Written Answers No. 121-140
123. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he has reflected on his position regarding the second phase of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road given its importance to the mid-west region (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29333/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport investment in our five cities is now guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies, including the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).
As you are aware, a revised draft LSMATS was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in April 2022 for public consultation. In line with the funding commitments in the National Development Plan and following my request to the NTA, the revised draft strategy does not include proposals for the development of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road.
I believe that the rejuvenation, growth and economic development of Limerick is best met through the prioritised delivery of active travel and public transport infrastructure and services, rather than through an over-emphasis on road-based development. This is central to ensuring that we meet our challenging commitment to deliver a 51% emissions reduction by 2030 and supporting the National Planning Framework (NPF) objective for compact growth.
In my view, proceeding with the Limerick Northern Distributor Road would be contrary to the NPF’s objective of compact growth, would undermine the investment planned in active travel/public transport and would accentuate and continue a dispersed, unsustainable development model in the region. I strongly believe that the focus of transport investment for the region in the coming years should be on improving active travel infrastructure, delivering BusConnects, and adopting a more transport-orientated development approach through the expansion of the rail network. This will allow us to provide a commuter rail system that serves existing and future development.
I would point out that both the NDP and the revised draft LSMATS do include proposals for road investment in the region where they contribute to overall sustainable transport objectives.
I look forward to seeing the delivery of much needed transport infrastructure under LSMATS in the coming years to better serve the citizens of the region, improve accessibility and the public realm in a sustainable manner.
124. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the reason that Balbriggan and Skerries rail stations have been excluded from the Transport for Ireland 90 minute €2 fares; if he will take steps to include those stations in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30651/22]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, this includes the administration and boundary criteria for the 90-minute fares scheme.
As such, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
125. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of the cost overrun at Kishogue train station, Lucan. [30615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra313. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the refurbishment works recently carried out at Kishogue train station County Dublin; if his Department intend to make funding available for the refurbishment of the station; and when the station will be open and functioning. [30437/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann (IÉ), Kishogue station.
I am informed by the NTA that extensive work is needed by IÉ before Kishogue Station can be brought into use, including meeting present day accessibility and systems requirements which are above and beyond the original requirements. For clarity, this is not a 'cost overrun' but rather consists of station upgrading costs.
The investment will total circa €3.8 million and it is anticipated that the station will become operational for the public in 2023.
126. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand electric vehicle charging points across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28481/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the expansion of electric vehicle charging points across the country; the number of electric vehicle charging points per county to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28005/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 194,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
Preparations are underway to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI). This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home. There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as neighbourhood or residential charging, destination charging, and en-route or motorway charging.
A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger. Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open shortly. €10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles
- Seventeen high-power chargers distributed across 14 multi-vehicle hubs have been delivered as part of the programme to date.
- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers - This work is completed at 36 locations and delivery of new, faster and higher capacity technology is awaited to complete this element of the program, due in August and the upgrade program will resume then. The remaining locations have all been identified and surveyed.
- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points - This work is substantially complete. 258 of the chargers have now been successfully replaced.
Further details on the progression of this project including the rollout of charge points in each county can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
The Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2022 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. My Department has reviewed the Scheme and the draft Strategy sets out a number of additional actions to support delivery by local authorities, such as funding capital costs for civil and electrics works, as well as charge point installation, through a new Residential Charging Scheme.
My Department is developing new grant schemes which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations including hotels, car parks and visitor and tourist attractions, both State-owned and commercial sites. This new initiative will be open for applications from both the public and private sector and help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
As well as the ESB ecars network there are a number of private charge point operators with sites already live in Ireland. Once established, ZEVI will be tasked with developing a single interactive portal for mapping the location and availability of all publicly accessible EV charging points and provide offer a central source of information to EV owners.
128. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to increase the numbers of taxis in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30510/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I can inform the Deputy, however, that the total number of active SPSV licensed drivers nationally was 25,426 as at 31 December 2021 and this had reduced by 191 to a total number of 25,235 at end May 2022. During the same period, however, the number of drivers licensed to operate (stand/ply for hire) in Dublin rose by 381 from a total of 14,572 as at 31 December 2021 to a total of 14,953 at end May 2022.
In terms of licensed vehicles, the total number and breakdown by type of SPSV vehicles licensed in Dublin to end May 2022 has also shown a small increase (of 32) since the beginning of the year as follows:
|
County |
Hackney |
Limousine |
Local Area Hackney |
Taxi |
Wheelchair Accessible Hackney |
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi |
Total |
|
Dublin (30 May 2022) |
16 |
430 |
0 |
7,833 |
2 |
1,806 |
10,087 |
|
Dublin (31 December 2021) |
17 |
417 |
0 |
7,838 |
2 |
1,781 |
10,055 |
The Government and the NTA have taken a number of steps to support taxi drivers nationally. Most recently, the NTA proposes an average increase of 12% on taxi fares from 31st August 2022 in the National Maximum Fares Review, which closed for public consultation on May 27th last and which will be the first increase on such fares since 2017.
Whilst the NTA has statutory responsibility for regulating (licensing and enforcement) the SPSV industry, taxi drivers are self-employed individuals and, as such, decide on their own business strategies within the regulatory framework. Additionally, SPSV operators choose the times at which they operate.
In this regard, the 2022 driver survey, conducted by the NTA earlier this year, shows that 93% of drivers are now working but only 29% currently work the premium rate period, which covers journeys taken between 8pm and 8am or on Sundays and public holidays. 30% of drivers (up from 17% in 2019) reported that they would consider working these hours if fares were to increase for this “night work”. In recognition of this, the NTA’s increased fare proposals have been weighted in favour of the premium rate period. The increase in cents/euro for each taxi user per journey is not substantial; however, the cumulative impact of the increase is significant for drivers, and it is hoped that this may encourage more taxi drivers to operate during these periods, and particularly at night-time, to meet the renewed levels of demand that have arisen because of the increase in social activity and the reactivation of the night-time economy.
In addition, the Deputy will be aware that my Department and the NTA previously introduced a number of supports during the Covid-19 pandemic to reduce the costs for licenced SPSVs to continue in the industry during this very difficult period. These included several extensions of the maximum vehicle age on an emergency basis, and a temporary licence fee waiver. The NTA also introduced a regulatory measure to allow licence holders to be inactive for 24 months (previously 12 months) to allow them to remain attached to the industry with no associated costs during this very uncertain period. It is hoped that a significant proportion of these licencees will return now that demand for services is increasing.
The SPSV motor tax refund scheme was introduced as an additional financial support to assist the SPSV industry in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I announced this support on 9 June 2021 and an allocation of €2m in funding was provided. The Scheme commenced on 1 September 2021 ensuring that SPSV licence holders could receive a reimbursement of €95 for their SPSV Motor Tax. The Scheme will end on 31 August 2022.
The NTA also introduced the NCT Initial Test Fee Waiver Scheme for the SPSV sector on September 1st 2021, with funding of €1.5m from my Department. As a result, SPSVs presenting for the NCT received, and continue to receive, this test for free. This Scheme also ends on 31 August 2022.
I remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles. The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the NTA. €15m was allocated in 2022 to support the industry to switch to electric. A grant of up to €10,000 to support the purchase of a BEV in the taxi/hackney/limousine sector, with an additional €2,500 available for those choosing to make their vehicle wheelchair accessible, is available under the Scheme. Those scrapping older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicles are now eligible for double the normal grant if they make the switch to electric. The Scheme is kept under continuous review and is currently paused to allow for the drawdown and payment of provisional grant offers. When these grant offers have been drawn down, there will be a clearer picture of the funding available for the second half of the year and, at this stage, I anticipate the scheme will reopen for applications in the summer, allowing SPSV operators to again apply for the supports on offer.
At the same time, Microfinance Ireland is still providing the so-called eSPSV Business Loan, which is available to support small business owners with a Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) that are unable to secure finance from banks and asset finance providers and are availing of the government’s eSPSV Grant Scheme to replace their vehicle with a more sustainable model (electric/hybrid). These loans range from €5,000 to €25,000, with a fixed interest rate of 4.5% if submitted through a Local Enterprise Office, and with no additional fees or charges.
129. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a car kilometre reduction target for all car kilometres, both for internal combustion engine and electric vehicles in order for the transport system to be decarbonised at a pace that meets the statutory emissions targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30698/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 makes clear the need to reduce fossil-fueled passenger vehicle kilometres by at least 10%, to support a 51% emissions reduction for the transport sector, by 2030. This 10% target is also included in my Department's recently published Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), which aims to reduce demand for private car journeys in general by making it easier for people to travel via more sustainable modes – be that walking, cycling or public transport. In tandem with other suitable demand management measures and the electrification of the national passenger fleet, this shift to more sustainable modes will help to deliver on the 10% km reduction target.
With regard to reduction targets for kilometres driven by electric vehicles (EVs), such targets would not be impactful in terms of decarbonizing the transport sector, given that EVs have zero tailpipe emissions. Rather, incentives aimed at encouraging people to replace their fossil-fueled cars with EVs will help to increase the rate of EV penetration and commensurately reduce the level of emissions in the sector.
However, as the deputy will also be aware, there are a number of benefits which can be associated with reducing private car ownership and use, regardless of their fuel type, and particularly in urban areas. These include enhanced livability for residents; increased permeability of the urban space; noise and pollution reduction; reduced traffic congestion; increased road safety; an environment more amenable to active travel choices; and a higher degree of equity among transport users across all modes.
With that in mind, my Department is undertaking work across several areas aimed at reducing the demand for private car journeys overall. In December 2021, it published the Five Cities Demand Management Study , which aimed to identify transport demand drivers in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, and to assess the impact and suitability of an array of different demand management measures for each city. The study focused on addressing decarbonization, air quality, congestion and improving the overall urban environment. A key conclusion of this study is that there is no single solution to tackling the transport demand challenges facing our urban environments. Rather, utilizing an integrated Travel Demand Management approach to policy development, planning and delivery of our land use and transport systems will be fundamental to addressing these challenges in the coming years.
In line with our Climate Action Plan commitments, my Department, the NTA, the Regional Assemblies and other bodies are continuing to engage to identify a pathway for the implementation of suitable demand management measures at national and local level, and to advancing these measures by 2025.
Coupled with the work being carried out under the Sustainable Mobility Policy, these efforts will serve to reduce the number of kilometres driven by passenger cars - firstly by causing people to consider an alternative form of transport, and secondly by making it easier for them to choose more sustainable options such as walking, cycling, or public transport.
Finally, the preparation of Climate Action Plan 2023 will commence shortly and will require engagement among all departments and agencies up to September 2022, before the Climate Action Plan is submitted to Government for approval in November 2022. It is therefore too early to preempt any changes to targets for the Climate Action Plan 2023, which may otherwise be determined following these engagements.
131. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach the gross median wage for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [30795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach the gross weekly wage calculated from 60% of the gross median wage for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [30796/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach the hourly wage rate based on 60% of the gross median wage for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [30797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra134. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach the gross average wage for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [30798/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach the gross weekly wage calculated from 50% of the gross average wage for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [30800/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach the hourly wage rate based on 50% of the gross average wage for each of the years 2012 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [30801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 to 136, inclusive, together.
The exact information the Deputy requested is not available.
Statistics on average wages are compiled from the quarterly Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS) and from the Earnings Analysis using Administrative Data Sources (EAADS).
The EHECS collects aggregate quarterly data from enterprises with three or more employees in the NACE Rev 2 Industrial Sectors B–S inclusive. Annual estimates are also derived from the quarterly data. The EHECS is the official source of short-term earnings and labour costs estimates in the State. The quarterly EHECS earnings and labour estimates are published in the Earnings and Labour Costs release (ELC). The most recent final figures available are for Q4 2021. For further information please see the Background Notes available on the CSO website
The EAADS is the official source of structural earnings statistics and is based primarily on the Revenue Commissioner’s employee tax data which provides details of gross annual earnings and number of weeks worked in the year for all employments. The most recent estimates available are for the year 2020. For further information please see the Background Notes available on the CSO website.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions applied in response to it had a significant impact on the Labour Market in 2020 and 2021. Earnings statistics for 2020 and 2021 and comparisons with earlier years are impacted by changes in the composition of the labour market across 2020 and 2021. The level of earnings has also been impacted by the COVID-19 income support schemes introduced in 2020. These factors should be taken into account when considering the results presented below.
Estimates in relation to mean and median weekly and annual earnings below are taken from the EAADS. Data in relation to hourly earnings is not available from the EAADS. Estimates in relation to hourly earnings below are taken from the ELC.
The data presented below is mean hourly earnings as it is not possible to calculate median hourly earnings from the EHECS as data is collected at enterprise level and not at employee level.
The annual earnings data presented from the EAADS is based on employments that were active for at least 50 weeks in the reference year.
Table 1 below shows the median annual earnings of employments working in Economic Sectors Nace Rev. 2 B-S for the period 2011 – 2020 inclusive. Estimates of 60% and 50% of the median annual earnings are also provided. Annual earnings data is based on employments that were active for at least 50 weeks in the reference year.
Table 2 below shows the median weekly earnings of employments working in Economic Sectors Nace Rev. 2 B-S for the period 2011 – 2020 inclusive. Estimates of 60% and 50% of the median weekly earnings are also provided.
Table 3 below shows the mean annual earnings of employments working in Economic Sectors Nace Rev. 2 B-S for the period 2011 – 2020 inclusive. Estimates of 60% and 50% of the mean annual earnings are also provided. Annual earnings data is based on employments that were active for at least 50 weeks in the reference year.
Table 4 below shows the mean weekly earnings of employments working in Economic Sectors Nace Rev. 2 B-S for the period 2011 – 2020 inclusive. Estimates of 60% and 50% of the mean weekly earnings are also provided.
Table 5 below shows the mean hourly earnings of employments working in Economic Sectors Nace Rev. 2 B-S for the period 2012 – 2020 inclusive. Estimates of 60% and 50% of the mean hourly earnings are also provided.
Table 6 below shows the mean hourly earnings of employments working in Economic Sectors Nace Rev. 2 B-S for the period Q1 2021 to Q4 2021 inclusive.
Estimates of 60% and 50% of the mean hourly earnings are also provided. The annual hourly earnings estimates for 2021 will be published by end June 2022.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 131.
Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 131.
Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 131.
Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 131.
137. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Taoiseach the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon [28585/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe accommodation used by my Department is located in a low-risk area for radon. Radon testing was carried out in the basement of Government Buildings some years ago and it was advised at that time that no further action was necessary.
138. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach if he has read the recent report on the education systems North and South by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will detail the target funding from the Shared Island fund which is being used in this field, particularly to target the high prevalence of early school-leavers in Northern Ireland. [28634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 April, I launched and participated in a webinar conference on the Shared Island report referred to, by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), on ‘A North – South comparison of Education and training systems: lessons for policy’.
This report was commissioned as part of the joint research programme between the ESRI and my Department’s Shared Island unit.
This is the first study to systematically examine education systems and outcomes in the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland, from primary through to third-level. The research explores a range of issues including educational attainment, educational inequalities in society, skills development and related labour market outcomes, North and South.
This research adds significantly to the evidence and understanding we have on how our education systems serve students, families and communities on this island, North and South; and how we could cooperate on an all-island basis on education delivery and reform to enhance educational experience and outcomes.
The ESRI study sets out clearly that, unfortunately, overall education achievement and school completion rates in Northern Ireland lag behind both the rest of the UK and Ireland. This is also the case for the impact of education sector initiatives in recent years to support levels of education completion and attainment in disadvantaged communities.
The Northern Ireland Executive has rightly put a focus on addressing this position - last year agreeing to take forward the recommendations of the ‘Fair Start’ report of the Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement.
I have long made the case for both the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to do more to support the Executive in this area. The unique community context and legacy in Northern Ireland, means that education reform and meeting the needs of marginalised communities is more complex.
Tackling educational underachievement is one of the agreed work programme areas as part of Education Sector co-operation through the North South Ministerial Council.
The Government will seek to work with a new Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government to enhance our cooperation and support on educational attainment issues in Northern Ireland in the time ahead.
This is an important part of how we can work together for a more inclusive, prosperous and shared future on this island for all communities.
The Shared Island unit in my Department, in partnership with the the Standing Conference on Teacher Education, North and South (SCoTENS), has also commissioned two research projects on educational underachievement, which are underway and final reports will be published in October 2022. This work will also contribute to enhanced understanding and professional and policy development on educational attainment, on a shared island basis.
139. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when he will reconvene the party leader’s forum on violence against women that was due to be held in March 2022. [28864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to tackling violence against women in all its forms, and is currently working on a new strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which will be published shortly. This new plan will have a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
It has always been Government’s intention to launch the new Strategy as soon as possible. However, it has been equally important to ensure that it is as comprehensive as possible so that it addresses all facets of DSGBV across society with appropriate actions from every relevant body. Ensuring this holistic response has resulted in a short delay in its intended publication date.
The Strategy has been developed on the basis of extensive contacts with all relevant stakeholders including a public consultation. As part of this inclusive process, a gathering of party leaders was convened in January 2022 where it was agreed that all concerned would meet again. A meeting of party leaders is being arranged as agreed and will be confirmed shortly.
140. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged negative interest by financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board in 2021 in each of the preceding years in which such charges were applied. [29213/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) are both independent offices operating under the aegis of the Department.
NESDO have not been charged interest for savings in their deposit account. The CSO do not have a deposit account and charges to the CSO bank account are applied as with all other Government Departments under the terms of the centrally placed contract. They have not been charged negative interest.
