Written Answers Nos. 261-282
261. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the loophole under section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 concerning the duties of certain bodies exempting the Government from the list of relevant bodies (details supplied) will be closed off in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15770/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021, approved by Cabinet on 23 March, will establish a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments set in law, and provide that the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis to ensure Ireland achieves its national, EU and international climate goals and obligations in the near and long term.
The Bill will enact a number of commitments set out in the Programme for Government, including providing that the first two carbon budgets should achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and giving statutory effect to a commitment to achieve a climate neutral economy by not later than 2050.
The Bill also introduces a number of new policy instruments, including a series of successive carbon budgets and sectoral targets, annual revisions to the Climate Action Plan, and a National Long Term Climate Action Strategy. The Bill establishes a clear relationship, and a requirement for consistency, between these policy instruments and the national climate objective. Local authorities will also be required to produce individual Climate Action Plans.
The Bill requires Ministers and the Government to perform their functions in a manner consistent with, insofar as is practicable, the carbon budgets that are in effect. Ministers are also required to comply in a similar manner with adopted sectoral emissions ceilings and relevant plans and strategies.
Consistent with this approach, public bodies will have a general obligation, under section 15 of the Bill, to perform their functions, in so far as practicable, in a manner consistent with the requirements of the various plans and strategies under the legislation, and furthering the achievement of the national climate objective.
The Bill will have a transformative effect on our climate policy ambitions and implementation, and will compel Government, relevant sectors and public bodies to act.
The Bill will shortly be commenced in the Dáil and I look forward to constructive engagement to ensure its timely passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas.
263. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if guidance is in place for local authorities and waste operators with regard to the safe handling of disposable face coverings for prevention of spread of Covid-19, including those discarded improperly on the street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15968/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I have no role in relation to workplace health and safety, in an effort to ensure that all household and commerciail waste collections continue during the Covid-19 pandemic my Department established a Covid-19 High Level Waste Advisory Group consisting of key stakeholders from industry, the local authority sector and regulatory bodies. This Group, in cooperation with all elements of the waste industry, has helped to ensure that there have been no interruptions to waste collection services to date while also ensuring that the latest advice from the Health Service Executive on handling waste, including discarded PPE, continues to be made available through mywaste.ie.
Guidance on workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be made available through the Health and Safety Authority.
264. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an issue will be addressed regarding shuttle buses (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14746/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I am committed to achieving substantial carbon abatement across Ireland’s society and economy, and to securing an efficient and low-emission transport system. The transport sector accounts for approximately 20% of Ireland’s national green-house gas emissions, and transformational change is required if the sector is to reduce emissions in line with national and international commitments.
Improving public transport is central to providing an alternative to private car travel in the country as a whole, not only to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions in towns and villages like Killarney, but also to enable the sector to cater for the increasing demands associated with growing population and employment in a greener and more environmentally sustainable way. Transitioning to a low-emission public and private transport fleet will also fulfil a strong leadership and demonstration role—promoting alternative fuel use to wider society and familiarising citizens and transport users with alternatively-fuelled vehicles. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the transition of the national bus and coach fleet also offers benefits in terms of reduced noise and air pollutant emissions and associated health benefits, particularly in our towns and urban centres.
I am also aware of the challenges that the necessary transition away from fossil fuels poses to the Irish road transport sector. To address this challenge, I am pleased to be able to tell you that I recently launched a new Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme to assist commercial road transport operators and companies across the State to transition to alternatively-fuelled vehicles.
The AFHDV Grant supports the purchase of new, non-retrofitted large vans, trucks, buses and coaches with an unladen design gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. It is intended to help bridge the difference in purchase price between conventional heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and those powered by alternatively-fuelled power-trains that offer environmental benefits over standard diesel vehicle technologies. Grant amounts awarded to successful applicants are calculated as a percentage, ranging between 40% to 60% of the difference in price between diesel and alternatively-fuelled technologies, depending on the size of the company or enterprise applying for the Grant. Eligible battery electric vehicles such as buses and coaches are included under the Scheme, as are a range of other alternatively-fuelled heavy duty vehicles.
Further information on the Scheme, including how to apply, the vehicle categories and fuel types supported, the Scheme Rules and terms and conditions and information on the calculation of grant amounts is to be found on the website of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, link here: https://www.tii.ie/roads-tolling/tolling-information/afhdv-scheme/
265. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for repairs to a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15681/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
267. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding driver theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13875/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current public health emergency has had a profoundly disruptive effect on the driver learning and testing system in this country and my Department is very aware of the frustration experienced by a large cohort of learner drivers. However, I will not be making any changes to the existing legislation in the learning to drive process.
By law, before applying for a learner permit, candidates must complete and pass a driver theory test. It applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category. This includes Category W work vehicles and land tractors. The theory test is designed to check knowledge of critical issues such as: rules of the road, risk perception, hazard awareness and good driving behaviour. Upon passing the theory test, an individual can then apply for a learner permit.
Until a person has successfully completed their driver theory test and thereby demonstrated they have attained a sufficient level of road safety and motoring knowledge, they cannot commence driving on our roads. Allowing individuals to bypass this vital step in the learning to drive process, regardless of the circumstances, will only put their and the safety of others at risk and risk further pressure on our health services.
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. This plan includes increasing capacity from an average pre Covid19 capacity of 15,000 appointments up to 50,000 appointments per calendar month. This will help manage the backlog of customers and shorten waiting times.
In addition to the increased capacity initiative, the RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. The online service has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses and is now being evaluated with a view to extending the online service to all test types during 2021. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
268. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter regarding the online renewal of driver licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13969/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo renew a driving licence, an applicant is required to present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement. An applicant can 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.
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. A Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) is not an identity document.
A further extension to the expiry dates of driving licences has been introduced in response to the continued disruption caused by Covid-19 to driver licensing services. The extension applies to different groups of licence holders including those who benefited from extensions in 2020, with extensions granted to at least 1 July 2021 and on into 2022. Details of the extensions can be found on the NDLS website www.ndls.ie.
It should be noted that an Irish driving licence can only be issued, under the applicable EU legislation, to a person residing in Ireland.
269. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the state aid that has been granted to Knock Airport in the past ten years in tabular form; the EU state aid rules that are currently in place for airports such as Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13973/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past ten years, Ireland West Airport has received more than €30m in capital and current (operational) supports from the State. The funding, which was provided through a Regional Airports Programme, in line with EU rules on State aid, breaks down as follows:
|
SUPPORTS |
2020 €000s |
2019 €000s |
2018 €000s |
2017 €000s |
2016 €000s |
2015 €000s |
2014 €000s |
2013 €000s |
2012 €000s |
2011 €000s |
TOTAL €000s |
|
CURRENT |
€1,354 |
€1,737 |
€1,917 |
€1,868 |
€968 |
€598 |
€549 |
€655 |
€590 |
€432 |
€10,666 |
|
CAPITAL |
€883 |
€7,746 |
€2,260 |
€1,331 |
€1,966 |
€565 |
€1,925 |
€2,013 |
€699 |
€233 |
€19,621 |
|
TOTAL |
€2,237 |
€9,483 |
€4,177 |
€3,199 |
€2,934 |
€1,163 |
€2,474 |
€2,668 |
€1,289 |
€665 |
€30,287 |
As the Deputy may be aware, a new Regional Airports Programme for the period 2021 to 2025 was published on 4 February. The Programme has been designed in line with the EU’s General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). Under the GBER, economic investment aid to airports is exempted from the normal EU notification and approval processes, subject to certain conditions. For example, the State can provide investment aid of up to 75% to airports that handle less than 1 million annual passengers, like Ireland West. Non-economic aid, such as fire services, air traffic control and security, is not subject to State aid rules. Thresholds of support for non-economic projects and activities are determined at a national level.
In respect of 2021, my Department is currently reviewing this year’s applications for capital supports and I expect recommendations for funding to be submitted to me for consideration shortly. Eligible airports will also be invited to apply for operational supports later in the year.
In addition to funding under the Regional Airports Programme, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances being faced by airports and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, a supplementary support scheme has been developed to help address liquidity issues at airports as a result of Covid-19.
As part of the scheme, which was announced on 24 February, an estimated budget of €6m is being made available to regional airports like Ireland West under section 3.1 and 3.12 of the ‘Temporary Framework for State Aid Measures to Support the Economy in the Current Covid-19 Outbreak’. An invitation to apply for funding under this scheme is expected to issue shortly to all eligible airports, including Ireland West.
270. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the procedure for a person (details supplied) to change their driver licence. [13989/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriving licences issued by Member States of the EU are mutually recognised, and a driving licence issued by another Member State can be exchanged for an Irish licence up to 10 years after the date of expiry of such a licence. As the UK is no longer a member of the EU, a UK driving licence is not recognised for driving in Ireland.
Following the departure of the UK from the EU, Ireland entered into an agreement for the exchange of driving licences with the UK. Under this agreement, a UK licence can only be excepted for exchange if it has not expired for more than one year.
271. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of LA16 forms completed and submitted in each of the years 2018 to 2020; the breakdown by local authority, collision type and percentage of overall collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14008/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
272. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the amount allocated towards the Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour N11/N25 roadway for 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14010/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
273. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether improperly installed bus shelters acting as barriers to public transport should be addressed as a priority by the NTA. [14114/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of bus shelters in an area (details supplied). [14490/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of bus shelters in an area (details supplied). [14491/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 273, 293 and 294 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 the provision of bus stops and shelters.
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.
274. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the LocalLink bus routes by county; the service provider for each route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14121/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
275. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if there is an alternative to Iarnród Éireann in carrying out ongoing maintenance works on the rail line in Dún Laoghaire in view of the effect of the noise on local residents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14162/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if level 5 Covid-19 restrictions confer additional protections on consumers who had flights or foreign holidays pre-booked but cannot travel due to the 5 km travel limit and the travel advisory against all but necessary international travel; the additional protections consumers are entitled to during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14219/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsumer rights for overseas travel are protected under EU law, which of course applies in Ireland. Air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of airline passengers in instances of flight cancellations. It provides that where a flight is cancelled then the consumer must receive a refund within seven days. The EU Package Travel Directive provides a separate suite of consumer protections for people who make bookings through a licenced travel agent or tour operator. The customers of licenced travel agents and tour operators are entitled to refund within two weeks should they or their holiday provider cancel the booking.
If any individuals are unclear about their rights, the Commission for Aviation Regulation has a dedicated web site for consumers www.flightrights.ie.
277. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow students on courses related to essential and front-line work sit driver theory tests in order to be able to attend their future college placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14224/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Driver Theory Test has not been deemed by Government to be an essential service under Covid-19 level 5 restrictions, and as a result the service is closed while these restrictions remain in place. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place. Updates around the resumption of tests will be published on www.theorytest.ie as restrictions gradually ease over the coming months. No exceptions can be made to the restrictions in place by either myself or the Road Safety Authority.
278. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the number of referrals that have to date been made to the Marine Survey Office by the Workplace Relations Commission under the agreement made between those agencies on 3 April 2019; the number of these referrals that led to inspections of fishing vessels by the Marine Survey Office; the number of these inspections that were unannounced; the number involved in a review by Marine Survey Office surveyors of records of work and rest maintained under regulations (details supplied); the number of these reviews that identified violations of the said regulations; the action the Marine Survey Office took in respect of these violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14266/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing mediation between a number of Government Departments and the International Transport Workers’ Federation on the scheme for employment of non-EEA fishers in parts of the Irish sea-fishing fleet, a settlement agreement was reached in 2019. The Appendix to the agreement contains details of the working arrangements regarding maximum hours and rest breaks for crew covered by the Atypical Worker Scheme as agreed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the Marine Survey Office of my Department (MSO), and the Department of Justice and Equality and this includes arrangements whereby the WRC refers specified issues to the MSO for follow up.
The MSO has received 28 referrals from the WRC. Two of these were in relation to information received by the WRC from An Garda Síochána, which the MSO considered in the same way as the referrals that had originated in the WRC.
There were 26 follow up inspections relating to the 28 referrals received, of which 23 were unannounced inspections. A review of the records of hours and rest being kept onboard was undertaken at each of the 26 inspections and 16 of these reviews identified deficiencies. The action taken in such cases was in accordance with the professional judgement of the attending MSO surveyor. In 3 cases, the deficiencies were rectified during the inspection and were recorded as closed out. The actions taken in the other 13 cases included “rectify before departure”, “rectify within 14 days” and “other, as specified by the surveyor” e.g. requirement for the submission of records to the MSO for further examination. The MSO has also carried out follow up inspections as appropriate to check on progress or closing out of deficiencies. The vessels which have rectified deficiencies will also be subject to further scrutiny of records etc. during the MSO’s ongoing survey and inspection programme, so as to ensure ongoing compliance. The MSO may detain vessels in cases of serious or continuous non-compliance and prosecution of offences through the courts may follow in such cases.
279. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the number of unannounced inspections of Irish fishing vessels the Marine Survey Office surveyors have made annually since 1 January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14267/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department has in place a programme of survey and inspections for fishing vessels which includes both unannounced and announced inspections. In relation to unannounced inspections, these may be carried out following receipt of a complaint or after an incident involving a vessel etc. In 2018, the MSO carried out 12 unannounced fishing vessel inspections. In 2019, 40 such inspections were carried out. In 2020, 19 such inspections were carried out. 7 such inspections have been carried out by the MSO so far during 2021.
280. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the number of Irish flagged fishing vessels over 15 m in length that have been inspected by the Marine Survey Office annually since 1 January 2018 and, in respect of the number of the said vessels, if the official log book had been returned to the Marine Survey Office as required by sections 239 to 242 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 (as amended); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14268/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 2018, the MSO carried out inspections of 145 fishing vessels of >15m length overall. In 2019, 141 such inspections were carried out. In 2020, 67 such inspections were completed. During 2021, 12 such inspections have so far been completed.
In relation to fishing vessels required by sections 239 to 242 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 as amended, to return the official log book to the Mercantile Marine Office (MMO), this information is not recorded. I can advise that the number of official log books returned to the MMO in respect of fishing vessels was 250 in 2018, 228 in 2019 and 206 in 2020.
281. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the action that will be taken to prevent future flooding to a public road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14269/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFlood relief works are a matter for the Office of Public Works, which comes under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, working with the relevant local authority.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
A preliminary appraisal has been received from Kerry County Council concerning a number of options for Listry Bridge. The Department requested additional survey investigation to be undertaken to inform the options and ensure all appropriate measures are considered to achieve maximum value for money in accordance with the Public Spending Code. Funding was provided in 2019 and 2020 to assist with these studies and a revised submission was received at the end of 2020. The Department will consider this submission including project need, objectives, options and cost.
282. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020; the steps being taken to progress the Bill; the anticipated timetable for progression of the Bill; his expectation as to when it will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14293/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020 was published in November last year and completed Second Stage in the Dáil in February. It is expected to progress to Committee Stage soon - for consideration by the Select Committee on Transport and Communications Networks.
The Bill is a priority piece of reforming legislation, which I hope will move through the remainder of the legislative process quickly.
The Bill provides for the proposed institutional reforms that will create a single national aviation regulator responsible for safety, security and economic regulation (including consumer affairs) by combining the regulatory functions of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and the Commission for Aviation Regulation. It will also separate out the for-profit air traffic control services functions of the IAA and place them in a newly formed commercial semi-state company, the Irish Air Navigation Service. Importantly, in the context of the structural changes required, it guarantees the terms and conditions of all current staff.
The Bill seeks to modernise and strengthen the regulation and oversight of the Irish aviation industry in order to secure - for the long term - Ireland's position as global leader in aviation. It also advances and protects consumer interests. I believe this Bill lends itself to broad, cross-party support.
