Written Answers Nos. 242-265
242. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to bridge the funding gaps between two CIÉ group pension schemes, the regular wages scheme and the salaried employees or 1951 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30905/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
Concerning the 1951 pension scheme, members of the scheme were recently balloted regarding the Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority of the members voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ have recently written to me advising that they will begin the process of amending the Statutory Instruments to implement the Labour Court Recommendation. I understand that CIÉ has also advised the Pensions Authority and the ‘1951’ Pension Scheme Trustees and Committee of this development.
In the light of the above, I have referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
243. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) can book a date for their driver test in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30922/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test.
The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.
This question is therefore being referred 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.
244. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to include persons with a registered disability as an essential worker for the practical driver test to help ensure that they can be included in the workforce and not isolated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31004/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority is prioritising driving tests for essential workers, in accordance with Government definitions. The definition of an essential worker is not determined by my Department of Transport nor the Road Safety Authority. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets can be found at www.gov.ie.
In line with the gradual reopening of services, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest have recommenced in a limited fashion. The further opening of the driver testing service will be the subject of discussions between Department officials and the RSA in the coming weeks.
245. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if the level of funding awarded to Tipperary County Council will be increased ahead of the next three year roads works programme in order to assist the Council’s roads development to promptly improve the road network which has been ranked as 29th out of 31 local authorities by the National Oversight and Audit Commission for road condition. [30932/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the specific details regarding the rules and regulations for the election of members of the Approved Driving Instructors Stakeholders Forum; the personnel allocated with the responsibility of calling the elections; the criteria for elections and for candidates; the rules regarding the timeline for announcing and running elections to the forum; and when the next election is due to take place. [31021/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Approved Driving Instructor’s (ADIs) Stakeholders Forum was initiated by the RSA to provide a platform for the strategic development of the driving instruction industry in Ireland. The Forum comprises the ADI Chief Examiner and ADIs who are elected by their peers to represent the views of their colleagues and are supported by an RSA administrative team.
The establishment of the Forum reflects the importance of active engagement and consultation with the driving instruction industry by the Road Safety Authority, while respecting the fact that the industry is made up of very many and varied enterprises, many if not most of whom are sole traders or other forms of microenterprise. It therefore takes into account the provisions of competition law which preclude any form of anti-competitive collusion or collective action by such enterprises.
The Forum elects an independent Chairperson who reports directly to the Registrar on matters requiring his or her attention. Forum members in turn report directly back to their ADI’s and the Stakeholders they represent, seeking views on relevant issues and reporting those views back to the forum for discussion.
Forum members represent a geographical area linked to ADIs working in each of the nine Driver Testing regions, with two additional representatives, one for North Leinster and one for South Leinster. The total number of ADI representatives on the forum can be up to 11 persons.
Elections are normally held every 3 years, but the election due in Autumn 2020 was deferred to early 2021 due to reasons relating to the Covid-19 restrictions.
Forum members are requested to attend at least 3 meetings per year. In order to be most effective maximum attendance whenever possible is required. If a Forum member fails to attend two consecutive meetings without informing the Chairman, the Forum may consider inviting nominations for a replacement member from within the relevant Driver Testing region.
Any ADI wishing to be considered for a position on the Forum must themselves be a fully registered ADI and have their nomination form counter signed by a minimum of five ADIs in their immediate regional Driver Testing area. Where there is an oversubscription of nominations for the Forum, geographical and demographical considerations apply.
247. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering measures to assist the restart of aviation and international travel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31091/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish aviation sector is critical to Ireland’s economic development, as it is a key enabler of international trade and business, including foreign direct investment and tourism. For this reason, our aviation policy places a priority on international connectivity. The sector is experiencing the most challenging crisis in its history, with many analysts predicting that it will take several years for it to return to 2019 levels of activity.
Several public health measures have been introduced in relation to international travel, which have developed and evolved as the pandemic has progressed, with the objective of both limiting the spread of COVID-19 and limiting the presence of its variants of concern in Ireland.
The main requirement of all aviation stakeholders has been clarity from Government on a plan to permit the resumption of non-essential international air travel, and the Government outlined such a plan on 28 May, which is scheduled to begin on 19 July. This plan brings together the EU Digital COVID Certificates, pre-departure PCR testing, mandatory quarantine, and our public health measures so that international travel can operate safely. An “emergency brake” mechanism will also allow us to respond to the potential emergence of variants of concern.
The use of antigen testing in relation to international travel is a matter for the Minister for Health in the first instance, and Government decisions relating to COVID-19 testing are based on public health advice.
While it may take some time for our aviation sector to regain the strong economic position it had at the start of the pandemic, Government has committed to ensuring that there will be no “cliff-edge” to the COVID-19 related business supports that are currently available. On 1 June, Government launched its Economic Recovery Plan 2021 with the goal of achieving rapid job creation and economic growth after the pandemic. This plan sets out new measures for businesses and affected sectors as the economy reopens, and details for existing emergency pandemic financial supports including the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), giving certainty to employers, workers, and for those who need it most. Importantly, this plan also recognised that additional support may be required for the recovery of the aviation sector.
With our vaccination programme progressing, a plan for the resumption of non-essential international travel ready and significant levels of business supports available, aviation is now positioned to begin to recover.
248. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the number of unannounced inspections by the Marine Survey Office of fishing vessels eligible for the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers that have taken place in the past 12 months; the number of instances of non-compliance that were detected on these inspections; the categories of non-compliance that were detected; the consequences for the vessel owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31186/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for the atypical worker scheme is not a relevant criterion for the selection of fishing vessels for inspection by the Marine Survey Office (MSO). The MSO selects fishing vessels for inspections based on a number of criteria including follow-up on any incidents as well as referrals from a number of sources including other Member States, members of the public, fishers, Workplace Relations Commission or An Garda Siochana amongst others. The MSO carries out such inspections in relation to several relevant instruments, the Atypical Worker Scheme for non-EEA fishers is not of itself such a relevant instrument.
In relation to the number of unannounced inspections carried out on Irish flagged fishing vessels in 2020, 19 such inspections were carried out. 11 such inspections have been carried out by the MSO so far during 2021. The MSO does not identify non-compliances, it may identify deficiencies in relation to the relevant instruments which are applicable to the vessel concerned. The action to be taken in such cases is in accordance with the professional judgement of the attending MSO surveyor. The Master and/or owner, as appropriate, are issued with a report of inspection which details deficiencies and the action to be taken. If deficiencies cannot be rectified during the inspection then the MSO surveyors may require “rectification before departure”, “rectification within 14 days” or “other, as specified by the surveyor”. The MSO may also require the submission of records for further examination and may also carry out follow up inspections as appropriate to check on progress or closing out of deficiencies. The MSO may detain vessels in cases of serious or continuous non-compliance and prosecution of offences through the courts may also follow in such cases.
249. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the progress the Marine Survey Office has made into its enquiries into various maritime compliance matters pertaining to the FV Ellie Adhamh following reports made to the Office by an organisation (details supplied) in the aftermath of the vessel’s sinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31187/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is not able to comment on this matter while an investigation is ongoing.
250. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the Government plans to recognise the Covid-19 travel certificates for entry into the State that have been issued by non-EU states in the Schengen zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31190/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the preparations that have been carried out to prepare for the use of the digital green certificates to allow ease of travel for those wishing to travel abroad in summer 2021; if those who are fully vaccinated will be able to travel without any restrictions or quarantine imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31443/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the efforts Ireland is making to ensure that member states adopt a uniform approach of accepting a negative PCR test result 72 hours before arrival and 48 hours in the case of rapid antigen tests for inbound EU travel under the digital green certificate system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31735/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the role he envisages rapid antigen testing playing in respect of Ireland's implementation of the EU Digital Covid Certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31861/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 250, 267, 280 and 287 together.
Government has been clear in expressing its support for the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) proposal and welcomes the agreement reached between the Council and European Parliament which will enable roll-out of the system and allow Digital COVID Certificates to begin to be issued to EU citizens in the coming weeks. I can advise the Deputy that the Department of Health in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach are continuing the work to ensure Ireland is in a position to comply with the EUDCC as required.
From 19 July, subject to the prevailing public health situation, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA.
A DCC will show if a passenger is vaccinated against COVID-19; has recovered from COVID-19; or has a negative test result.
Passengers arriving into Ireland with a DCC will not have to undergo quarantine. However, passengers with a DCC based on a non-PCR test (for example, an antigen test), or those arriving without a DCC, will require proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Children aged between 7 and 18 who have not been vaccinated must also have a negative RT-PCR test.
A passenger who has been in a non-EU/EEA country in the 14 days prior to arrival into Ireland will be subject to the rules applying to that country.
All passengers will be advised to observe public health restrictions and to present for post-arrival testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
It is important to note that the EU DCC is not a travel document. The possession of an EU DCC will not be a precondition to travel. Individual Member States will determine how the DCC will be used as part of national public health measures.
Furthermore, from 19 July, Ireland will also broadly align itself to the EU approach to non-essential travel into the EU from third countries (outside EU/EEA).
To protect its citizens against the importation of variants, an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism will be coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest.
251. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he is concerned especially during the current pandemic that windows which cannot be opened on long journey trains are in effect a sealed off unit from fresh air and that recirculating air via air conditioning does not have sufficient filtration systems to deal with covid-19 as noted by the European Railways Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31192/21]
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 operation of public transport.
Public transport operators have been advised of, and are following, public health instructions issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in relation to COVID-19.
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.
252. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the annual breakdown of the value of US military use of Shannon Airport to the airport since 2000, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31233/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for this question. As this is an operational matter for Shannon Airport, I am forwarding the query to Shannon Airport for direct reply. If you do not receive a response within 10 days, please contact my office.
253. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take to prioritise essential services staff for theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31240/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to make you aware, under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The protocol for scheduling appointments, including the prioritisation of essential workers, is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.
This question is therefore being referred 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.
254. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of making the bus, train fleet and bus and train stations wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31255/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
255. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are meeting the requirement to have a statement on the compliance of their websites and mobile applications with the regulations under the directive 2016/2102 (EU), as articulated in SI No. 358/2020 - European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31293/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra256. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are meeting the requirement to subject to Regulation 6, public sector bodies shall, in accordance with Regulation 3, take necessary measures to make their websites and mobile applications more accessible by making them perceivable, operable, understandable and robust under the directive 2016/2102 (EU), as articulated in SI No. 358/2020 - European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31311/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.
In my capacity as Minister for the Environment, Climate Action and Communications I have responsibility for the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020, which transposed the provisions of Directive 2016/2102 (EU) into Irish law.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Office (OGCIO), which is under the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is responsible for Gov.ie, the central platform that currently hosts a number of Government Departments’ websites, including that of the Department of Transport. The accessibility of the Department of Transport's content is largely determined by this platform.
The compliant accessibility statement for Gov.ie is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/help/accessibility.
The OGCIO has stated that the Gov.ie platform partially complies with the double-A Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 standards and the 4 principles of accessibility in that it is perceivable, operable, understandable and robust and that this is similar to most other government sites across the EU. It has also stated that one way that accessibility is being enhanced is by improving the level of plain English used for services on the site. This allows users of all levels to be able to find and understand information as quickly as is possible.
I understand that the gov.ie team in the OGCIO has performed multiple accessibility reviews since the website has gone live and has engaged with, and continues to engage with, an accessibility expert in relation to accessibility requirements. This ongoing process has led to updates being made to the core code of the site to improve accessibility.
The OGCIO has also stated that all other sites managed by it are currently being moved to a new Content Management System which has been built with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines compatibility in mind. The Department of Transport ensures that all content uploaded by it meets all accessibility requirements set out by the OGCIO in relation to the regulations.
Agencies under the remit of my Department are responsible in their own right for ensuring compliance with the Regulations. This PQ has been referred to the Agencies for direct reply. If a response is not received within 10 days please advise my private office.
257. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out a review of the blanket application of the speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour in place on all regional and local roads; if there are plans to transfer the power to reduce speed limits on particular sections of non-national roads to the local authority in order to make roads safer near residential and commercial areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31337/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe setting and managing of speed limits are a reserved function of members of local authorities and a matter for each local authority and queries regarding specific road(s) should be raised with the local authority in the first instance.
However, for your information I refer you to the Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland, published by my Department in 2015 which you can view on www.speedlimits.ie. It should be noted that 80 km/h is a National Speed Limit for Regional and Local Roads, and that alterations to these limits can be introduced by way of bye-laws by elected members of Local Authorities.
The Department of Transport is responsible for the enabling legislation around the setting of speed limits. However, it is Local Authorities that set speed limits for roads within their jurisdictions in accordance with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (as amended).
258. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driver test; the waiting times for a test in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31338/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. The information requested is held by the Authority.
This question is therefore being referred 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.
259. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the driver test wait time for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31339/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe driving test is the statutory responsibility of 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.
260. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a reader will be made available for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal with dyslexia who is scheduled to sit their driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31341/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The question is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred 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.
261. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31342/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe driving test is the statutory responsibility of 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.
262. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the frequency of driver tests in County Donegal since the reopening of the driving centres; the planned frequency for the coming six months per centre, per day in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31343/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. The information requested is held by the Authority.
This question is therefore being referred 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.
263. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been allocated with an appointment for the driver theory test in August 2021 given that they had a confirmed test date in June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31369/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been allocated an appointment for the driver theory test in August 2021 given that they had a confirmed test date in June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31375/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra265. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been allocated with an appointment for the driver theory test in September 2021 given that they had a confirmed test date in June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31376/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 263, 264 and 265 together.
The Driver Theory Test Service has now re-opened on a gradual basis with a maximum monthly capacity of 25,000 tests initially.
This means that while there are currently over 25,000 customers with an appointment for a Theory Test in June, some appointments will be rescheduled to a later date. Customers who cannot be accommodated in June because of volume restrictions will have to be rescheduled. The RSA have advised that there is no need for candidates to contact the Theory Test service - affected customers will be contacted directly. They are being resceduled into next available slot in their chosen location.
The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test 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 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. From mid-June, the RSA plans to increase this by a further 2,000. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.
