Written Answers Nos. 71-86
71. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Sligo rail freight yard is to let when the strategic rail review of the network has yet to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26704/21]
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 day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational 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.
72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities including Meath County Council are not drawing down funding for the public charge point scheme as they are awaiting the publication of guidelines on EV charging from the CCMA; his views on whether this delay in producing the guidelines is causing serious problems for persons with electric vehicles who have shared or on-street parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27048/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department are participating in a working group led by the Local Authorities which is considering guidelines on EV charging. Work is ongoing and recommendations will be published in due course.
Home charging is a key component of the EV infrastructure policy. It is the most convenient and cost effective way of recharging for the EV owner and is considered the least expensive form of charging, especially using a night rate. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future. Government policy will seek to maintain this high level of home charging. On-street and destination charging also form an important part of the recharging mix. The electric vehicle strategy when published in Q3 this year will examine the future need in this area and set out a road map for between now and 2030 so that we continue to stay ahead of demand.
The Climate Action Fund (CAF) has also allocated up to €10 million to a project from ESB eCars that will further enhance its current network and complete a nationwide EV charging network capable of facilitating large-scale electric vehicle uptake over the next decade. In addition to the CAF project, the Government is also providing support for home charging and on-street charging.
The Climate Action Fund/eCars investment alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles
- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers
- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
The project is due to be completed in 2022.
Further details on ESB charge points nationwide can be found at https://esb.ie/ecars/charge-point-map and further details on this project can be found at https://esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
Officials from my Department have also met with representatives of the Local Authorities regarding the Dublin Area EV charging infrastructure strategy. The Department allocated €2m in support of the provision of on-street chargers to the public point scheme in 2021. Upon publication, my Department will review and amend the terms of the scheme to ensure it appropriately reflects the needs of the Local Authorities.
73. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing discussions taking place between CIÉ management and the membership of the CIÉ 1951 pension schemes; if he will intervene to resolve the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26696/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct CIÉ to await the outcome of the High Court application in relation to the CIÉ 1951 pension scheme, which was lodged by the trustees of the scheme, before CIÉ make changes to the pension scheme. [26723/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of the discussions related to the CIÉ pensions scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26769/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 75 and 77 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
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 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.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that members were recently balloted and have accepted Labour Court proposals which emerged on 23rd November 2020.
I have therefore referred the Deputies questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
74. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the supports he now plans to implement to specifically aid taxi drivers in the coming period to overcome the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on their earnings and to enable them to restart their businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26722/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on small businesses across the country with the public transport sector being especially affected as public health restrictions have necessarily discouraged people from travelling generally. Taxi and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators, who are particularly dependent on the hospitality and tourism sectors, have faced a particularly pronounced drop in demand for their services. This has led many drivers to stop working and avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
The Deputy may wish to be aware that self-employed recipients of the PUP, which includes many SPSV drivers, can earn up to €960, net of expenses, in a given 8-week period while also availing of the PUP. As society begins to reopen and passenger demand for taxis increases, this will become an important support for drivers as they return to work. Drivers who earn over €960 may be eligible for the COVID-19 Part Time Job Incentive for the Self-Employed Scheme, administered by the Department of Social Protection.
Drivers exiting the PUP may also avail of the COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant, a once-off grant of up to €1,000 which can be used towards the costs associated with reopening a business; for SPSV operators, this could include personal protective equipment, vehicle costs and cleaning supplies.
I understand that public consultation has recently closed on an NTA proposal to further extend vehicle age limits, the third since the start of the pandemic. The replacement of a vehicle is one of the largest costs to any SPSV operator. This measure would ensure no taxi or hackney reaches its age limit during 2021 and I support this proposal.
Together these measures provide practical financial support for drivers and build on previous measures, such as late fee waivers, the facilitation of licence suspensions and the waiver of standard vehicle renewal fees at an estimated cost of €2.6 million.
I remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles and I have increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme from €1 million in 2020 to €15 million in 2021. Furthermore, in view of the particular challenges faced by operators of older vehicles, I have doubled the amount payable under the scheme to €20,000 for operators who scrap older vehicles and make the switch to full electric models. Additional amounts are available for those switching to vehicles which are both electric and wheelchair accessible. There has been a strong interest in the revised scheme since its launch in February with over 400 applications received to date.
76. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the actions being taken by his Department to facilitate Northern Irish transport managers working as transport managers for Irish haulage businesses to continue in their position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26735/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined by the European Commission (see the notification available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/brexit_files/info_site/road_transport_en.pdf), following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (TM CPC) issued by a competent authority in the UK, including Northern Ireland, is no longer valid in the EU. This means that a Transport Manager holding a UK-issued Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence can no longer act as the Transport Manager for an EU-based road transport operator.
Clarification was received in November 2020 from the European Commission that holders of a UK TM CPC could request a corresponding certificate from the competent authority in the Member State where they live or where the road transport operator employing them is established, as long as the request was submitted before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020. The Department wrote to all UK (including Northern Ireland) TM CPC holders working as Transport Managers for Irish road transport operators to inform them of this position, encouraging them to apply for a corresponding Irish (EU) certificate.
As the deadline has now passed for applying for a corresponding Irish TM CPC, any persons who wish to act as Transport Manager for an Irish/EU operator must obtain a TM CPC issued by an EU Member State. Obtaining an Irish TM CPC requires passing the examination administered by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) on behalf of the Department. Candidates who already hold a UK-issued TM CPC will not be required to undertake the training course of 100 hours that is normally mandatory before taking the examination. The next dates for the CILT TM CPC examination are 30 June and 24 November and candidates can register online with CILT for the examination (contact info@cilt.ie).
In order to act as Transport Manager for a road transport operator established in an EU Member State including in Ireland, persons are required not only to have an EU-issued TM CPC but also must be resident in the EU, in line with Regulation EC No 1071/2009. Accordingly, it is no longer permitted for those resident in Northern Ireland or anywhere else in the United Kingdom to act as Transport Manager in Ireland.
78. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the website of the Road Safety Authority is giving appointment confirmation dates in the near future for driver theory tests despite the service currently being suspended; if he will ensure the speedy resumption of these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26773/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for bringing the matter regarding the Driver Theory Test website to my attention. The Road Safety Authority (RSA), the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test, have confirmed to my Department that this was a temporary technical error that occurred and has since been resolved.
The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now until an appropriate phase of the Government's plans. The Department understands the frustration at this decision, however, these restrictions imposed by the Government based on the advice of NPHET and their panel of scientific experts, are in place to minimize the impact of Covid-19 on this country and its people.
Officials both in this Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that Theory Tests can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Because the service was closed for long periods of time over the last year, a large backlog of customers has built up. To deal with the backlog, the RSA have plans to increase capacity when it is allowed to re-open. This additional capacity will see the number of tests increase from an average pre Covid19 output of 15,000 tests per month to 50,000 per month. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog.
The RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. A pilot online driver theory test is underway for trucks and buses. This will be extended to car drivers when services resume, initially with 3,200 online tests being conducted per month. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.
79. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if an extension to a licence for a further 12 months for a person (details supplied) can be reviewed. [26791/21]
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 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.
80. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will shortly introduce specific measures to support the aviation industry and those employed within the sector. [26799/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including the Aviation sector. These supports include the wage subsidy scheme, waiving of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, with some of these now extended to 30 June 2021. In 2020, Irish airlines and airports availed of over €200 million through these supports. Liquidity funding is also available through the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment amid these very challenging times.
In November 2020, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the aviation sector, the Government agreed a revised funding package of €80 million specifically for Irish aviation in 2021. A part of this package, over €21 million, is being provided to our Regional Airports Programme (RAP). The new RAP, published on 4 February, gives funding certainty to those airports up to 2025. Those airports eligible for RAP support are Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West (Knock). Additionally, €32 million is being provided to Cork and Shannon Airports through a new one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme.
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €26 million Irish state aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by Ireland to limit its spread. This scheme consists of three measures: a damage compensation measure; an aid measure to support the airport operators up to a maximum of €1.8 million per beneficiary; and an aid measure to support the uncovered fixed costs of these companies.
This scheme will augment the supports already in place and help the industry to maintain connectivity and to make a recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, and my Department hopes to begin disbursing compensation soon.
It cannot be excluded that further targeted supports may be required later in 2021, particularly in the event that restrictions on travel remain in place throughout this summer season.
My officials and I have maintained regular contact with key stakeholders throughout this crisis. On 5 March 2021, I chaired a special meeting of the Steering Committee of the National Civil Aviation Development Forum. A sub-group of the NCADF, specifically tasked with developing an Aviation Restart Plan at the meeting on 5 March, submitted a report dated 14 April with proposals that they believe will best provide for the restart and recovery of the aviation sector in Ireland. I will review this report, its proposals, the additional information on operational readiness requested, and I will also engage with other Ministers and Government as required.
Under the auspices of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, an aviation sub-group has also been charged with looking at the needs of the aviation sector in Ireland in the context of the impact of COVID-19. This sub-group, which I chair, is attended by delegations from labour and employer representative bodies. This sub-group is examining a proposal for a special extended Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme specifically for the aviation sector.
The Government is fully alert to the devastating impact of the global pandemic on international travel and values the critical role that aviation plays in the Irish economy. It is expected that it may be some time before it is possible to permit a large-scale return to air travel, but we are committed to progressing the work that will allow the sector to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.
81. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to introduce the legislation for the regulation of escooters and ebikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26807/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy intention is to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government this year. This involves identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work is being carried out in such a way so that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic law or road safety in general. Department officials are currently working on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation which I intend to bring forward in association with the forthcoming Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
The current approach taken by my Department to permit the safe use of e-scooters on public roads takes into consideration the rapid development of these vehicles used for personal transportation. In order to future-proof the legislation and account for the development of these new vehicles, the road traffic acts are being amended to introduce a new category of vehicle - the proposed title for this new category is "powered personal transporters". This will be the first time the categories of vehicles set out in the Road Traffic Act 1961 have been amended.
Once the new category has been defined, these vehicles are to be incorporated into the existing legislative framework (wherein a range of powers/offences already exist) and this will permit the Minister for Transport to regulate for the use/misuse and the standards for different types of powered personal transporters through the introduction of regulations. Furthermore, the existing offences and powers of An Garda Síochána in road traffic legislation concerning careless/dangerous driving, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, driving an unroadworthy vehicle. etc. can also then be extended to users of powered personal transporters where required.
As the proposed legislation is currently going through pre-legislative scrutiny it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for its enactment.
82. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider the usage of dash cams during driver tests in order that in cases in which a decision is appealed there is a record that can be used as evidence. [26830/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no specific provision in road traffic legislation regarding dash cameras and driving tests. However, the Deputy is reminded that vehicles must be set up in such a fashion that a test can be effectively carried out and in fashion that respects the rights of all parties. He will also be aware of the requirements regarding recording of personal information, including camera recording, under the General Data Protection Regulation, as well as the general requirements of privacy for all persons, including driving testers.
This is therefore an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
83. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to medical examinations for a driver licence will receive a response. [26837/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January, in light of the resurgence of Covid-19 cases and, in order to ease the burden on medical services, my Department extended the exemption that allows for those aged over 70 to apply for a driving licence without the need to provide a medical report to 30 June 2021. The previous exemption ended on 31 December 2020. The exemption only applies to those applicants who do not have an identified or specified illness, or are not applying for a bus or truck category.
At this time, I do not intend to extend the medical report exemption further.
84. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driver permit can be extended for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26858/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll inquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. 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 them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
85. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal to facilitate an offer of employment with the HSE as a front-line worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26859/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the relevant legislation, the driver testing service is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority.
Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
86. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the driver theory test will be reclassified as essential. [26891/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now until an appropriate phase of the Government's plans. The Department understands the frustration at this decision, however, these restrictions imposed by the Government based on the advice of NPHET and their panel of scientific experts, are in place to minimize the impact of Covid-19 on this country and its people.
Officials both in this Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that Theory Tests can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
