Tuesday, 28 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 168-187

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (168)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow a company (details supplied) to operate in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33568/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Small public service vehicles (SPSVs) are regulated in Ireland by the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA).  I can inform the Deputy that Uber has operated in Ireland since 2014, and as it is considered a transport service which offers the carriage of passengers for reward, it is subject to the same regulations. The NTA has licensed Uber as a dispatch operator. Dispatch operators are required to only provide bookings to SPSV licenced drivers using SPSV licensed vehicles.   A fundamental tenet of Ireland’s SPSV regulatory regime is that only SPSV licenced drivers and vehicles are used for the carriage of passengers for reward.   

I met with Uber representatives on 10th June last.  Uber is satisfied with the regulatory structure of the SPSV industry in Ireland, as it’s clear to the company how it can legally operate here.  

The regulatory framework for SPSVs in Ireland requires that all drivers and vehicles are licensed, as a means of protecting the consumer and helping ensure public safety Furthermore, no special regulations have been developed to govern the carriage of passengers by passenger cars, which are not SPSVs.  Therefore, the classic Uber model where anyone with a car and the Uber App can provide taxi services does not exist here.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (169, 202)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

169. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to expand the availability of 24-hour bus routes in the Dublin region; the routes that are currently operating 24 hours; the routes that are planned to become 24-hour routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33624/22]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

202. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he or the National Transport Authority have plans to introduce 24-hour light rail, heavy rail and bus services in order to enhance public transport options. [34272/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 202 together.

As 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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputies specific questions in relation to 24 hour bus and rail services, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (170)

Josepha Madigan

Ceist:

170. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will enter into discussions with bus service providers (details supplied) to seek the re-establishment of the Dundrum to Dublin Airport bus service to provide residents of Dundrum and surrounding areas with a cheaper more environmentally friendly alternative of commuting to the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33629/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

Further, the bus services referred to by the Deputy are commercial bus services and as such  responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the re-establishment of the Dundrum to Dublin Airport bus service, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Bus Éireann

Ceisteanna (171)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

171. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the number of Bus Éireann buses that left from Dublin Airport to different parts of the country for each specific route in the month of June to date in 2022 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33642/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services.

The query raised regarding the number of Bus Éireann buses that left from Dublin Airport to different parts of the Country for each specific route in the month of June to date in 2022 is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (172)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

172. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time for NCT appointments in various parts of the country; the plans to clear the backlog; and if he is considering extending the life of existing certificates as a way to take pressure off the system. [33679/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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.

With regard to extending the validity of existing test certificates, EU Member States are required to carry out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at specified regular intervals. 

Under Regulation 3(2) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), which sets out the applicable dates for periodic testing, the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined using the date of registration of that vehicle and subsequent test due dates fall on anniversaries of that date. Accordingly, all test due dates are predetermined based on the date of registration of a vehicle and any NCT certificate issued in respect of a vehicle is only valid up to the test due date that falls after that certificate was issued.

Ireland, like all EU Member States, is obliged to adhere to the specified minimum intervals between roadworthiness inspections. Permitting the validity of roadworthiness certificates to be extended without inspection would place the State in breach of our obligations under European law and may negatively impact road safety should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive. There are no current plans to amend this legislation.

However, I am very aware of the serious challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. This is a serious matter. My department will continue to monitor the RSA's progress to reduce test delays as part of its ongoing corporate governance processes.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (173, 206, 207)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

173. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a phased abolition of fares on public transport in order to ease cost-of-living pressures and tackle climate change; if this measure will be considered along with the need to increase the capacity on public transport and to provide an appropriate subvention for private transport operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33682/22]

Seán Canney

Ceist:

206. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a cost analysis of providing fare-free travel on public transport for a 12-month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34368/22]

Seán Canney

Ceist:

207. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will commission a study to examine the impact and cost-benefit analysis of providing fare-free travel on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34369/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 206 and 207 together.

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 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.  

Providing free public transport is often seen as a silver bullet solution to our transport and climate challenges. And while I recognise the importance of incentivising greater use of our public transport services, I am not convinced that providing free public transport is the most balanced means of achieving this objective. 

COVID gave us some insight into the level of funding that might be required in the absence of fare revenue. For example, in 2020, an additional €370 million was required to enable the continued operation of public transport services due to the collapse of fare intake. In 2021, €659m was required to run PSO services, and this year we have allocated €538 million for the continuation of these essential services. Apportioning such significant levels of Exchequer resources to one goal undoubtedly impacts the State’s ability to support other worthy public services. 

While I might not agree that free transport provides the answer, I do believe there is merit in incentivising fares when an appropriate balance can be struck. In view of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, I was delighted to introduce the Young Adult Card in May which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an average of discount of 50% on public transport fares. In addition, a 20% average PSO fare reduction was introduced as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living.

In addition, as well as the TFI 90 Minute Fares scheme which means that adults now pay €2, young adults pay €1, and children pay just 65 cent to travel for up to 90 minutes on Dublin Bus, Luas and most DART, commuter rail and Go-Ahead Ireland services in Dublin. In May alone, the number of people who had a Child Leap Card, Student Leap Card, or the new Young Adult Leap Card increased by over 16,000, which is very encouraging.

While fare reductions are to be welcomed, investment in additional services is also critical. For this reason, I am committed to progressing core projects like BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and DART+ as well as improving existing services across the country.

Licensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system, particularly in areas around the country which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services.  In recognition of the important role these operators play, the Government has continued to provide temporary financial supports throughout the Covid-19 pandemic for certain licensed commercial services, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis.

In acknowledgment of the continuing difficulties facing this sector, these supports for the commercial sector were recently extended up to the 30th  of June 2022. To date over €60m has been provided to support the Commercial Bus Operators during this challenging time.

It is envisaged that the YAC will be broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. However, it is important to note that it is technically more challenging to roll-out fare initiatives such as the Young Adult Card on the commercial bus network than it is on the LEAP enabled PSO network. As such, it will take longer to make this fare discount available to Commercial Bus Operators.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) is in detailed discussions with transport operators and the Department of Transport regarding the range of issues that need to be addressed.  To assist with this process, the NTA has established a joint working group with commercial bus operators to consider options and develop a plan to implement the Young Adult Card on Commercial Bus Operators in as timely a manner as possible, taking account of current ticketing capabilities to ensure a viable scheme is implemented

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, in light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputies specific questions in relation to free transport, to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Taxi Licences

Ceisteanna (174)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

174. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with companies (details supplied) to discuss the taxi shortages in Dublin; if not, if he will seek such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33702/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. 

Dispatch operators are regulated in Ireland by the NTA.  They are permitted to provide bookings to SPSV licenced drivers using SPSV licensed vehicles, only.   A fundamental tenet of Ireland’s SPSV regulatory regime is that only SPSV licenced drivers and vehicles are used for the carriage of passengers for reward.   

Ireland's regulatory framework requires that all drivers and vehicles are licensed, as a means of protecting the consumer and helping ensure public safety. Furthermore, no special regulations have been developed to govern the carriage of passengers by passenger cars which are not SPSVs.  Therefore, the classic model where anyone with a car and the relevant App, can provide taxi services, does not exist here.

I have not met with the companies concerned.  I have met with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs three times during the pandemic, with the last meeting taking place on 25 November 2021. These meetings provided me with a valuable opportunity to get first-hand information on the issues affecting the industry, including on the impact that the Covid-related restrictions at the time were having on operators.  The Committee is the primary forum for discussing issues in relation to the SPSV sector. It was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to provide both the Minister and the NTA with advice in relation to small public service vehicles and their drivers. Neither the NTA nor the Minister are bound by any advice provided.

There has been a representative from a dispatch operator, namely Free Now, on the Committee since 2019, acknowledging the fact that Free Now is currently the largest taxi dispatch operator in Ireland, with around two-thirds of all taxi drivers affiliated to it. Therefore, the views of taxi dispatch operators are listened to and are of great significance to the Committee.

Drivers are an important part of the Committee’s membership, and four positions on the Committee are reserved for members who can represent driver interests. All four of these positions are filled by licenced SPSV drivers from across the country and I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers. The Committee also features representatives of disabled passengers and older passengers, and members from the tourist industry, local government and from An Garda Síochána. One of the Committees' strengths is this broad and diverse representation. The perspective of passengers is of particular importance in considering SPSV policy issues.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (175)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

175. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a person (details supplied) cannot change their driver licence for an Irish driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33789/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.

I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from the RSA in 10 working days, I would ask that he contact my office directly.

Ministerial Appointments

Ceisteanna (176)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

176. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of bilateral meetings that he has had with his European Union counterparts to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33794/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As noted in the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to placing Ireland at the heart of Europe. Membership of the European Union has been transformative for Ireland and its people and I believe that it is in Ireland's best interests to pursue an active and engaged membership by working with our colleagues across the Union.

To date in 2022, I attended a videoconference meeting of EU Transport Ministers on 8 April. The meeting was organised at the request of Poland and other EU Member States near or at the Ukrainian border to discuss the EU response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

I also keep in regular contact with the network of European Green Ministers on various issues. This includes my Ministerial colleagues in Luxembourg, Belgium and Austria.

In addition, I met remotely with Prof. Péter Balázs, the EU Coordinator for the North Sea–Mediterranean Corridor of the Trans-European Transport Network on 17 June 2022 to discuss developments on the Irish section of the Corridor. 

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (177)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

177. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) from County Donegal can expect a test date for their articulated vehicle licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33805/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Ministerial Responsibilities

Ceisteanna (178)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

178. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the State boards that are under his remit; the details of each State board; the details of all the persons who are currently on each board in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33842/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

There are 11 commercial bodies and 5 non-commercial bodies under the aegis of the Department of Transport.   In addition, my department also processes board appointments for 2 organisations under the remit of our agencies, namely the Railway Safety Advisory Council and the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles.

Information as requested by the Deputy including details of the State Board and details in relation to the current membership of each board is available here on stateboards.ie and here on my Department’s website. 

Taxi Licences

Ceisteanna (179)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

179. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the number of new taxi permits that have been issued for Dublin Airport for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33880/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As the Deputy will be aware daa has the statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport.

The issue raised is an operational matter for daa, I have therefore forwarded your question to the company for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.

Taxi Licences

Ceisteanna (180)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

180. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether increased transferability of taxi licences is needed to address the current taxi shortage; if he has considered this as a solution to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33891/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  

The transfer of licences for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) is, at present, prohibited under section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013.  In the case of the death of a licence holder, however, Section 15 of the same Act applies special provisions.  In such circumstances, a SPSV licence may continue to be operated by a person who was nominated by the licence holder in advance of his or her death.  The current licensing regime is built on the principle that a licence should have no monetary value or be traded on the open market and should simply indicate a person’s suitability to carry out the role of taxi operator.

The NTA has requested the Advisory Committee on SPSVs to conduct a review of the issue of licence transferability.  It is expected that the Advisory Committee will submit a report and recommendations on this issue to the NTA in late Q3 2022.  Whilst the Committee’s report and any resulting recommendations by the NTA will need to be considered carefully, at this point it is not considered that there are any market or public interest reasons for making large-scale or fundamental changes to the current policy and legislative position.

Taxi Licences

Ceisteanna (181)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

181. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of new taxi and hackney licences granted in County Cork for each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and the total number of licences, taxis and hackneys operating in County Cork by location in tabular form. [33957/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.  

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (182)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

182. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a person (details supplied) cannot pay for the renewal of their driver licence in cash; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33959/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Safety Authority, which provides the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), made the decision to no longer accept cash payments at NDLS centres after evaluating security, administration and value for money factors, and considering that most applicants only need to avail of this service once every 10 years.

Payment at NDLS offices can be made by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or by Payzone vouchers. Payzone vouchers can be purchased from retailers in towns and villages nationwide (over 3,500 outlets). Card payment is the most predominant means of payment. The NDLS also allows an accompanying person make card payments for customers who do not have cards themselves. There is no fee for licences issued to people aged 70 or older.

Coast Guard Service

Ceisteanna (183)

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

183. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport the specific details of the significant programme of change across key areas of the Irish Coast Guard that he announced recently taking into account the issues raised and recommended in the final report on an accident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33960/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

It is presumed the deputy is referring to the statements made on my behalf by Minister of State at the Department of Health Deputy Frankie Feighan during commencement matters in Seanad Éireann on Wed 15 Jun. 

Since then, on Fri 17 Jun, the AAIU has published the responses returned by my colleague Minister Eamon Ryan on the 1st Feb (as well as some subsequent clarifications) in relation to the 14 Safety Recommendations addressed to him. These Safety Recommendations have been deemed either closed or in process of implementation. This reflects the significant work done by the Department and the Irish Coast Guard since the tragic loss of R116 in 2017. Where a Recommendation is in process of implementation the Department clearly set out next steps and timeframes for completion and the AAIU has acknowledged the proposed steps.

In the week following the publication of the AAIU report into the accident I and my colleague Minister Eamon Ryan spoke extensively in the Dáil and the Seanad respectively (17th and 18th November) outlining the progress which had been made which I can refer to here. 

The Department did not wait for the publication of the final report to implement changes on foot of the lessons learned following the accident. Since March 2017, and specifically following receipt of the draft final report in September 2019, the Department and, in particular, the Irish Coast Guard, have undertaken a significant programme of change across key areas to take account of issues raised and recommendations addressed to me.

On foot of the interim report of the air accident investigation unit, the then Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport commissioned an independent review of oversight arrangements for search and rescue aviation operations in Ireland. Following publication of the independent review, known as the AQE report, in September 2018, the then Minister committed to implementing its 12 recommendations. The measures that have been taken fall under six broad categories: the development of a new national search and rescue framework, the national SAR plan or NSP; enhancing safety and oversight across the search and rescue system; addressing oversight of search and rescue aviation elements nationally and internationally; the review and revision of all relevant standard operating procedures and training for Coast Guard personnel, in particular rescue co-ordination centre staff training, with a focus on aviation tasking including the introduction of a formal course on tasking of aviation assets delivered by an IAA authorised training organisation; the development of an externally accredited safety management system in the Coast Guard; and a review of governance arrangements in regard to the aviation contractor, enhancing aviation expertise in critical areas and legislative reform of the IAA.

A new search and rescue framework, the NSP, which provides for more explicit governance, assurance and oversight roles across the SAR system, was noted by Government and published in July 2019. The key objectives of the NSP are to achieve a rebalancing of the previous maritime-centric SAR framework to encompass air and land SAR more comprehensively; establish effective governance, oversight and assurance across the SAR system to take account of national and international obligations; achieve clarity on roles, inter-relationships and responsibilities from the strategic through to tactical and operational levels; develop a common approach to managing SAR incidents across the three domains; to set priorities, objectives and performance expectations, measure performance at system level; and provide a sound and clear basis for continuous improvement.

The NSP sets out more explicit governance, assurance and oversight roles across the SAR system. The plan resets a more strategic and focused national search and rescue committee with a leaner and more coherent set of sub-committees, including an SAR consultative committee, a regulators forum, a health and safety forum and an aviation forum. The plan also sets out a clear description of the national SAR system, including roles, inter-relationships and responsibilities from the strategic through to tactical and operational levels.

Another deliverable was an implementation plan for the recommended model for a joint rescue co-ordination centre, JRCC. It is a special type of rescue co-ordination centre that is operated by personnel from the maritime rescue co-ordination centre and the aviation rescue co-ordination centre. This virtual JRCC is intended to capitalise on the strengths of the current model, minimising disruption and exploiting opportunities for enhanced technology, closer co-operation and revised operating procedures, notably to address the vulnerabilities identified in the existing model and to provide for stronger oversight arrangements.

Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the new joint model. The Coast Guard and IAA have agreed a concept of operations and procedures manual and this work has resulted in increased collaboration and professional interaction between the Coast Guard and the aeronautical rescue co-ordination centre. Formal establishment is subject to the filling of newly established positions in the Coast Guard rescue co-ordination centre following a public appointments service process.

As an appendix to the NSP, guidance is provided on the development of a common approach to managing SAR incidents across all three domains of land, maritime and aeronautical SAR, including the transition from search and rescue to search and recovery. It was agreed that the NSP would be delivered on a phased basis to enable a managed and integrated approach to the development of the new SAR structures, along with the coherent development of memoranda of understanding and service level agreements between all relevant stakeholders to underpin the new assurance mechanism.

Since then, progress in delivering key aspects of the implementation plan has been good, with the majority of actions completed and the remainder on track for delivery in 2022. The actions include the first annual report of the NSARC on the NSP, which was approved in July of last year and subsequently published by the Government on gov.ie. The second annual report will be presented shortly.

Key performance indicators for the NSP are being developed by a dedicated working group. The development of a new dynamic SAR assets register is under way. A new aviation training programme for Irish Coast Guard staff provided by an IAA approved training provider is ongoing. In addition to the Irish Coast Guard staff, course participants include aeronautical rescue co-ordination centre staff and members of An Garda Síochána from the Garda air support unit, which is indicative of the increased collaboration between the three SAR co-ordinators.

As mentioned earlier, in light of safety recommendations, the Coast Guard is building on its safety management system, which encompasses all aspects of its operations. The safety management system will be externally accredited to ISO 45001. A review and revision of all relevant standard operating procedures and training of Coast Guard personnel was completed and updated on foot of incident reviews under the Coast Guard continuous improvement regime.

In regard to implementing a safety management system to ISO 45001 the Coast Guard is in the final stages of work to prepare for accreditation later this year. The Coast Guard is also implementing a range of measures which represent a SAR assurance system. This includes updating and renewing its memorandums of understanding, MOUs, with SAR co-ordinators and SAR facility providers. MOUs are based on an agreed template setting out respective roles and responsibilities, services provided, availability and oversight arrangements. This includes continuous system improvement, risk assessment and safety management. The vast majority of these MOUs are completed with first-line SAR facility providers and SAR co-ordinators. Work is ongoing with the remaining support organisations with which the Coast Guard has links.

The legislative framework for the regulation of coast guard aviation activities continues to be enhanced. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), in consultation with the IRCG and the Department, developed a revised set of regulations and detailed rules specific to search and rescue. These were published on 1 June. Further national legislation for coast guard aviation operations is set out in the Irish Aviation Authority (Regulation of Irish Coast Guard Aviation Operations) Order 2022 (S.I. 212 of 2022) which came into force on 1 May. The IAA is developing procedures to transition from the existing SAR Approval to a National Coast Guard Approval provided for in S.I. 212 of 2022, which will provide for a single regulatory framework to cover all coast guard aviation activities. The IAA, the IRCG and the Department, will continue to work closely together to enhance the regulation and oversight of coast guard aviation operations. 

I hope this account satisfies the Deputy, further information and general information on the Search and Rescue services work in Ireland will be available in the National SAR Plan Annual Report to be published shortly.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (184)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

184. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport when works will commence on upgrading Fintra Bridge, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33962/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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 road grants. 

My Department has provided grant assistance to Donegal County Council for the planning and design of the R263 Fintra Bridge and Road Re-alignment Project and will continue to liaise with the Council in relation to progression of the scheme as programme budgets allow.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (185)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

185. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total number of persons who are employed by his Department; the number who are currently working remotely; and the estimated number of persons in his Department who ordinarily worked from home prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. [33985/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Department of Transport currently has a headcount of 595.

Currently all staff attend the office a minimum of 3 days per week, and may work remotely up to a maximum of 2 days per week.  

In accordance with the Civil Service Blended Working Framework, published on 31st March 2022, my Department has developed its own Blended Working Policy. From 1st July 2022, the Department will facilitate flexible blended working arrangements for all eligible staff members on a pattern of up to a maximum of 5 days over a fortnight period on a 2 days / 3 days alternating pattern for office attendance as determined by business needs.

One staff member was availing of eWorking prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. This pattern enabled two days of remote working per week.

Tax Code

Ceisteanna (186)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

186. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the possibility of allowing drivers of vehicles having passenger accommodation for less than eight persons to apply for an exemption in order to avail of the concessionary rate of motor tax for school buses due to extenuating circumstances (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33986/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

In order to qualify for the school bus rate of motor tax, which is €95 annually, a vehicle must be a large public service vehicle within the meaning of the Road Traffic Acts (i.e., having passenger accommodation for more than eight persons, excluding the driver’s seat) and used only for the carriage of children, or children and teachers, to and from school or to and from school-related physical education activities. The vehicle must either be licensed under Article 60 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 or be owned by a statutory transport undertaking. 

The change proposed by the Deputy would require amendment to relevant legislation outlined. It would also have a potential cost to the Exchequer.

Any proposed changes to the current structure of the motor tax system are a matter for consideration in a Budgetary context. Changes to motor tax, either to the structure or to rates, are announced on Budget Day and subsequently legislated for in the Finance Act, which gives permanent effect to Budget measures.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (187)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

187. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving test centres that are operational in the State; the location of each; and the average number of weekly tests being carried out at each of these centres. [33987/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51