Written Answers Nos. 78-97
78. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of bus driver testers in County Wexford; the current number of vacancies for bus driver testers in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48677/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the information requested is held by them.
I have therefore referred this 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.
79. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of persons awaiting a bus drive test in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48678/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the information requested is held by them.
I have therefore referred this 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.
80. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the discussions that he is having with both the Road Safety Authority and Bus Éireann in regard to the current policy not to allow persons after the age of 70 years to drive a bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48679/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport are the responsibility of the individual operators - in this case, Bus Éireann.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
81. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the training in legislation that is provided to staff at the Road Safety Authority; the intervals that staff are provided with refresher training in legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48680/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs an employer, the Road Safety Authority is responsible for the appropriate training of its personnel commensurate with each employee's role and responsibilities.
The Deputy's question has therefore been forwarded to the Authority for direct reply.
82. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport his plans for investment in services and on-site facilities at Ennis bus station given its importance to promoting sustainable transport and contribution to the local tourism economy in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport are the responsibility of the individual operators - in this case, Bus Éireann.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
83. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on the proposed provision of a rail stop at Crusheen, County Clare, in view of his Department's goal of increasing public transport usage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48697/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to at Crusheen, Co Clare, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
84. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number and cost of each website that falls under his Department's remit; the average number of unique visitors per month to each website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48699/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Website |
Site Reference |
Visitors per month (approx.) |
Cost (inc. VAT) |
|
Department of Transport |
gov.ie |
94,500 |
€12,217 – Covers the first four sites |
|
Air Accident Investigation Unit |
aaiu.ie |
Not Available |
|
|
Road Transport Operator Licensing online |
rtol.ie |
Not Available |
|
|
Maritime Education and Training Ireland |
seafarers.ie |
Not Available |
|
|
On Line Motor Tax |
motortax.iemotarchain.ie |
350,000 |
€1,260,000 |
|
Change of vehicle ownership |
motortrans.ie |
1,000 |
|
|
End of Life Vehicle |
motorelv.ie |
100 |
Several of the Department’s websites have been rationalised and the information is now available on Gov.ie.
The Driver Vehicle and Computer Services Division (DVCSD) manage three Departmental online websites:
- Online Motor Tax Website (OMT) at www.motortax.ie enables vehicle owners tax their vehicle online
- Online Change of Vehicle Ownership (CVO) (www.motortrans.ie ) enables approved motor dealers notify vehicle ownership changes to the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) online; and
- Online End of Life Vehicle (ELV) (www.motorelv.ie ) service enables Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF’s) notify end-of-life vehicle (ELV) instances to the NVDF online
The total cost to host, licence and manage the 3 online websites per annum is approximately €1.26m. A technology refresh of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) and its associated systems is undertaken annually and the cost of this is up to €2m.
85. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons within his Department who are working remotely on a part-time or full-time basis in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department introduced a blended working scheme on a 6-month pilot basis on 1st July 2022. In accordance with the Civil Service Blended Working Framework, no staff member may work remotely on a full-time basis. In designing that scheme, HR Division consulted with management to determine which roles were suitable for blended working arrangements. There are 64 staff in the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division of my Department which is located in Shannon, Co. Clare. The primary role of the division relates to the management of the national motor tax and driving licence services and the implementation of policies for these services which meet customer requirements. While many of the functions are conducive to blended working, there are a small number of functions which do not.Of the 64 staff, 45 are availing of blended working arrangements, up to the maximum pattern available in my Department, currently of 5 days per fortnight, with pro rata arrangements for worksharers. Due to the nature of their functions, 11 staff members must attend the office workplace daily to undertake their duties. Another 8 staff members have currently opted to attend the office workplace on a full-time basis.
86. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to changing toll barrier policy as it relates to heavy goods vehicles to bring in line with other European countries and to save fuel and reduce emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
With regard to the payment mechanism associated with toll operations, it is a contractual obligation which incorporates a traffic guarantee mechanism. Therefore, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
As regards climate action, the impact of transport infrastructure on carbon mitigation is fully taken into account in TII's investment decisions on national road infrastructure.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he will support the transition to cleaner engines for heavy goods vehicles; if he will introduce a targeted scrappage scheme; if he will support the move to Euro VI engines; if so, the way that he will support same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently several Government supports in place to help decarbonise heavy-duty vehicles and to assist in the reduction of carbon emissions.
My Department launched the Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme in March 2021, which partly funds the purchase of new alternatively fuelled large vans, trucks, buses and coaches.
Grant levels under the Scheme are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between a conventionally-fuelled diesel HDV and its alternatively-fuelled equivalent. Maximum grant levels for eligible vehicles depend on the size of the company or enterprise applying for the grant, and on the fuel-type of the vehicle that the applicant wishes to buy. Funding of €3m was allocated to the Scheme this year and I am pleased to say that the scheme will once again be funded in 2023.
There are positive signs from truck manufacturers regarding the expected future availability of new Battery Electric truck models on the market. The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is currently being finalised, and when completed this Regulation will outline mandatory targets for the construction of alternative fuelling stations, including electric charging points and hydrogen fuel stations, in all Member States. The recently established Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland Office has responsibility for overall strategy for EV charging infrastructure in Ireland and will consider supports and funding, including for heavy goods vehicles in due course.
Ireland also has the Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive which offers toll discounts for alternatively-fuelled vehicles, up to an annual cap of €1,000.
With regard to a scrappage scheme for older trucks, the European Green Deal includes a specific commitment for the removal of subsidies for fossil fuels at the national level. Financial support for the uptake of EURO VI and the upcoming EURO VII diesel trucks is not consistent with that commitment and it is not likely to be possible to progress such a Scheme in line with EU State Aid rules.
However, the Government is committed to increasing the use of biofuels as a means to support emissions reductions for diesel vehicles. Under the Biofuels Obligation Scheme a percentage of the motor fuel in Ireland is obligated to be produced from renewable sources. On 21 January 2022, this percentage was increased from 12.359% to 14.942% by volume. It is intended to raise this percentage to 20% biodiesel by 2030, a move which will help to significantly reduce emissions from the haulage sector.
My Department is currently finalising research on the sustainability and availability of renewable transport fuels, including Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, which can be used as a direct substitute for diesel in existing vehicle engines and which has been successfully trialled by a number of companies in recent times.
In addition, my Department is also commissioning a biofuels taxation study that will consider the possible interactions between the proposed revisions to the EU Energy Taxation Directive, which sets out the taxation rates for energy products across Europe, and national transport decarbonisation trajectories. The scope of the study is currently being finalised, and its results will inform renewable transport fuels policy development.
Finally, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a ten-year strategy for the haulage sector. This strategy will focus on generating efficiencies, improving standards, and continuing supports to the sector to move to a low-carbon future. The strategy will be published before the end of the year.
88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the call for the introduction of a tiered fuel rebate scheme for heavy goods vehicles to encourage and support the transition to cleaner vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Diesel rebate scheme is a policy matter for the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
The Diesel Rebate Scheme is currently available to licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. At diesel prices over €1.43 (including VAT), the maximum rebate of 7.5 cent per litre is provided. The European Green Deal includes a specific commitment for the removal of subsidies for fossil fuels at the national level. Discussions on this in the context of the EU Energy Taxation Directive, which currently allows for the operation of the Diesel Rebate Scheme, are ongoing at EU level.
The interaction between fuel prices, taxation and a wider shift away from fossil fuels is complex and will be led by the Department of Finance. To support this process, this Department is commissioning a biofuels taxation study that will consider the possible interactions between the proposed revised EU energy taxation regime and national transport decarbonisation trajectories. The scope of the study is currently being finalised, and its results will inform renewable transport fuels policy development.
In addition there are currently several Government supports in place to help decarbonise the heavy-duty sector and to assist in the reduction of carbon emissions. My Department launched the Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme in March 2021, which partly funds the purchase of new alternatively fuelled large vans, trucks, buses and coaches. Funding of €3m was allocated to the Scheme this year and I am pleased to say that the scheme will once again be funded in 2023. Ireland also has the Low Emission Vehicle Toll Incentive which offers toll discounts for alternatively-fuelled vehicles, up to an annual cap of €1,000.
The Government is also committed to increasing the use of biofuels as a means to support emissions reductions for diesel vehicles. Under the Biofuels Obligation Scheme a percentage of the motor fuel in Ireland is obligated to be produced from renewable sources. On 21 January 2022, this percentage was increased from 12.359% to 14.942% by volume. It is intended to raise this percentage to 20% biodiesel by 2030, a move which will help to significantly reduce emissions from the haulage sector.
89. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to reform the driver certificate of professional competence system for heavy goods vehicle drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48767/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe driver certificate of professional competence process is based on European Union Directive 2003/59/EC on the initial qualifications and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.
CPC modules are reviewed on a continuous basis. The latest review on Module 2 is almost complete and it is expected be rolled out in the coming months.
Furthermore, the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 includes an action to review accessibility of driver CPC. This action is being led by the Road Safety Authority and is due for completion in quarter 2 of next year.
90. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department have explored the possibility of securing an extension of the Ghyvelde Corridor exemption to Irish heavy goods vehicles given the significant increase in direct ferry crossings and haulage between Ireland and France post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics I regularly engage with the sectoral representative bodies. Most recently on 20 September 2022, I along with my officials in the Department of Transport, met with a delegation of the Irish Road Haulage Association (‘IRHA’) where the operational needs of Irish operators arriving into France on direct services from Ireland was raised by the IRHA.
I am aware that while there is a general weekend ban on truck driving in place in France, on the so-called ‘Corridor de Ghyvelde’ from Calais and Dunkirk, vehicles are permitted to travel on weekend days through France to Belgium and the Netherlands. I am informed that the IRHA is currently engaged with the French authorities in a request to have this corridor extended to allow for travel commencing from the French ports of Cherbourg and Le Havre also. This is a matter for French authorities to consider this request.
91. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider running a national safety campaign, similar to the Stayin Alive at 1.5 undertaken by Cycling Ireland to advise motorist to stay a distance apart from pedestrians when overtaking them. [48769/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising, and the dissemination of road safety information.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for their consideration and direct reply as appropriate. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
On the specific suggestion of running a national campaign similar to Staying Alive at 1.5 but for pedestrians, the Government's Road Safety Strategy requires the RSA to implement specific educational measures aimed at protecting vulnerable road users in particular drivers' obligations to drive in anticipation of vulnerable road users on the road. The RSA has confirmed to me that they are intending to include messaging on safe passing of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in upcoming media announcements and launches for vulnerable road users.
92. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended for the chief surveyor to have oversight of the proposed new marine accident investigation unit; and if so, the measures that are being considered to prevent any conflicts of interest. [48845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chief Surveyor of the Marine Survey Office (MSO) will not be involved in the oversight of the Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU).
The General Scheme being developed by my Department and which is at an advanced stage, will specifically provide for the MAIU to be independent in its organisation, legal structure and decision making from any party whose interests could conflict with it as set out in the EU Directive regarding the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector.
Following preliminary advice from the Office of the Attorney General, the General Scheme will include a number of provisions establishing that the MAIU will meet these requirements. Further provisions may be incorporated to ensure this is the case as the legislation is developed. My Department is also engaging with the EU Commission outlining our approach in establishing the new marine accident investigation unit within the Department.
93. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail the impact of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board dissolution on currently contracted investigators; if investigators have been notified of the planned dissolution of the MCIB; and if it is intended to transfer these contracts to the marine accident investigation unit once it is formed. [48846/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Board of the MCIB has available to it a panel of investigators to undertake investigations. Investigators are independent contractors and the panel reflects broad based maritime competence and experience. An investigator is selected from the panel to carry out an investigation based on the competencies needed to carry out that investigation.
Cabinet approval has been given to the preparation of draft heads of a General Scheme to provide for a new marine accident investigation unit based on the establishment of a full -time investigative resource to replace the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. The General Scheme being developed by my Department will include provisions to ensure a smooth transition between the two bodies. The progress of the proposed legislation will determine the timeline regarding dissolving the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) who along with investigators are continuing their valuable work in the area in the interim. My Department will work closely with the Board of the MCIB to ensure a smooth transition to a full time investigation structure.
An open recruitment competition for the role of the Chief Investigator and the permanent investigators will be conducted by the Public Appointment Service, who are the centralised provider of recruitment services across the Civil and Public Service. This will ensure fair, transparent and merit-based appointments for these key positions within the MAIU.
94. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if there are any funding updates with regards to the M11/N11 upgrade which was previously refused funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The M11/N11 upgrade is included in the NDP, and funding was allocated in 2022 to allow the bus lane element of the project to be progressed. The delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for next year and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available for the national roads programme.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
95. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to include Naas in the €2 90-minute fare zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48865/22]
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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to any possible plans to include Naas in the €2 90-minute fare zone, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
96. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the anomaly by which those driving on full driving licences from other countries, who have either moved to or returned to live in Ireland, are treated as unqualified drivers and must undertake lessons, a test and so on (details supplied). [48871/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriver licensing laws are intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards. Irish driver licensing legislation operates within EU law and testing standards are set at EU level.
An Irish driving licence can be renewed up to 10 years after the date of expiry of the licence. After that, if a licence is not renewed, a person is no longer considered a qualified driver.
Ireland may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter and reaching an agreement is not a matter of political will. The core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements can be made only when the authorities in both jurisdictions have studied and compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with the USA. The RSA previously explored licence exchange with the USA. However, US driver licensing operates at state rather than federal level, meaning that there are 50 licensing systems with widely varying standards and road safety performance, many with road fatality levels significantly worse than most EU countries. Agreement with any one state would mean taking into account the exchange relationships between that state and the other 49. The RSA determined at the time that agreements would not be feasible.
A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. When people come to Ireland with a non-exchangeable licence, they must go through the normal process of obtaining an Irish licence. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12, and does not have to wait for the minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test. This requirement assists people to adjust to Irish driving rules and conditions and to prepare for the driving test. Further details can be found on the National Driver Licence Service website at www.ndls.ie.
97. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test date can issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48873/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
