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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 6 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 5-25

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (5)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans for the ratification of the International Labour Organisation Convention 190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work; the status of the analysis by his Department of the legislative requirements for the ratification of this convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18678/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As an International Labour Organisation (ILO) Member State, Ireland is committed to ratifying Convention C190.

Ratification is being considered in the context of our standard approach to the ratification of international instruments. Ireland does not ratify international conventions until it has been determined that national law is in line with the provisions of the international instrument.

The ILO Convention 190 is the first ever international instrument on the very important issues of eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. Ireland already has very strong protections in law to combat violence and harassment in the world of work and has ratified the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Officials in my Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment have engaged with all relevant Government Departments and offices to establish the extent to which domestic legislative provisions already provide for the rights and entitlements included in the ILO Convention C190, as well as legislative amendments, if any, that may be required to enable ratification.

My Department is continuing to analyse possible outcomes and is following up to ensure that there are no legislative gaps.

Following this consideration, as part of the ratification process, in the coming months the Department will undertake a stakeholder consultation with trade unions, employer representative bodies and other interested parties.

The views of the Attorney General must then be sought after that consultation phase followed by the formal approval of the Government for ratification.

I would anticipate that the Instrument of Ratification can be signed before the end of the year.

Cost of Living Issues

Ceisteanna (6)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

6. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will respond to proposals (details supplied) in respect of a wider response to the rising cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18430/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Government is acutely aware of the effect of rising electricity and gas prices on households and on older people. Government’s immediate response to the unprecedented surge in international gas prices, which is correlated to those rising electricity and gas costs to households, is to utilise the tax and social welfare system in Budget 2022 to counter rising costs of living for households.

As set out in the Programme for Government funding from carbon tax revenue is being used over the period to 2030 to ensure that increases in the carbon tax are progressive by tackling fuel poverty and providing for a Just Transition as well as to fund the retrofit programme, including free upgrades for lower income households.  

ESRI research has demonstrated that recycling just one third of the revenue raised from the carbon tax increases through targeted social welfare payments helps the lowest income households and to educe poverty. The Government will continue to be guided by the latest emerging research on the impacts of rising costs on households.

In recognition of the ongoing pressures on households, a further €505m package of measures to mitigate the wider cost of living increases were announced by Government on the 10th February, including:

1. The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022, that now provides for a credit payment to each domestic electricity account amounting to €176.22 (€200 including VAT). Approximately 2.1 million account holders will benefit from the payment in the coming weeks.

2. An additional lump sum payment of €125 to all households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment.  It is expected that this additional lumpsum will cost an estimated €49 million in 2022. This means that low-income households will see an increase of 41% in Fuel Allowance support provided during this Fuel Allowance season compared to last season. 

3. A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use and cost.

It should also be noted that under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs, and exceptional needs payments (ENP) may also be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which an applicant is unable to meet out of their own resources.

Government also provides a Living Alone allowance which is a supplement paid to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. Budget 2022 provided for a €3 per week increase to the Living Alone Allowance Increase from €19 to €22 per week with effect from January 2022.

Litter Pollution

Ceisteanna (7)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

7. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts his Department is taking to tackle littering and fly-tipping of take-away bags which are a blight on the countryside; if measures will be considered to track and trace those responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18433/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2021 I allocated €5m in additional funding for litter infrastructure and awareness campaigns to encourage people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly. The funding added more recycling and litter facilities to meet increased demand but there is an onus on all of us to make a conscious effort to leave no trace. Section 16 of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, as amended, gives considerable powers to local authorities in respect of imposing special measures regarding litter on certain operations, including takeaway venues.

The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy commits to substantially reducing the amount of single use plastic cups and food containers we use. Measures to achieve this include the introduction of levies, similar to the plastic bag levy.  Producers have a role to play in cutting down on the amount of these items we use and, under the current Extended Producer Responsibility model, they will be liable for the costs of litter clean up associated with the products they place on the market.

In addition, through the recently published Circular Economy Bill, my Department is also seeking to introduce provisions that will support the use of various technologies, including CCTV and drones, in tackling illegal dumping in a way that is compliant with GDPR requirements.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (8)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

8. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if pre-pay energy customers are required to place €30 credit on their pre-pay cards before they can receive the State support of €200; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18560/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account. The credit of €176.22 (€200 including VAT) will be applied to all domestic electricity accounts, and will include prepay meters. The majority of prepayment meters will accept the credit in one go. However, I understand that there is a small population of older prepayment meters which, due to their age and inbuilt monetary limits, will require the customer to redeem their credit through three separate transactions over the space of a few days.

There is a ‘hard-coded’ single vend limit of €100 on a small amount of legacy prepayment meters. To redeem each stage of the credit, customers will need to buy a (minimum) €10 top up. When they do this they will receive a new 40-digit code which will credit their meter with the Government electricity credit when entered. Once the credit is applied to the customer’s account/meter they can access it by vending 3 times.

The scheme provides for a credit of €176.22 excluding VAT to be applied to domestic electricity accounts. This means that the total impact for each domestic electricity account will be €200.

The Deputy may also wish to note that information updates, including frequently asked questions, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.

Air Quality

Ceisteanna (9)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

9. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Clean Air Strategy; and if it is planned to increase the monitoring of air quality under the strategy. [18568/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Clean Air Strategy is open for public consultation until 3 May, after which all submissions received will be reviewed, with a view to finalising and publishing the strategy later this year. With respect to air quality monitoring, the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has undergone a significant expansion between 2017-2022, supported by funding of approximately €5 million from my Department. The network has increased from 29 monitoring stations in 2017 to 102 today, with more due by later this year. The network is already more comprehensive and extensive than those in many other EU Members States.

The Clean Air Strategy points to the fact that now is the appropriate time to move beyond monitoring at a number of specific locations and focus instead on modelling air quality across the entire country in order to provide the public with enhanced air quality information for all locations.

The LIFE EMERALD project, which commenced in 2021 and is part funded by my Department, will use the information from our monitoring network to provide a national three-day air quality forecast and near real-time mapping of air pollutants throughout the country, as well as to create historical maps of air pollutants. This project will improve Ireland’s ambient air quality management capabilities, by using an air quality modelling system to gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to poor air quality, and to develop a system that will provide more comprehensive information to the public.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (10)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

10. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 59 of 14 December 2021, the status of the preparation of the finalised terms of reference for the Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme (ORESS 1); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18679/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department continues to develop the terms and conditions for ORESS 1, the first offshore wind auction under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. As noted in Question No. 59 of 14 December 2021, the ORESS 1 auction is scheduled to commence in Q4 2022, subject to a sufficient quantity of eligible projects for a competitive auction. A key component of auction eligibility will be for a project to hold a Maritime Area Consent (MAC). MACs are established under the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 and on 25 April an 8-week window is set to open for MAC applications from projects. Award of MACs is expected in Q3 this year.

A public consultation on the draft ORESS 1 Terms and Conditions was held between October 2021 and December 2021 and over 150 responses were received. My Department plans to issue a formal response to consultation feedback next month, with final Terms and Conditions to be submitted for Government approval this quarter.

Environmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (11)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

11. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the timeline for the introduction and implementation of the retrofit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18695/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

SEAI Retrofit programmes continue to deliver in 2022 with over 2,100 home upgrades delivered so far. The total funding allocation to SEAI is €267 million for residential and community retrofit schemes and the Solar PV scheme in 2022. The overall delivery target is just under 27,000.  The new recently launched National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.

The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from around 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump. These grants levels are also available in other SEAI schemes. Following Government approval, the SEAI registration portal for companies to apply to be a One-Stop-Shop opened and the first One Stop Shops are now registered. 

The One Stop Shop approach is one of a number of SEAI Schemes available for home energy-upgrades, details of which can be found on their website at Individual Energy Upgrade Grants | Home Energy Grants | SEAI

Homeowners can familiarise themselves with the scheme details on SEAI’s One Stop Shop webpage covering the benefits of engaging a One Stop Shop, the ranges of services on offer and the grant amounts available per energy efficiency measures installed:

www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/

SEAI have also produced a homeowner guide to advise homeowners through the various steps to completing a whole house upgrade under the One Stop Shop Service:

National_Home_Energy_Upgrade_Scheme_-_Homeowner_Guide[1].pdf

SEAI are focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Organisations interested in becoming a registered OSS should visit the SEAI dedicated One Stop Shop registration webpage:

www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/one-stop-shop/

Environmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (12)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

12. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated additional cost of providing free insulation to all households that need it, over and above the funding already committed to; and the estimated additional cost of providing free deep retrofits to all households that need it over and above the funding already committed to. [18728/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by the end of 2030. These targets represent a very significant increase in both the volume and depth of retrofit activity in Ireland. The National Development and National Retrofit Plans have ring-fenced €8 billion to support the achievement of this objective. This will be supplemented by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage budget for retrofitting 36,500 local authority homes. My Department is also working to secure EU funding for retrofit and developing a low-cost loan scheme to support retrofit.

The Government recently approved a package of enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.

The key measures include:

- a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently)

- One Stop Shops to offer a hassle-free, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades

- a significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme (400 per month – up from an average of 177 per month in 2021)

- a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices

These measures will significantly contribute towards the achievement of the retrofit targets. 

Environmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (13)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

13. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits carried out under each programme in quarter one of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18747/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government's approach to achieving the Climate Action Plan targets of upgrading the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and installing 400,000 heat pumps to replace older, less efficient heating systems by 2030. The Plan is designed to address barriers to retrofit across four key areas: driving demand and activity; financing and funding; supply chain, skills and standards; and governance. In line with commitments in the Plan, the Government recently approved a package of significantly enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. The new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will provide increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard. A network of One Stop Shops will offer a new end-to-end project management service for homeowners. This includes surveying the home; designing the upgrades; managing the grant processes; helping with access to finance; engaging the contractors to deliver the work and then quality-assuring that work.

In addition, increased grants for attic and cavity wall insulation have also been made available, covering 80% of the cost to homeowners of these highly cost-effective upgrade measures. Free upgrades are available for households at risk of energy poverty. My Department is also developing a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme which will enable financial institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates for retrofit projects.

Information with respect to end-Q1 is not yet available. The number of retrofits completed under each grant scheme to end-February is set out in the table below.

SEAI Grant Scheme

No. of Retrofits

Better Energy Homes

889

Solar PV Scheme

788

Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme

437

Warmth & Wellbeing Pilot

22

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (14)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

14. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to regulate e-scooters on public roads and footpaths considering the risk associated with such vehicles being used by young children or at high speeds by any age group; if he will explain the insurance and tax implications of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18463/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Electric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no separate licence category for them. Therefore, it is illegal to use them on public roads and in public places. However, their use is permitted on private land, with the permission of the landowner. While their use on public roads (including footpaths) is illegal, I am aware that they are currently being used in these places.

It is intended to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government as soon as possible, so that they may be used on our roads within a clear legal framework. Provision to regulate for their use has been made in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which has completed second stage in the Dáil and is due to go to committee stage shortly.

In order to allow for the rapid pace of technological change in this area, specific controls on the use of e-scooters will be set out in regulations, following the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas. The use of e-scooters on public roads will become legal only once these regulations are in place. As PPTs will be a new category of vehicles, they will no longer be classified as mechanically propelled vehicles and will not be subject to licensing, tax and insurance requirements.

Air Services

Ceisteanna (15)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

15. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify a fifth freedom permission in air navigation regulations for airline operators from outside of the European Union when dealing with origin destination issues in the context of one route, that is, the namely Dublin Manchester route operated by an airline (details supplied); and if he is considering or has granted permission for the operator to conduct business on the route. [18469/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Ireland - Ethiopia Bilateral Air Services Agreement, signed in 2014, allows for the grant of fifth freedom air traffic rights for airlines of both countries, subject to the approval of the respective aeronautical authorities. The fifth freedom of the air is the right to fly between two or more foreign countries, on a flight originating in or ultimately destined for the country of the air operator concerned.

Ireland traditionally has applied a liberal aviation policy that has proven hugely successful in expanding the international connectivity that is critical in underpinning business, foreign direct investment and tourism. As such we remain positively disposed towards the development of competitive air services. Applications for fifth freedom air traffic rights are considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account all relevant considerations.

For summer 2022, my department has received an application by Ethiopian Airlines to fly between Addis Ababa and Dublin, via Manchester, and has concluded a process of stakeholder engagement. A decision on the application to be made shortly.

Haulage Industry

Ceisteanna (16)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

16. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 20 of 2 December 2021, the progress that his Department has made regarding the use of a facility (details supplied) in County Wexford for the parking of heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18508/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The primary purpose of the State site at Kilrane is to ensure that all of the appropriate statutory customs, SPS and health checks and controls required for HGVs arriving from Great Britain are undertaken in a secure, timely and efficient fashion with the minimum of delay. Any additional use of the site would need to have regard to that important priority in addition to the relevant operational and safety considerations.

A review of the design of the site for use for additional parking of HGVs is continuing and my Department has an assessment from the OPW on this. This is being reviewed in the light of the recent decision by Revenue Commissioners to move its mobile scanner to the Kilrane site to facilitate the establishment within the port of a Reception centre for persons arriving from Ukraine. My Department is engaging with the relevant agencies to assess the feasibility of providing the additional parking and this is expected to be completed shortly.

The Department is aware that Rosslare Europort has issued an information statement requesting truck drivers and hauliers not to park their vehicles in neighbouring villages while waiting for access to Rosslare Europort for ferry departure deadlines. It is suggested that drivers waiting for a ferry departure should park their vehicle at Gorey Service Station, Ballyellin, on the M11, or at Barntown Service Station, at Larkin’s Cross near Wexford town.

Haulage Industry

Ceisteanna (17)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

17. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) concerning an extension of the Government emergency support for the haulage sector which seeks the extension of the scheme to own account operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18524/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 15 March 2022, the Government approved an emergency support measure – the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme to address cost pressures arising from current high fuel prices. I can confirm that the scheme will be open to operators holding a road haulage operator licence. The Department is currently working to make the scheme operative. Details of how to apply, as well as the scheme terms and conditions, will be communicated to all licensed hauliers using the email address held on file in the Road Transport Operator Licensing unit in Loughrea.

In deciding on this targeted, temporary scheme, the Government considered that the licensed haulage sector is a specific case for several reasons, primarily that the sector is of national strategic importance as a critical enabler of a functioning supply chain, bringing essential supplies into and around the State, supporting key infrastructure and enabling the maintenance of economic and social activity. While this is true for certain other operators also, fuel represents a greater overall proportion of overhead cost for hauliers than would be the case for other businesses who self-provide transport as part of their wider business.

Given the rapid increase in fuel prices linked to the crisis in Ukraine, the haulage sector reported to the Government a serious risk of cessation of business among haulage companies that would have had significant implications for supply chains into the State, including for essential goods.

You will be aware that on 9 March 2022, in recognition of rising fuel costs for all citizens and businesses, the Government reduced Excise duty by 20 cent per litre of petrol, 15 cent per litre of diesel and 2 cent in the excise duty charged on marked gas oil in order to reduce the cost of fuels.

The Minister for Finance has written to the European Commission to ask what flexibilities might be available on an emergency basis to reduce the tax on fuel. Currently, however, the EU Energy Tax Directive limits the possibility of further reducing the tax on fuel. Specifically, the Directive requires a minimum tax of €0.33 per litre and the measures already decided have reduced the tax on diesel to the minimum.

In general, however, it should be noted that the causes of these fuel price pressures are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis.

The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure announced on 09 March, as well as the Licenced Haulage Emergency Support Scheme approved on 15 March 2022, it has responded to help to ease the impact of these price increases. However, we must accept that it will not be possible to insulate citizens and businesses from the full impact of these fuel price increases. In support with these sudden increased costs, the Government is seeking to cushion the shock of the rapid spike in fuel prices. While it remains to be seen how fuel prices evolve it is imperative that haulage and other businesses engage with their customers on the need for the prices for their products or services to reflect the increasing costs.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (18)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

18. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the second bridge and southern relief route for Newbridge, County Kildare; the recent progress on same; his plans to bring the project to fruition; the target date for opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18556/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State grants, where applicable.

The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.

Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF). Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

No application for funding has been received by my Department from Kildare County Council in relation to the proposed second bridge in Newbridge and Southern Relief route.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (19)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

19. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Athy distributor route; the recent progress; his plans to bring the project to fruition; the target date for opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18557/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The Athy Southern Distributor Road is one of the limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan.

Implementation of the Athy Southern Distributor Road is the responsibility of Kildare County Council. Following the conclusion of the tender process for the main construction contract for the scheme, the contract was awarded in late 2021 and the construction programme is underway.

Ferry Services

Ceisteanna (20, 22)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

20. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if the Government has received representations from the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport regarding a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a minimum wage corridor on sea ferry routes (details supplied). [18595/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mick Barry

Ceist:

22. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the practical steps that his Department will take to realise the proposal by the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport regarding a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a minimum wage corridor on sea ferry routes arising from the recent decision by a company (details supplied) to dismiss its 800 United Kingdom-based employees and replace them with employees on less than the United Kingdom statutory minimum wage including those working on the Liverpool to Dublin route given the support for the proposal by Minister for Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18718/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 22 together.

Firstly, let me reiterate that this Government is seriously concerned by the lack of consultation or notice offered by P&O in relation to its decision in the United Kingdom, which is contrary to all acceptable industrial relations practice.

I can confirm for the Deputy that I have received correspondence from the UK Secretary of State for Transport in relation to issues arising from that decision taken by P&O in the United Kingdom. As yet, I have not received any detailed proposals from the UK administration. When received, my Department, in conjunction with Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment which has responsibility for labour law in Ireland will review and consider appropriate action to be taken in the matter.

Maritime transport is a global and mobile industry and requires a global response to ensure effective regulation. It is important in the first instance that flag states take responsibility for their fleet and that the Maritime Labour Convention (which Ireland ratified in 2014) is appropriately applied and enforced. Only then can seafarers have confidence in maintaining a sustainable career. My Department continues to work at international level through the International Maritime Organisation and EU to strengthen the protection of seafarers

Irish employment rights legislation applies to workers – national and non-national - on board Irish registered ships. If a similar situation arose with an Irish employer here and with Irish flagged ships, Ireland has a suite of employment rights legislation to protect and support workers. In relation to ships that are not Irish registered, as a general rule the flag state (i.e. the state where the ship is registered) has exclusive right to exercise legislative and enforcement jurisdiction over ships on the high seas.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (21)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements that have been made through the LocalLink service and the NTA to provide extra, necessary transport to refugees from Ukraine who are located in rural Ireland to access work and services; the discussions he has had with the NTA regarding this matter; the extra funding provided to the Authority for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18711/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, a whole of Government approach is being adopted regarding the Ukrainian crisis. In line with this approach, in my own Department, we have established a high-level group to monitor and respond as appropriate to the crisis and consider the role that the transport sector could play.

In this context, it was agreed that free travel would be provided for newly arriving Ukrainian refugees on any Public Service Obligation (PSO) or Local Link public transport service from port of entry to their end destination. This initiative is being applied across all PSO contracted services, including commercial bus services included in emergency PSO contracts, and those services that are part of the emergency commercial bus operator grant scheme.

The issue of providing additional public transport services in rural areas to support Ukrainian nationals who have been provided with accommodation in those areas is being considered. Additional funding would be required to support any increase in services. As the Deputy will be aware, this situation is evolving daily and my Department is working with other relevant Departments and agencies to establish the transport needs and how these might be met.

Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 20.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (23)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

23. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an up-to-date estimate of the annual cost of providing free public transport. [18724/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.

It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

The provision of public transport services is heavily dependent on passenger fare revenue as it normally contributes about 65% of the operational cost. The remaining 35% of cost is covered by the PSO grant and the Department of Social Protection grant under the free travel scheme.

Prior to COVID-19, €287 million of Exchequer funding was provided for PSO services in Budget 2020; however, since 2020, additional funding has been required to continue to address the significant COVID impacts on public transport provision.

In 2022, I secured €538m to support PSO services including over €200m to address COVID expenses (i.e. loss of fare revenue, cleaning costs). Up to €12m will be provided as ongoing support for the licensed bus sector; while, over €15m has also been allocated to support Local Link regular service provision in rural Ireland.

The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day. €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares.

Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.

The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the estimated cost of waiving public transport fees for persons in possession of a student leap card. to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (24)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

24. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of Electric Vehicle grants provided in quarter one 2021 and in quarter one 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18749/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to a 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. The national car and van fleet accounts for almost 60% of all land transport emissions, and so a transition to low emissions vehicles, including EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions.

The number of EV purchase grants and home charger grants paid in Q1 2021 and Q1 2022 is as follows:

2021

2022

EV Purchase Grant

2,630

3,085

EV Home Charger Grant

995

2,102

The SEAI grant schemes aim to encourage behavioural change and support the Government’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. The grant schemes are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.

Airport Security

Ceisteanna (25)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

25. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a recent audit by the Irish Aviation Authority has resulted in a recalibration of security equipment at Dublin Airport and greater numbers being put through additional passenger security checks; the additional workload this has added; the response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18750/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) conducts oversight activities, including inspections and audits, of airports, air carriers, cargo companies, airport suppliers and the suppliers of in-flight services. In addition Irish airports are subject to periodic inspections by the European Commission. My Department receives regular reports on the results of oversight activities but the Deputy will appreciate that we can not comment on security matters.

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