Written Answers Nos. 192-211
192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to publish the report on the Marine Casualty Investigation Board conducted by a company (details supplied); and if so, when the report will be published [11564/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to make clear that the report referred to in the question is not a report on the Marine Casualty Investigation Board per se – rather it was centred on the optimal structure for marine casualty investigation.
In March 2021 my Department issued a Request for Quotes inviting proposals, including costings, from suitably qualified and experienced suppliers to undertake a review of the current organisational structures underpinning marine casualty investigation in Ireland in the context of national, EU and international obligations. Following a tendering process between 3 potential suppliers, Clinchmaritime Ltd. was selected as the preferred supplier to undertake this important review. Clinchmaritime Ltd. is headed by Captain Steve Clinch, who is widely recognised as an international expert with extensive experience of marine casualty investigation. Captain Clinch was the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents of the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) between 2010 and 2018.
Clinchmaritime Ltd.’s report was received in July 2021. The report and its recommendations are currently being considered by officials in my Department as part of the review of organisational structures for marine casualty investigation in Ireland. There has been a necessary delay in the publication of the report which is still the subject of an engagement with the Office of the Attorney General to obtain legal advice on certain aspects of the report.
As I have previously committed to in the Chamber, I aim, subject to legal advice from the Attorney General, to publish the Clinchmaritime Ltd. report before the end of the first quarter of this year.
193. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a CIÉ pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11678/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
In terms of background information, members of the 1951 Scheme were balloted regarding a Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ has prepared and submitted a consolidated draft Statutory Instrument to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme which is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA.
I further wish to advise that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. As such, being sub-judice, it is not appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.
Concerning the Deputy's specific query, regarding increases in line with inflation and the increase in the cost of living, I have forwarded your question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
194. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a ban on horsedrawn carriages in Irish cities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10855/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, some local authorities develop bye-laws to licence horse-drawn carriages operating commercially. Through bye-laws, these local authorities set their own rules and stipulations to govern such operations. It is under Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 that local authorities are provided with power in respect of making bye-laws. Local Government legislation comes within the ambit of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
In most counties, there seems to have been little demand and bye-laws are not in place. In other areas, the matter is more relevant. For example, in Kerry, where there is a long tradition of jarvey operation, bye-laws have been adopted to regulate the operation of these horse-drawn hackney carriages.
Unlike other local authorities in the country, Dublin City Council lacks the power to regulate and set standards for horse-drawn carriages. My Department is working with relevant stakeholders in developing an appropriate regulatory framework for this area. This work includes the consideration of how best to safely repeal the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55, which currently vests the power to regulate horse-drawn carriages in Dublin with the Dublin Metropolitan Police Commissioners, to whom An Garda Síochána is the successor. Work on this issue unfortunately did not progress as planned in the last two years due to the need to prioritise work in other areas, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic but is once again progressing.
195. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10863/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBefore 21 February 2022, a person aged 70 or over was required to submit a medical report when applying for a learner permit or driving licence. This has now been raised to 75.
From 21 February, licence applications and renewals for people under 75 do not require a medical certificate, unless the applicant has a specified illness or other requirement to provide a certificate.
196. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus users in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 on each individual bus route in Cork city and county in tabular form [10895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operations of public transport services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question, in relation to the number of bus users in 2019 to date in 2022 inclusive on each individual bus route in Cork city and county, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
197. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of motorcycle driving tests that were applied for in 2020 and 2021, respectively; the number of motorcycle driving tests that were undertaken in 2020 and 2021, respectively; the number of outstanding motorcycle driving tests currently; his plans to remove the backlog in motorcycle driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the motorcycle test and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
198. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to extend the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland electric vehicle grant beyond 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 50,500 now.
In addition, the Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online. In line with the Group’s recommendations to support the transition to EVs:
- The generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland has been retained until at least end-2022. Work is ongoing to identify additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles. Overall, cost-effective, targeted policy supports will continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years; and
- Work is underway to establish An Office for Low Emission Vehicles, as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure.
Overall, the Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy is kept under continuous review to endeavour to make low emission vehicles affordable.
199. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will include an increase in the public service obligation for 2023 to allow for the introduction of further services to the Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh railway line to maximise the benefit from the recent track renewal works carried out on the line by Irish Rail. [10956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The allocation for PSO public transport services for future years will be subject to the annual Budgetary process and therefore the allocations for 2023 and beyond are yet to be determined in the context of future Estimates processes.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators. Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the NTA. The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
In light of the Authority’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the allocation of PSO funding to Irish Rail for 2023 for the introduction of further services to the Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh railway line to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
200. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS centre in Clifden, County Galway will reopen following lifting of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), which processes applications for and issues driving licences and learner permits, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If she has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that she contact my office directly.
201. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport his advice for residents in Connemara that are applying for or renewing driver licences and do not have any legal obligation to obtain a Public Services Card following the result of the Data Protection Commissioner’s report given that the NDLS centre in Clifden, County Galway remains closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10985/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), which processes applications for and issues driving licences and learner permits, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If she has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that she contact my office directly.
202. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism that is available to a person (details supplied) to obtain a document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11007/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's offices in Shannon manage the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) and its associated services including change of vehicle ownership. Article 6 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (SI No. 385 of 1992) and amendments made thereon set out the procedures regarding licensing of a vehicle and issuing of a Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC).
The records on the NVDF indicate that the individual whose details were supplied was recorded as the registered owner of this vehicle on 23 September 2021. The vehicle in question was subsequently licensed, for the first time, on 15 October 2021 at the registered owners local Motor Tax Office; and a VRC issued from my Departments offices on 18 October 18, 2021 to the address provided.
In instances where the document is lost or misplaced, a vehicle owner may wish to apply for a replacement at their local Motor Tax Office. Article 19 of the Road aforementioned Regulations provides the legal framework for the application and replacement of such documents.
203. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the equality objectives of his Department specifically in relation to women. [11084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the deputy for the opportunity to set out, in brief, some of the achievements made by my department in the area of equality and inclusion, specifically in relation to women, over recent times.
Intersectional Policy Initiatives
My Department worked closely with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) on the development and implementation of its Public Sector Duty Assessment and Action Plan. This is an ongoing duty that my department monitors, reviews, and develops continuously. My department also participates on several equality interdepartmental groups including the National Strategy for Women & Girls (NSWG).
Equality Budgeting
In 2021, the Department of Transport introduced a dedicated equality budgeting spending line in the budget alongside dedicated performance indicators in keeping with the current Programme for Government commitment to expand the Equality Budgeting Programme across government departments and agencies. By examining budgeting and expenditure from an equality perspective, the Department is better placed to identify gaps or bias in expenditure that can cause or maintain disadvantage, or fail to promote equal access to transport and related services.
Gender Balance on State Boards
Across the 18 State Boards under the remit of the Department of Transport, the gender balance is currently 68% male and 32% female. I actively encourage applications from as wide and diverse a pool of candidates as possible and am acutely aware of the need to meet a 40% gender target. I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on the State Boards under my remit, and to widen access to a broader range of experiences, perspectives, and skillsets. Ahead of International Women’s Day, my department is hosting a webinar this week to promote the benefits of gender balance, diversity, and inclusion on its State Boards. Both I and my colleague, Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton will be participating in this event.
Public Transport Services
Transport is often seen as gender-neutral, providing benefit to all equally. However, a growing body of international research highlights that this is not the case. Women and men can have different needs, constraints, and expectations for using transport. In 2020, Transport Infrastructure Ireland carried out a women in travel survey – ‘Travelling in a Woman’s Shoes’. The report sheds light on the disparities and realities that women face every day in order to understand the different mobility patterns and needs of both women and men.
Capturing gender information in transport surveys is key to understanding the needs of everyone and ensuring everyone feels safe while travelling. The department has utilised CSO and Census data to analyse the age and gender of public transport users in the development of its Sustainability Mobility Policy, which is due to be launched shortly.
Accessible public transport provides greater opportunities for all members of society, and especially those who may be in vulnerable situations - women, persons with disabilities, older people - to access essential services, such as employment, education, training, and health services.
My department delivers its commitments towards making public transport accessible for all via its Accessibility Work Programme which provides the framework for prioritising projects and programmes to progressively make public transport accessible. The department’s Accessibility Consultative Committee (ACC) monitors progress on the Work Programme. The ACC gender balance is currently 75% female and 25% male.
In addition to the above, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility plan, which is a major national public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to increase public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns, will significantly increase both the number of routes and the frequency of existing services right across the country.
In the context of services to rural areas, Local Link public transport services prioritise the reduction of social exclusion across all demographics. As well as combatting rural isolation, the vast majority of Local Link services are door-to-door community type services, which enable women in rural areas to access work, education and training services.
Cycling
In 2019, a Bike Life Dublin Metropolitan Area report was produced by Sustrans in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) with gender being a key part of the data collected and presented in the report. There is evidence from the census that there is a significant gender-gap with regard to those cycling, with only one in every 250 girls cycling to school in the country. The Green Schools initiative funded by the NTA, working with teenage girls, has developed #andshecyclescampaign to look at addressing this issue.
Employment Equality in the Transport Sector
The need to increase the number of women employed in the transport sector is something that my department and its agencies are very aware of. Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Bus Eireann all share an ongoing commitment to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and balanced workforce, and have a number of regular initiatives in this regard
Regarding diversity and inclusion in the aviation and maritime sectors, the Department has committed to supporting research by Dublin City University on building gender balance within the aviation industry. To support greater inclusion of women in the maritime sector, the National Maritime College Ireland (NMCI), which is Ireland’s designated centre for the education and training of personnel for the Merchant Marine, organises annual events to coincide with International Women’s Day designed to encourage women to apply for the various maritime course offered by NMCI. My Department is the regulatory authority for approving NMCI courses.
As the Deputy will see from the foregoing, my Department is fully committed to making progress on equality objectives for women.
204. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for each NCT test centre in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the 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.
205. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for a car driving test in each test centre; the number of persons waiting for a test in each test centre in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the driving test service and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
206. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the monthly passenger numbers on the Limerick-Galway train line since 1 January 2019. [11120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of investments or service improvements made on the Limerick-Galway train line since 1 January 2019. [11121/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
As 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 provision, operation, and maintenance of public transport.
The queries raised in relation to passenger numbers, investments, and service improvements on the Limerick-Galway train line are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
208. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the consideration that is given to safety in deciding on the location of public EV charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11122/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030 that reflects the scale of the transformation needed to achieve its climate targets in the coming years. Under the National Development Plan €1bn has been allocated to specific carbon reduction measures, including vehicle electrification.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastructure strategy is being developed which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030. My Department is engaging with relevant stakeholders to inform this work and it is envisaged that the strategy will be published for consultation in the coming months. Safety and accessibility will be considered as part of this process.
As safety and accessibility of the current public network is a matter for ESB eCars, I forwarded the Deputy's correspondence to them for direct reply. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
209. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the very long delays for persons applying to take driving tests; his plans to rectify the situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will address review a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11153/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the operation of the Motorcycle Test.
I am therefore referring this question to the RSA for reply. If you do not have a further response within ten days please contact my private office.
211. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the protocol in relation to the request by first responders for Coast Guard helicopters 112 and 115 to attend medical emergencies on land by night. [11160/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National SAR Plan the Coast Guard is the designated authority for coordinating maritime search and rescue (SAR). Coast Guard helicopters are authorised to conduct inland SAR missions by Day and Night. Such missions include, Inland waterway searches, inland searches for missing persons, mountain rescue and situations where access to, and extraction of the casualty, is not safe for an ambulance crew.
In addition to their primary Search and Rescue roles, Coast Guard Helicopter services are made available to the National Ambulance Service on a request and availability basis for Air Ambulance Services including inland Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). Requests for Coast Guard helicopters from parties such as first responders are processed in the first instance by the National Ambulance Service. Under existing arrangements Commercial Air Transport Rules apply to HEMS services which renders them unavailable between 11pm and 0730
Call sign 115 is used by the Shannon based Coast Guard Helicopter. Callsign 112 is assigned to the Air Corps.
