Written Answers Nos. 96-120
96. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason he has ignored the recommendations of the Labour Court and of a Joint Labour Committee concerning the commencement date for pay increases contained in a new employment regulation order for the security sector given that the signing of the order has been deferred from 1 June until 1 September 2021. [28922/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am statutorily required to give due consideration on whether it is appropriate to give effect to a recommendation from the Labour Court concerning a proposal for an Employment Regulation Order.
In considering whether it was appropriate to accept the Labour Court's recommendation, I wanted to ensure that workers and employers in the sector have adequate notice of the changes to the minimum rates of pay and other conditions. I was also mindful of the impact of Covid-19 public health restrictions in place and their impact on both businesses and workers in Ireland. Accordingly, the ERO will have legal effect from 1 September 2021, with a second increase effective on 1 June 2022.
97. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the request for tender for the consultancy has been issued with regard to the decision by the IDA to appoint a business development consultant in Israel; if the IDA implements an ongoing process of human rights due diligence as outlined in the guidance for businesses enterprises recently published by the Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to the decision by the IDA to appoint a business development consultant in Israel; if companies being targeted with potential for investing in Ireland will be analysed using the tools provided in this guidance in particular in the area of human rights; his views on whether the IDA has a duty to ensure that possible business partners being sourced are not in violation of international law on human rights or have connections or partnerships with third-party entities that are or maybe in any way in violation of international law or benefiting from resources in illegally occupied territories by means of extraction, processing, commercialisation, distribution and or investment to carry out their activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28967/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland issued a request for tender for a part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant on 26 April 2021. This person will represent IDA to support its efforts to win new investment. IDA Ireland regularly engages business development consultants, and this is a model used across many geographies.
The Business Development Consultant will be expected to identify Israeli-headquartered target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engage with senior decision-makers in these companies and present Ireland’s value proposition as an investment location. I am advised that IDA Ireland has not yet awarded the Tender for a Part-time Consultant in Israel.
IDA Ireland has advised my Department that it will be guided by all aspects of the recently published Guidance for Business Enterprises by the Minister for Foreign Affairs when appointing a business development consultant in any territory.
Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including trade, and will continue to do so.
Ireland consistently raises human rights issues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory at the highest international levels, including most recently at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two state solution which protects the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
As an Agency of my Department, I expect IDA Ireland to act in line with Government policy and the Agency has assured me that this is the case. IDA Ireland respects obligations under Irish and International law.
98. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to ensure there is a refundable deposit for plastic bottles and aluminium cans that varies by container size as part of the proposed deposit and return scheme which was the preferred option in the most recent consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28889/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the recent consultation document on the proposed regulatory framework for the new Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS), my preferred option is to have variable deposits based on volume of the product. This will be provided for as a requirement for the compliance scheme operator in the final Regulations underpinning the scheme.
99. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide additional resources to SEAI programmes in order to clear the extensive backlog which currently exists. [28926/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes 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 and in 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800. I have secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme. Funding for the energy poverty retrofit schemes has also increased to over €109 million in 2021. This is an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation. In addition, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020.
There are currently over 7,800 homes on the scheme work programme. This includes homes that: are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor or are awaiting initial survey. The scheme operates nationally on a first come first served basis. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2020, the average time from application to completion was approximately 18 months. The average wait times are expected to increase significantly in 2021 due to the extensive COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity between March and June of last year as well as between January and 12 April of this year when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. Works under the scheme have now recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector.
The SEAI has advised me that the average wait times should only ever be used as a general guide and that wait times vary, based on the demand for the scheme at the time of application as well as other factors including the scale of works to be completed, access to the property, availability of materials and the weather.
A further €112.5 million will be spent on expanding other existing SEAI residential and community grant schemes and introducing new initiatives. This will support an increased level of retrofit activity in 2021.
100. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total annual budget of the SEAI on an annual basis; the number of applicants for various grants; and the average grant award and number of rejected applications for the past five years, in tabular form. [28939/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI operated retrofit schemes offer partial grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency improvements for people at risk of energy poverty. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to average grant awards and rejected applications is not readily available. However, one scheme, the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, has provided free upgrades to over 142,000 homes, and in 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800. The request for information has been sent to the SEAI and available data will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The table below sets out the SEAI's total annual budget allocations for the past 5 years:
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
|
€311,908,000 |
€208,009,000 |
€184,664,000 |
€152,003,000 |
€113,871,000 |
101. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has mapping information of karst landscapes in the State; if there are protections in place to protect their integrity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28945/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeological Survey Ireland, a division of the Department, maintain the National Karst Databases and they are made available publically via our online web mapping site Data and maps (gsi.ie) The karst feature database contains over 16,000 features, in 9 categories., including turloughs, swallow holes, springs etc. Certain features are protected by being designated or included in Special Areas of Conservation while many are also listed as National or County Geological Heritage Sites.
Karst aquifers are also designated into specific karst aquifer categories and along with certain karst landforms are incorporated into guidelines for national policy and planning.
102. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the provisions his Department is making to introduce sustainable energy grants for persons embarking on new builds in order to ensure an equal playing field for everyone when looking to reduce carbon footprint and become more sustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29020/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI residential retrofit schemes offer partial grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency improvements for people at risk of energy poverty. Since 2000, around 450,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier and cheaper to heat and light. Building Regulations have been progressively strengthened and new buildings must now meet very high energy performance standards to limit the use of fossil fuel energy and related CO2 emissions. There are options to meet this requirement for new build homes by including renewable technologies including heat pumps and/or solar PV. However, grants are not targeted at meeting compliance requirements of these Regulations.
Grant funding to improve energy performance is available for older homes built before 2006 and in the case of renewable energy measures for homes built before 2011 because these homes were not required to meet the improved Building Regulations. It is important to note that the grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer.
103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he has put in place to carry out a full and comprehensive review of the proposed North-South Interconnector project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29027/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date in establishing a comprehensive review of the proposed North-South Interconnector project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29034/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
The North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island single electricity market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also help Ireland to move towards our 70% renewable electricity target by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland’s economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.
The option of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. Most recently, my Department commissioned an independent report incorporating international industry expertise to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector and the report from the International Expert Commission was published in October 2018. It found that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this piece of critical electricity infrastructure.
Notwithstanding this, I have decided to commission a further short review to assess if the overall finding from the 2018 report remains valid. Terms of reference for this study were published on my Department's website on 21 April. On 7 May, my Department initiated a procurement process using the procurement frameworks administered by the Office of Government Procurement to appoint an expert to undertake the review.
105. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when the updated biofuel policy will be enacted; and if the full provisions of the updated Renewable Energy Directive will be legislated for by 30 June 2021 as previously repeatedly advised. [28798/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2019, a public consultation was launched on the path for the Biofuels Obligation Scheme over the period of 2021 to 2030. The consultation, which closed in November 2019, has been helping to inform the development of an updated Policy Statement on biofuels and the next iteration of the Climate Action Plan, both of which will set out the planned approach to the use of biofuels and other renewable transport fuels for the coming years. The Policy Statement is at an advanced stage.
Ireland is required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to transpose the relevant articles of the recast Renewable Energy Directive by 30 June 2021. Articles 4 and 6 of the Directive have been transposed through the European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 365 of 2020).
My Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, in consultation with the Department of Transport, is currently working through the further transposition of the Directive with a view to putting in place secondary legislation to further transpose the Directive in the coming months.
106. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the situation pertaining to the swapping of EU to Irish driver licences in cases in which the originating country is outside the EU; if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28814/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. This law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet the high standards of safety set out at EU level for passing a driving test. Therefore, a holder of a Member State-issued licence who moves to Ireland can drive on that licence until the licence expires. On expiry, the licence holder can then exchange their licence for an Irish licence.
The exception to this rule is where the licence issued by the other Member State was itself issued in exchange for a licence from a state that is not a Member State, or a state that Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with. The Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) Order 2007 (SI 527 of 2007) refers.
When people come to Ireland with a non-exchangeable licence, they are required to go through the process of obtaining an Irish licence. While many may have a safe driving record, we have no way of measuring the standard of the driving test passed to obtain the licence.
People with a full but non-exchangeable licence go through the normal learner driver process, but they can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of six lessons, instead of the usual 12, and they do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of six months before taking a driving test.
107. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on successful applicants for the Safe Routes to School Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28831/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March, I was delighted to launch Safe Routes to School Programme which will support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The Programme will see approximately €15 million of funding this year to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools.
As the Deputy is likely aware, the Safe Routes to School Programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.
All schools were eligible to apply to the programme and information was circulated from the Departments of Education and Transport to schools nationwide. The closing date for expressions of interest was 16 April 2021 and there was a fantastic response with over 900 expressions of interest received.
The Safe Routes to School Programme team is currently making good progress in assessing applications and is due to report a final recommended list of schools to be included in this year’s programme in the coming weeks.
The Programme will select a number of schools for participation this year, with further opportunities for schools that are not successful in their application to reapply at a later date.
108. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to review the roads network that link the areas between the M4 and N7/M7 in north County Kildare; his plans to improve this network of roads in view of the high level of use by HGVs; and if he has engaged with the Minster for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and TII in the context of the increasing level of residential planning permissions and builds underway in areas such as Clane, Straffan, Maynooth and Celbridge, County Kildare. [28862/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of public roads, in conjunction with TII in the case of national roads, under the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.
As regards broader policy decisions the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the making of a transport strategy for the region is a core function of the NTA.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035, which was adopted in 2016, sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20 year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
I very much support the development of evidence-led transport strategies for the major cities. We need to ensure a holistic, multi-modal approach toward transport planning and provision and, importantly, we need to see finalised transport strategies integrated into relevant land-use plans and acting as a catalyst for the adoption by local authorities of a much more sustainable approach toward the location of housing, employment and other centres of transport demand.
In accordance with the applicable legislation, the Transport Strategy for the GDA is required to be reviewed every six years, meaning that a review must be completed by early 2022. The NTA has commenced this exercise and it is expected to be fully concluded during the next 12 months. The review will consider current and future needs of the region, and the appropriate transport provision to serve future travel demand throughout the GDA.
My Department is working collaboratively with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to strengthen the policy links between land use planning and transport planning taking into account the national strategic outcomes of the National Planning Framework.
It should be noted that any future significant national, regional or local road improvement projects will fall to be considered in the context of both the revised GDA Transport Strategy and the outcome of the NDP review.
109. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when the aviation restart plan will be implemented. [28865/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn announcement concerning aviation and international travel wil be made after the Government meeting sceduled for 28 May.
110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021 and the commitments in New Decade New Approach, the specific protocol that exists for the advancement of the ongoing reviews of Belfast to Cork and Derry to Dublin routes; the role of his Department, the Department of the Taoiseach and the North South Ministerial Council in this regard; the specific steps that will be taken when the reviews are completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28866/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021, when the review of the Belfast to Cork and Derry to Dublin routes will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28867/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021, the reason the Dublin to Derry PSO was discontinued; the date on which it will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28868/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 111 and 112 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, New Decade New Approach gave commitments to achieving greater connectivity on the island via road, rail and air. A particular emphasis was placed on improving connectivity along the Belfast-Dublin-Cork corridor.
Furthermore, the Irish Government set out its intention to take forward a review of the potential for Government support to renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry, working with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to deliver improved connections as a priority.
My Department is progressing this review and is engaging extensively with relevant stakeholders. Department officials have met with representatives from relevant airports as well as representatives from the Department for the Economy (NI). As reserved powers for civil aviation rests in Westminster, they also met with representatives from the Department for Transport (UK).
As the Deputy is aware, air services previously operated on both of these routes. The Belfast to Cork route was operated on a commercial basis whereas the Derry to Dublin route was supported by a PSO, which was funded by the Irish Government. Services ceased on both routes in 2011. In 2010, a Value for Money Review (VfM) undertaken by my Department recommended the ceasing of support for the Derry PSO. Passenger numbers on route had been falling consistently since 2006, with PSO passengers accounting for only 5% of the overall passenger numbers at City of Derry Airport in the final 3 years of the PSO. Falling demand, coupled with the option to avail of the PSO flight from Donegal to Dublin, undermined the argument for continuing to support the Derry PSO.
In consideration of potential supports for renewing services, the Department will take account of previous history, prospective demand, likely costs and long-term sustainability goals, having regard to the recently launched all-island Strategic Rail Review and plans for improved road connectivity, particularly the A5, between Derry and Dublin.
While I expect the review to be finalised shortly, I’m conscious that Covid-19 has brought significant upheaval to the aviation market and demand for air services continue to be suppressed as a consequence of the ongoing threat to public health. In this context, it may be difficult to fully assess options and reach appropriate conclusions until the market stabilises.
This review, as well as the delivery of identified infrastructure projects to achieve greater cross border connectivity, has been on the agenda of all transport sector meetings of the North South Ministerial Council and is part of the work programme led by the Department of the Taoiseach. I will continue to engage on progress related to the review, as appropriate, with the Department of the Economy (NI), the Department for Transport (UK), and the Department of An Taoiseach.
113. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the additional resources being sought to tackle the driver theory waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28890/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the timescale for clearing the backlog on the driver theory waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28891/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now. 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 approximately 15,000 tests per month up to 50,000 per month, subject to health assurances. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests.
The new offering online will see 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month. Tests are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year. Once the online service is established, all customers will be able to opt to do the test online.
From the start, it has been clear that the first priority is public safety. We want to provide services, and we know people are looking for services, but we will provide them only to the limit possible while preserving public health.
115. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the damage to the Irish aviation sector due to the asymmetries of responses between the member states under the utilisation of relaxed state rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28902/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with the emergence and spread of variants of concern, has resulted in one of the most sustained and deepest periods of suppression of international travel. Globally, aviation is experiencing its most challenging crisis in its history. In Europe there were 5 million flights in 2020 as against 11 million in the previous year. Restrictions on international travel this year have further suppressed passenger numbers, which are down as low as 3% of normal volumes in Ireland’s State airports.
The continuing crisis in aviation internationally is increasing the pressure on all firms in the industry internationally. All the major airlines have variously issued capital, raised further borrowings drawn on Government supports and taken measures to reduce their cost base. The two main Irish airlines entered the crisis with exceptionally strong balance sheets and they both remain well capitalised at corporate group level.
Throughout the pandemic, Government has provided a significant level of general supports to the economy, with at least €300 million provided to the aviation sector alone through wage supports, business grants, tax and rates alleviations. The bulk of this support is in the form of wage subsidies, which were designed to maintain the link between employers and their workers. In addition to these broad supports, my Department secured almost €80 million in Exchequer funds to help passenger airports navigate this crisis in 2021. Liquidity support from ISIF has also been made available to large aviation enterprises.
A recent Report from the Central Bank on COVID-19 and the Public Finances in Ireland* outlined that the fiscal support package introduced in Ireland was large in a euro area context, with the increase in primary (non-interest) government spending in Ireland the second highest in the euro area in the first three quarters of last year. The report found that fiscal measures introduced have mitigated the impact of the pandemic on households, firms and the broader economy.
This supports the Government’s policy of providing horizontal financial supports with a view to mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the broader economy. Government is confident that this strategy will facilitate a speedy recovery of all sectors, including aviation, as soon as restrictions are lifted.
* www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/publications/economic-letters/vol-2021-no-3-covid-19-and-the-public-finances-in-ireland-(conefrey-hickey-and-mcinerney).pdf?sfvrsn=11
116. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the breakdown of the European traffic light system and its compatibility with the mandatory hotel quarantine system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28903/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to protect our population from the worst effects of the virus and to enable our healthcare system to continue to function and provide essential frontline healthcare services against the virus, it has been necessary for Government to take unprecedented action on public health measures including the introduction of the mandatory hotel quarantine system.
Given the epidemiology situation in Ireland and across Europe, and the risk of importation of new strains of Covid-19, the Government suspended the operation of the 'EU Traffic Light System'.
Government will consider the role of mandatory hotel quarantine and other matters in relation to international travel this week.
117. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the length of the waiting list for persons waiting for a driver theory tests. [28910/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question 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.
118. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to restore driver theory tests; and the likely resumption dates. [28921/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now. 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.
From the start, it has been clear that the first priority is public safety. We want to provide services, and we know people are looking for services, but we will provide them only to the limit possible while preserving public health.
119. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the actions which can be taken in the case of a family (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28929/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Marine Survey Office of my Department wrote to the Dutch Safety Board on the 30th of April this year offering assistance, if they deemed it necessary, with a current investigation. The Marine Survey Office provided the Dutch Safety Board with a submission which Ireland made to the COSS Committee. I have requested the Marine Survey Office to forward this correspondence to Mr. Gaffney.
120. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport his views on proposals (details supplied); if his Department is considering a review of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28936/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to tackling speeding in general, and in particular to reducing speed in residential areas where both public safety and quality of life rely on low speed limits.
Under the legislation, default limits are set for classes of roads, but local authorities have the power to set different limits for roads in their areas depending on the circumstances of the particular roads. Local authorities therefore already have the power to set 30km/h limits, and I understand that 30 km/h limits had been applied in over 7,300 housing estates in the period 2015 to 2020.
I should stress that Road Traffic law by definition applies to public roads, and cannot be applied to roads not taken in charge.
The Deputy may be aware in this context of the 2020 Stockholm Declaration of the Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, in which Ireland participated and which committed to a 30km/h limit 'in areas where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner.'
Minister Ryan recently met to discuss this with members of the Love 30 campaign group. As the Deputy may be aware, the Love 30 campaign across Europe is focused on cities and other urban areas implementing such limits and not on national legislation. The Minister emphasized the Government's sympathy with this campaign, while at the same time acknowledging that there needs to be a considerable amount of consultation as part of this process.
In particular, Minister Ryan pointed out that the Programme for Government commits to a review of speed limits, and committed to a review of international best practice to be conducted by the Department with a view to possibly reducing the default 50km/h limit to a 30km/h default.
