissioned EY Economic Consultants to undertake a financial and economic appraisal of a proposed re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3. This Decision related to a commitment given in the previous Programme for Government and reiterated in the National Development Plan (published in 2018), both of which contemplated a re-opening of the line to passenger and freight services, and committed to having the proposal appraised.
In line with that Government Decision, Iarnród Éireann developed terms of reference for the proposed study in order to procure consultants. As those terms of reference were being finalised, my Department received a copy and provided written observations to Iarnród Éireann with regard to references to the Public Spending Code and the Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes and related issues. Management of the contract with EY, payment of fees, oversight of EY's work, and acceptance of their Report as the output of that work, were matters for Iarnród Éireann in line with their contractual arrangements.
Upon completion and submission of the EY report by Iarnród Éireann, my Department’s initial review focussed on a technical assessment of the report as an economic appraisal with reference to relevant Public Spending Code and Common Appraisal Framework guidance. Separately, my Department also commissioned JASPERS - an agency of the EU Commission and EIB - to conduct an independent review of the proposal generally, and the JASPERS Review is available to view on my Department’s website.
As the Deputy will acknowledge, issues such as the frequency and speed of proposed rail services are always of interest in proposals like this, and indeed were raised by consultees during the public consultation process as reported in section 3 of the EY Report. I note that the EY Report states that the operational and design scenario adopted in the analysis ‘was most in line with the comments received during the public stakeholder consultation’ while the JASPERS Review comments that it is ‘ambitious ’.
The Deputy is right to note that an extensive public consultation process was organised by EY as part of their work for Iarnród Éireann. As detailed in the EY Report (see section 3, Appendix B and Appendix C) the consultation process elicited 6,572 unique responses to the online survey and 113 written submissions which are comprehensively summarised in the EY Report itself. I can confirm that the JASPERS Review did not individually review those responses or submissions.
134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the basis on which he derives the authority to announce two feasibility studies for the western rail corridor given the fact that this is in direct contravention of regional policy objective, RPO, 6.13, a legitimate stand-alone development objective of the Government-endorsed regional spatial and economic strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11445/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will acknowledge that the authority of Government and Ministers is as set out in Bunreacht na hÉireann and legislation passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas, such as the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924 (as amended).
In line with that Constitutional and legislative framework, the previous Government requested Iarnród Éireann to commission a financial and economic appraisal of the proposed reopening of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3, and also decided that, upon completion of that appraisal, the Department of Transport would ensure an independent review of that appraisal.
In December 2020, the Government noted the conclusions of Iarnród Éireann’s financial and economic appraisal (the “EY Report”) and the independent review of it that had been commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the European Investment Bank / European Commission. This independent review noted a number of shortcomings in relation to the proposed re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3 as presented, in particular around issues such as the need to demonstrate the strategic role of the proposal and how it sat within the broader proposed development of the network.
Government also noted my intention to launch a Strategic Rail Review of the rail network, which will be conducted in co-operation with our colleagues in the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), and will examine the potential role of rail in all-island inter-urban and inter-regional connectivity, including its potential for freight.
I am aware of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy as referred to by the Deputy, and the Regional Policy Objectives therein. I am also aware that the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy prefaces its description of those Regional Policy Objectives with an acknowledgment of the role of Government as described above in relation to the Western Rail Corridor.
135. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the inactive status of a taxi licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11511/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing , is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
136. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered extending the ten-year rule for taxi operators whose vehicles are due to be replaced in 2021; his views on whether it is unfair to expect such operators to replace their vehicles in 2021 given that they are experiencing little or no business as a result of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions; if he will engage with the NTA on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11542/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including age limits for vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
The NTA has extended age limits for taxis twice since the start of the pandemic. Following an initial extension in March 2020, last December, following public consultation, the NTA extended them further to the end of 2021. I trust that the NTA will keep this issue under active review as the pandemic progresses.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that, in Budget 2021 the Government has increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme from €1 million in 2020 to €15 million in 2021. In recognition of the particular difficulties faced by operators of older vehicles reaching the end of their useful life, the amount payable under the scheme has doubled to €20,000 for those operators who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models. More information on the scheme can be found on the NTA website.
I understand that necessary public health restrictions have led to a continuing profound reduction in demand for taxis. There is a range of finance and liquidity supports available from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for businesses affected by the pandemic, and many of these are open to taxi operators. Further information on these measures is available from that Department.
137. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the number of illegal taxi operators detected in 2019 and 2020; the number of illegal operators detected in each county; the number of illegal operators prosecuted in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11549/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the enforcement of regulations and penalties for non-compliance, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise the Minister's private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
138. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if he has spoken virtually with the chief executive officer of Dublin Bus to date in 2021. [11557/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not spoken with the Chief Executive Officer of Dublin Bus to date in 2021, but I am regularly briefed by my Department about matters in the CIÉ Group and all three of the CIÉ subsidiary companies, including Dublin Bus. My Department engages with senior management in Dublin Bus on a frequent and on-going basis.
139. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of buggy and wheelchair zones that will be on the new buses purchased for Bus Éireann and the Dublin Bus fleet. [11558/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 the procurement 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 direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
140. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his views on immediately introducing an online driver theory test for all categories of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11599/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the request of the Department, the RSA is working on a plan to roll out an online driver theory test service. This has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses during the months of December and January.
The pilot is now being evaluated and the RSA is committed to extending the service for all theory test customers during 2021. There will be a limit on the number of customers that can avail of the service during the initial roll out phase but the objective is that it should be an option for all theory test customers during later phases of the roll out, in line with enhancing access to public services. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve and is not something that can be immediately introduced.
141. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to construct a Greystones north DART train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11612/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, new rail stations and the DART+ Programme which also includes proposed new DART stations.
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.
142. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the measures he plans to allow for workers in essential industries to sit a driver theory test. [11620/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Driver Theory Test (DTT) was not deemed to be an essential service under Level 5 restrictions, and the service has been closed since late December 2020. In-person services will remain closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place. While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses, I am sure you will agree with me that the limiting of the spread of the virus and the safeguarding of public health takes priority.
When the DTT Service closed in late 2020 due to the latest restrictions, the backlog arising from the first suspension (March to June 2020) had not yet been cleared. This, coupled with the need to significantly reduce normal daily capacity to comply with occupational and public health requirements, led to further delays for those wishing to take the DTT.
The RSA, together with its service provider, have put plans in place to significantly increase capacity within the service when it is allowed to re-open. To cope with the initial four-month suspension, the service increased capacity from an average pre Covid-19 capacity of 15,000 to over 25,000 monthly. A plan is being progressed to increase this capacity up to 50,000 per month when service resumes, to manage the backlog of customers and shorten waiting times.
In addition to the increased capacity initiative, and at the request of the Department, the RSA is also working on a plan to roll out an online driver theory test service. This has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses during the months of December and January. The pilot is now being evaluated and the RSA is committed to extending the service for all theory test customers during 2021. There will be a limit on the number of customers that can avail of the service during the initial roll out phase but the objective is that it should be an option for all theory test customers during later phases of the roll out, in line with enhancing access to public services. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
As you can appreciate, the first priority has to be public safety – we want to provide services, and we know that people are looking for services, but services can only be provided to the limit possible while preserving public health.
The extension of Level 5 restrictions will impact on how quickly the backlog plan can be delivered and the position will be reviewed again when Level 5 is lifted .
143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) cannot finish their driving lessons. [11622/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnnouncements made by An Taoiseach on the 23rd of February confirmed that level 5 restrictions are set to continue until the 5th of April, at which point the situation will be reviewed.
As before, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons under these restrictions, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.
While I very much regret the difficulty this poses to learners who had previously commenced, but not yet completed, the 12 mandatory lessons required to book a test, I must remind the Deputy that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible.
144. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the CIÉ pension scheme discussions; if he recognises the concerns of workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11672/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when he will sign the Statutory Instrument to implement the enhanced benefits to the CIÉ regular wages scheme pension as proposed by the WRC in December 2019 and agreed through secret ballot by the CIÉ worker-members of the regular wages scheme in June 2020. [11746/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will make provision in the Statutory Instrument regarding the changes proposed by the Workplace Relations Commission to the CIÉ regular wages scheme pension in order that those members of the scheme who have retired since the date of the members ballot in June 2020 which agreed to those WRC proposals receive back payment of the enhanced benefits agreed under the WRC proposals to the date of their retirement. [11747/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 148 and 149 together.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and recently submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme, and these drafts are now being considered by my Department. There are several steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. I understand that the Trustees of the Scheme are also consulting members prior to submission of an application to the Pensions Authority under Section 50 of the Pensions Act 1990.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that proposals related to that scheme were referred to the Labour Court, and a recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020 is being considered the Trade Unions and has been approved by the Company.
145. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to further extend the validity of 2020 annual tax saver tickets given that public transport is currently limited to essential workers and therefore the previous period of extended validity cannot currently be availed of by the vast majority of ticket holders. [11720/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 regulating fares charged by public transport operators. The issue raised by the Deputy concerning the taxsaver initiative, is a matter for the relevant transport operators in conjunction with the NTA.
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
146. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he and Irish Rail will give consideration to operating direct rail services between Waterford and Galway utilising the current Waterford-Limerick line and the western rail corridor given that such a service would link the major cities of Waterford, Limerick and Galway in addition to large towns on the route such as Clonmel and Ennis; and his views on whether such a service would greatly enhance public transport provision in these communities and bring a substantial tourist dividend to the towns on the route. [11721/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport services and the issue raised is therefore a matter for the NTA, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
147. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if a taxi plate which is due to expire soon will be extended for a person (details supplied). [11727/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator I have forwarded your correspondence to the Authority for consideration and direct reply as appropriate.
