Written Answers Nos. 178-202
178. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if apartment dwellers whose building shares a single MPRN but who pay their electricity bills separately can avail of the full €200 energy rebate for domestic energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24232/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts from April and includes prepay meters.
The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
This scheme is in addition to: the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers; the measures introduced in the Budget; and, those set out in the recently published National Energy Security Framework.
While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others would have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion would have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost.
Where tenants have disputes relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.
The Deputy may also wish to note that Frequently Asked Questions on the electricity credit, which include the matter raised here, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
179. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of dedicated funding that will be provided to each local authority to monitor and enforce the smoky coal ban and any future solid fuel regulations as part of the forthcoming Clean Air Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authorities are, and will continue to be, responsible for the enforcement of solid fuel regulations. The new enhanced solid fuel regulations are being drafted so that Local Authorities have sufficient powers to ensure effective compliance within their functional areas.
The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement. Officials from my Department and the Local Government Management Agency are now working together on a full assessment of the current state of the sector and scoping out the resource requirements to ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective enforcement structure is put in place.
This structure will be established to support the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice ensuring consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 for the provision of additional supports in this regard.
This work will continue over the coming months and additional projects and opportunities for collaboration will be developed, providing the groundwork for the new enforcement structure.
180. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the forthcoming government Clean Air Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA public consultation on the draft Clean Air Strategy ran from 7 March to 3 May.
More than 100 submissions were received and are now being reviewed, with a view to finalising and publishing the strategy later this year. The strategy will outline how we will enhance and protect the air we breathe, and set out a pathway, based on a comprehensive cross-Government programme of policies and measures, that will tackle all sources of air pollution.
181. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of enforcement notices and prosecutions as reported to the Environmental Protection Agency by local authorities in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022 under the smoky coal ban regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24268/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra195. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff allocated in each local authority to ensure compliance with solid fuel regulations in each local authority since 2018; the number of inspections carried out by each local authority in each of the years since 2018; the nature of the enforcement taken; the number of fuel samples collected and analysed for each local authority in each such year; if they complied with the regulations; if each local authority has reported annually to the Environmental Protection Authority as required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24877/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 195 together.
Enforcement action against breaches of the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 is a matter for Local Authorities.
Local Authorities are themselves responsible for allocating the appropriate staffing resources and finances to ensure they can fulfil all their air quality enforcement obligations, and they do not report to my Department in this regard.
Similarly, my Department does not compile statistics in relation to number of complaints received, samples analysed, prosecutions taken or fines imposed. Local Authorities report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) annually regarding enforcement activities under environmental legislation.
Details of Local Authority enforcement of environmental legislation are available from the series of Local Authority Environmental Performance Assessment reports compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency and can be accessed at: www.epa.ie/our-services/compliance--enforcement/support-and-supervision-of-local-councils/la-performance/.
182. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes retrofitted and the number of heat pumps installed to date as part of the National Retrofitting Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24273/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Grants of up to 50% are now available for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. A total of €267 million in capital funding has been provided this year for SEAI residential and community schemes.
The number of homes retrofitted this year to the end of April as part of the National Retrofitting programme is 5,056. SEAI is collating the information in relation to the number of heat pumps installed to date, the information will be sent to the Deputy in due course.
183. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of category A vehicles that were charged with the nitrogen dioxide emissions levy in 2021 and 2022; the revenue raised each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24277/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is not a matter for my Department as policy responsibility in relation to the nitrogen dioxide emissions levy and collection of the revenues raised each year are matters for my colleague the Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe TD. In this regard I note a similar question has issued to the Minister for Finance.
184. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [24305/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department meets its obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 by providing access to employment, enabling people with disabilities to participate in employment including promotion, training and ensures that all staff receive equitable treat and opportunities in the workplace.
Under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities for 2015 – 2024, the Government has committed to progressively increasing the statutory target for the employment of people with disabilities from 3% to a minimum of 6% in the public sector by 2024. My Department is continually working to ensure that it meets all commitments in this regard.
I have asked the bodies under the aegis of my Department to provide the information requested for their organisations directly to the Deputy.
185. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a house name will be removed from an Eircode (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
My officials have made contact with An Post and Capita and requested that they investigate changing the individual’s address. An Post have advised my officials that the individuals revised address data has been recorded in the latest An Post database which An Post GeoDirectory release to Eircode on a quarterly basis. Capita have also advised my officials that they have been in direct contact with the individual in question. Updated address information will be provided to Eircode by An Post GeoDirectory and made available by Capita on the Eircode Finder
(finder.eircode.ie/#/).
186. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount that has been spent on external public relations contracts by National Broadband Ireland in 2021 and to date in 2022. [24418/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed on 19 November 2019 to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area. My Department has no direct role in relation to the matter referred to and any queries regarding same are a matter for NBI. I have passed the query raised to NBI and have asked NBI to respond directly to the Deputy.
187. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department plans to mark the centenary of the Shannon Scheme; if there are plans to provide a new visitor centre at Ardnacrusha power station; if he has engaged with the ESB regarding the public consultation on the aforementioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24617/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for ESB and not one in which I have any function.
However, I have referred this matter to the Company and asked the company to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is intended that proposed regulations regarding the sale of coal will provide for an exemption for the use in steam engine vehicles in the hobby and recreational tourism sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew regulations on the use of solid fuels in Ireland are to apply to solid fuels that are placed on the market for heating in residential and licensed premises. This will not impact on fuels supplied for the purposes of powering vintage machinery.
189. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes, broken down by BER rating, prior to their retrofitting under the warmer homes scheme in 2021; the number of homes, broken down by BER rating, after their retrofitting under the warmer homes scheme in 2021, in tabular form [24845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,620.
SEAI has a contract in place since 2019 for Managing Agents (MA) to carry out Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments under the BER assessor Code of Practice. The tendered cost for the post works BER is fixed for the term of the contract and is only subject to change by way of a detailed and robust Change Control Notice (variation process) arising from a significant change to operations.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the Table below. The baseline cost is for post-works BERs on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, year by year. The successful tenderer providing this service to SEAI have also certain reporting requirements and a role relating to scheme management.
Warmer Homes Scheme BER Cost
|
Year |
Baseline Cost (excl. VAT) |
|
2019 |
€235* |
|
2020 |
€295 |
|
2021 |
€295 |
|
2022 |
€295 |
* The figure for 2019 is an average cost, as new arrangements took effect during 2019
Pre-works BERs have only commenced on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme since January 2022 but the same baseline cost applies.
190. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost of achieving a B2 BER cost optimum standard in the warmer homes scheme in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [24846/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the Scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,620.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
- Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
- Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
- Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
- In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements.
The average cost of achieving a Building Energy Rating (BER) B2 in each of the years 2019 to 2022 (to end April) is set out in the Table below.
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme |
Average Cost* to achieve B2 or Better |
|
2019 |
€17,133 |
|
2020 |
€17,569 |
|
2021 |
€19,978 |
|
2022 |
€22,805 |
*Please note: Costs provided include VAT
191. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes at each pre-works BER rating that achieved a B2 cost optimum standard in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [24847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
The number of homes upgraded to a B2 BER or better for 2019 - 2022 (to end of April) is set out in the table below.
|
SEAI SCHEME |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Better Energy Homes |
1,272 |
1,504 |
1,579 |
593 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
29 |
18 |
46 |
40 |
|
Better Energy Warmth and Wellbeing |
12 |
8 |
6 |
4 |
|
Deep Retrofit |
112 |
196 |
10 |
|
|
Solar PV (Domestic only) |
182 |
908 |
1,807 |
723 |
|
Community Energy Grants |
582 |
642 |
353 |
|
|
Better Energy Finance |
5 |
|||
|
National Retrofit Scheme (One Stop Shop Dev. Call) |
N/A |
N/A |
805 |
188 |
|
TOTAL |
2,189 |
3,281 |
4,606 |
1,548 |
My officials have requested from the SEAI the information in relation to the number of homes at each pre-works BER rating on the relevant Schemes that achieved a post-works B2 standard and they will forward it to you upon receipt.
192. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of dwellings owned by landlords that have received works under each of the retrofit schemes in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [24848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Since 2000, over 465,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light.
The grant schemes in place to support homeowners to upgrade their properties include the fully funded Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme and a number of part-funded schemes such as the Better Energy Homes Scheme, the Solar PV Scheme and the recently announced National Home Energy Upgrade (Retrofit) Scheme.
The specific details requested by the Deputy are not collected by SEAI. The number of homes completed for 2019 - 2022 (to date) is detailed in the table below.
|
SEAI GRANT SCHEME |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
|
Better Energy Homes |
18,531 |
12,227 |
7,928 |
2,190 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
3,142 |
1,524 |
2,126 |
1,133 |
|
Better Energy Warmth and Wellbeing |
340 |
91 |
146 |
69 |
|
Deep Retrofit |
112 |
196 |
10 |
|
|
Solar PV (Domestic only) |
1,827 |
2,917 |
4,089 |
1,476 |
|
Community Energy Grants |
661 |
656 |
353 |
|
|
Better Energy Finance |
129 |
5 |
||
|
National Homes Retrofit/OSS |
805 |
188 |
||
|
TOTAL |
24,742 |
17,616 |
15,457 |
5,056 |
*To end April 2022.
193. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the Iberian exception recently approved by the European Commission for Spain and Portugal (details supplied); if he has engaged with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to consider a similar approach to reducing electricity costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive.
Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister or Government.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
The European Commission are scheduled to launch a communication this week focussed on electricity market design. Once published my Department will review the communication carefully and engage with the CRU to understand its potential implications for Ireland.
194. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding that was allocated to Inland Fisheries Ireland in each of the years 2017 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the expenditure incurred on refurbishment or installation of new facilities for each of the years by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24873/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows the voted funds that were allocated to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in each of the years 2017 to 2022.
|
Year |
Allocated |
|
2022 |
€30,513,000 |
|
2021 |
€30,442,000 |
|
2020 |
€31,095,000 |
|
2019 |
€30,495,000 |
|
2018 |
€30,182,000 |
|
2017 |
€26,578,000 |
The expenditure incurred on refurbishment or installation of new facilities is an operational matter for IFI, in which neither I nor my Department have any role. IFI has established a specific e-mail address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
196. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who have been fined for not wearing a life jacket in each of the past five years while partaking in water activities in respective counties in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24487/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirements for the wearing of personal flotation devices/life jackets are contained in various regulations made under the Merchant Shipping Acts relating to particular types of vessel and in particular circumstances For example, the Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation) (Safety) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 921 of 2005), as amended, contain requirements relating to the carriage and wearing of personal flotation devices on pleasure craft. Non-compliance with the provisions of the regulations may result in a fixed payment notice issued by authorised officers, which include members of the Garda Síochána, Naval Service, Harbour Masters and other persons authorised by the Minister for Transport, or prosecution and, on summary conviction, a fine of up to €5,000.
The Fishing Vessel (Personal Flotation Devices) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 586 of 2001), as amended, contain requirements relating to the wearing of personal flotation devices by crew members on fishing vessels. Compliance with the requirements of the Regulations lies with authorised officers as described above, with the penalty being a fine, on summary conviction, of up to €5,000.
For the information of the Deputy, fixed payments are not fines. Fines are imposed by the Courts. In this instance, in terms of prosecutions, my Department is not aware of any fines issued by the Courts in the relevant time period.
197. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the protocol that is in place for the re-use of computer hardware when it is replaced or upgraded within his Department and the bodies under the aegis of his Department ; his plans to ensure that this complies with the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24146/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen computer hardware is replaced or upgraded within my Department, there is an arrangement in place with a charity that provides computers, teacher training and innovative learning programmes to schools across Africa. This charity uses ISO14001 (Environmental Management) certified IT Asset Disposition partners.
Where reuse of hardware is not possible we partner with WEEE compliant disposal companies who are ISO14001 certified to ensure appropriate disposal and/or destruction of hardware takes place.
My Department will review the Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022 once finalised in relation to re-use of computer hardware and make any changes as required at that time to ensure our compliance with the Act.
198. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will update the motor tax website facilitating online payments of motor tax in order that payments can be made from bank accounts which have extra security features such as push-button notifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Payments Services Directive 2 (PSD2) require Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) to be used for all electronic transactions. The Directive requires all online service providers to capture additional transaction information pertaining to the cardholder and to send this to the cardholder’s bank. The cardholder’s banks use this data to verify the cardholder, with the intention of making the transaction process as seamless as possible, and remove or reduce any extra layer of friction at the payment stage. The aim of the Directive is to reduce online fraud and increase cardholder confidence in using online services.
My Departments Online motor tax service, at www.motortax.ie, is fully compliant with the Directive's requirements. All necessary technical changes have been made to the website to facilitate the requirements, and my officials worked directly with the banking institutions to ensure any initial teething troubles were addressed.
It is important to note however the requirement ensures that electronic payments are performed with multifactor authentication to increase the security of electronic payments. Such multifactor authentication can require a cardholder having to download their bank’s app on their mobile phone or tablet; or amend settings on the device to enable notifications to be received. This may require the cardholder having to engage directly with their bank to address any issues they may have in this regard. My officials also provide assistance for such issues.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made in reducing waiting lists for NCT tests; the action that can be taken by car owners who have been unable to secure tests before their NCT expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Test Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. 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.
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to date in respect of the Grand Canal Greenway works in north County Kildare with particular reference to the works on the Dublin-Kildare border near Hazelhatch; the plans to move the project forward in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24175/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
201. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the recent reduction in bus fares for Bus Éireann services to a company (details supplied) in Galway city and to other private companies offering a similar service elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24181/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLicensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis.
In acknowledgement of the continuing difficulties facing the sector, these supports have been extended up to 30 June 2022 and to date, over €60 million has been provided to support the commercial bus operators.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, as part of the suite of new measures introduced, a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO public transport services is being made available nationwide 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. The Government allocated €54m in Exchequer funding to provide this measure; however, this funding does not include an extension of the scheme to commercial operators. As the Deputy will be aware, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) does not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators; fares on these services are set by the operators themselves.
However, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) on both PSO and commercial services. This exciting initiative will entitle anyone between the ages of 19 and 23 to discounted travel costs and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount level to an average of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The discount will initially be made available on all subsidised PSO bus, rail and Luas services. It will then be broadened to include commercial operators as soon as practical. Intensive work is underway with representatives from the commercial bus sector, the NTA and the Department to devise a mechanism to implement and expedite the deployment of the Young Adult Card in the commercial bus sector.
202. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the decision to exclude private bus companies from the 20% fare reduction on State-funded public transport services; if he will address the concern that there is preferential treatment of State services over commercial entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLicensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis .In acknowledgement of the continuing difficulties facing the sector, these supports have been extended up to 30 June 2022 and to date, over €60 million has been provided to support the commercial bus operators.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, as part of the suite of new measures introduced, a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO public transport services is being made available nationwide 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. The Government allocated €54m in Exchequer funding to provide this measure; however, this funding does not include an extension of the scheme to commercial operators. As the Deputy will be aware, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) does not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators; decisions on fares on such services are made by the operators themselves.
However, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) on both PSO and commercial services. This exciting initiative will entitle anyone between the ages of 19 and 23 to discounted travel costs and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount level to an average of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The discount is available on all subsidised PSO bus, rail and Luas services and will be broadened to include commercial operators as soon as practical. Intensive work is underway with representatives from the commercial bus sector, including the CTTC, the NTA and my Department to devise a mechanism to implement and expedite the deployment of the Young Adult Card in the commercial bus sector.
