Niamh Smyth
Ceist:140. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if counties Cavan and Monaghan are included in a public consultation (details supplied). [49149/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Consultations
Ceisteanna (140)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for working with local authorities to deliver walking and cycling infrastructure around the country, using Government funding. Investment in Active Travel infrastructure has grown significantly in recent years, with over €285 million allocated by my Department to the NTA in 2022.
In order to best plan the current and future investment in walking and cycling infrastructure around the country, the NTA have drawn together proposals for new cycling networks across 22 counties, including Cavan and Monaghan, which will form part of CycleConnects: Ireland's Cycle Network. These are addition to those already developed for the Greater Dublin Area and the regional cities. The proposals are in line with Action 28 of Government's 'National Sustainable Mobility Action Plan 2022-2025'.
As the Deputy will be aware, these proposals were published on Friday 30 September for public consultation. The consultation period will run until Friday 11 November 2022 and submissions can be made through the NTA portal at consult.nationaltransport.ie/.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (141)
Mick Barry
Ceist:141. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has any contracts with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Transport currently holds a contract with Top Security for it's offices at Leeson Lane Dublin 2. The contract commenced on 01st June 2022 for the duration of one year, with the option to extend for a further year if required.
Departmental Bodies
Ceisteanna (142)
Michael Ring
Ceist:142. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the name, function and establishment date of all the organisations and agencies that are funded by his Department; the number of employees in each; the salary of the chief executive in each organisation and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49196/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (link here: gov.ie - Governance (www.gov.ie)) and in the interest of good governance in the public sector, all state bodies are subject to oversight and accountability to ensure that there are robust and effective governance arrangements in places.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the thirteen agencies funded by my department is set out in the table below:
|
Name |
Function |
Establishment Date |
Number of employees |
Chief Executive Salary |
|
Bus Éireann |
Bus Éireann is a state-owned bus and coach operator providing services throughout Ireland. It is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ). |
2 February 1987 |
2,808 |
€210,000 as per Annual Report 2021 |
|
Commission for Railway Regulation (previously Railway Safety Commission (RSC)) |
The CRR is the National Safety Authority for the railway sector, including for both heavy and light railway organisations operating in the State and the associated infrastructure. It is also the Regulatory Body ensuring non-discriminatory access to the heavy rail market within the State, and the National Competent Authority for the transport of dangerous goods by rail, cableway installations designed to carry persons, and train driver licencing and certification. |
2006 as RSC, renamed CRR in 2016 with designation as regulatory body |
17 |
Commissioner earns €151,816 as per the 2021 unaudited Financial Statements. |
|
Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) |
Provision & Maintenance of General Aids to Marine Navigation (AtoN) [Statutory Function]Superintendence and Management of Local AtoN [Statutory Function]; Marking or removal of dangerous wreck outside of harbour areas [Statutory Functions]; CIL also has a commercial offering such as chartering their vessel Granuaile and consultancy services; Tourism, heritage and community engagement activities particularly through their network of lighthouses; CIL provide a valuable source of expertise and guidance on navigation matters to Government and agencies for example in the area of marine spatial planning; Provision of weather and sea state observations and of services in Search and Rescue on request. |
1867 |
124 |
€150,750 |
|
Córas Iompair Éireann |
Córas Iompair Éireann is the main provider of land public transport services within the Republic of Ireland. C.I.E. provides rail and road freight services within the state and some ancillary services such as catering and the operation of Rosslare Harbour. In addition to the Dart service in Dublin, the company also provides suburban services in the greater Dublin area, including the EU-financed Arrow service to Kildare. The organisation structure is a holding company and three major operating companies- Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. |
1 January 1945 |
11,163 |
€190,000 as per Annual Report 2021 |
|
daa plc (including Cork Airport) |
Operating and managing Dublin and Cork airports, global airport retailing through our subsidiary Aer Rianta International, and international aviation consultancythrough daa International. |
5 April 1937 |
(Airports 2168International 644)Total: 2812 |
€250,000 |
|
Dublin Bus |
Bus Átha Cliath-Dublin Bus, a designated activity company, limited by shares, registered in Ireland at 59 Upper O’Connell St, Dublin 1. No 119569 was founded in 1987 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the state-owned Córas Iompar Éireann Group. We operate the Public Service Obligation network in the Greater Dublin Area under a contract of services with the National Transport Authority. Our network covers a region from Newcastle in County Wicklow to the south, Balbriggan in north County Dublin and Maynooth in County Kildare to the west. |
2 February 1987 |
3,799 |
€200,000 as per Annual Report 2021 |
|
Iarnród Éireann |
A subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann, Iarnród Éireann provides passenger and freight rail services as well as operating Rosslare Europort. |
2 February 1987 |
4,286 |
€225,000 as per Annual Report 2021 |
|
Marine Casualty Investigation Board |
To investigate marine casualties that take place in connection with the operation of a vessel in Irish waters or involve Irish registered vessels anywhere in the world, and to publish a report of such investigations. The purpose of MCIB investigations is to establish the cause or causes of a marine casualty with a view to making recommendations for the avoidance of similar marine casualties. It is not the purpose of an investigation to attribute blame or fault. |
5 June 2002 |
1 Board Secretary and 2 Secretariat staff seconded from the Department of Transport |
There is no CEO position in the MCIB. |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety |
The Bureau is statutorily responsible for analysing blood and urine samples provided by An Garda Síochána in suspected drink and drug driving cases, and for conducting research on impaired driving and other matters. |
27 November 1968 |
49 |
€149,970(Salary paid in 2021) |
|
National Transport Authority |
The remit of the Authority is primarily concerned with the planning, development and funding of sustainable transport modes, that is public transport, cycling and walking, on a national basis. The Authority’s remit also extends to the regulation of commercial public bus services as well as the small public service vehicle sector and vehicle clamping. |
2009 |
As of 31 Dec 21, the Authority had a total employee headcount of 211. |
The Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration package for the financial period for 2021 was €190,000 |
|
Road Safety Authority |
Reduce the number and severity of collisions on the road, implementation of Government’s Road Safety Strategy, providing the following services to the public – Driver Theory Test Driver Testing Service National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) National Car Test (NCT) Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT) |
13 September 2006 |
433 |
€157,683(Salary paid in 2021) |
|
Shannon Group Plc |
To promote and facilitate air transport and aviation services in and around Shannon Airport and to optimise the return on its land and property and its shareholding in any subsidiary company. |
5 September 2014 |
318 |
€190,000 |
|
Transport Infrastructure Ireland |
To provide an integrated approach to the development, operation and maintenance of national roads, greenways and light rail/metro infrastructure throughout Ireland. |
1 August 2015 |
291 (286.7 full time equivalent) |
€200,576 (Gross) |
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (143)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test for an employee (details supplied) who cannot get to work unless they can drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49257/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Given that the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test, the Deputy's question has been referred to the Authority for direct reply.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (144)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:144. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is no record for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal with the National Driver Licence Service in Letterkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49294/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 under the relevant legislation. My department does not have access to individual records.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (145)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:145. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money spent by the National Transport Authority in each of the past eight quarters on leaflets; if they are satisfied that all of these leaflets were delivered and if not, the action that is being taken to remedy this. [49301/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 matter raised in relation to the amount of money spent by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in each of the past eight quarters on leaflets and if the NTA are satisfied that all of these leaflets were delivered is an operational matter for the Authority. I have, therefore, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (146)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:146. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow small public service vehicles to utilise the bus lanes while working on their PSV licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49303/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bus lanes were created, with significant public investment, to provide on-street priority for bus-based public transport. Their goal is to make bus transport faster and more reliable, encouraging more people to switch from private cars to public transport, reducing both congestion and pollution.
In addition to buses, bus lanes may be used by cyclists who, as vulnerable road users, are safer in bus lanes than in general traffic. The lanes may also be used by emergency services. After the lanes were introduced, it was decided to allow only one category of small public service vehicle (SPSV) - taxis - to use them. This concession was based on the fact that taxis are a form of public transport available for on-street hire.
Since bus lanes were introduced, there have been many requests to grant access to other classes of SPSV, including hackneys and chauffeured limousine services. Do date, such proposals have not been progressed on the grounds that they would undermine the purpose of prioritising bus-based public transport.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (147)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:147. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the number of current local area hackney licences in the State by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49318/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016.
Accordingly, I have referred your questions 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
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (148, 149)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:148. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended to drop the requirement and test for knowledge of all streets and townlands in a county in order to qualify for a PSV licence in view of the developments of information technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49319/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraÉamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:149. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the number of PSV licences currently issued to persons who live in the county area of Galway east of the Corrib; the addresses of these licence holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49320/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
The regulation of the public service vehicle (PSV) and the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industries, including PSV and SPSV licensing, are matters for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016.
Accordingly, I have referred your questions 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
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 148.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (150)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:150. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated timeline for the completion and opening of the various stages of the N22 Baile Bhúirne to Macroom road; if he will provide an update on the progress made on the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49332/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the N22 Baile Bhúirne to Macroom road project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (151)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:151. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the way that a private bus operator signs up to an app (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49369/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 matter raised in relation to the way that a private bus operator signs up to the TFI GO App is an operational matter for the National Transport Authroity (NTA). I have, therefore, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Budget 2023
Ceisteanna (152, 153)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:152. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance if persons who rent as licensees rather than as tenants will be eligible for the €500 renters credit announced in budget 2023. [49144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Paul Murphy
Ceist:153. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that renters on licence agreements will be included in the eligibility to avail of the Budget 2023 renters €500 tax credit. [49266/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, on Budget Day, I announced a €500 Rent Tax Credit which it is proposed will be claimable in respect of rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to end-2025. The estimated cost of this measure in respect of each relevant year of assessment is €200 million.The intention is that, in order for a person to be in a position to claim the credit in a year :
- the rent paid must be in respect of the person’s principal private residence,
- the person living in the rented property themselves, or their spouse/civil partner, must have paid sufficient rent and sufficient tax to avail of the credit,
- the tenancy must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), but only where this is already a legal requirement.
In the context of fully utilising the €500 tax credit, "sufficient rent" amounts to €2,500 in a year. For 2022, "sufficient tax" amounts to €3,900 (equivalent to the aggregate 2022 value of the Personal Tax Credit, the Employee/Earned Income Tax Credit and the proposed Rent Tax Credit). For 2023, "sufficient tax" amounts to €4,050 (equivalent to the aggregate proposed 2023 value of the Personal Tax Credit, the Employee/Earned Income Tax Credit and the Rent Tax Credit).
I understand that licence arrangements could exist, where, for example, a person is sharing with the owner of a property in a rent-a-room or digs type arrangement or where they are staying in rented accommodation at the invitation of a tenant.
In such circumstances, they may be entitled to claim the proposed rent tax credit but it is intended that this will be subject to compliance with the conditions in the first and second bullet points above. Other conditions may also apply, for example relating to the details that must be provided to Revenue in making a claim for the relief.Qualification/compliance requirements are continuing to be worked through at present and the aim is to have them finalised in the coming days in the context of the preparation of the Finance Bill.