Written Answers Nos. 168-184
168. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports that NCT tests are now being conducted by non-qualified workers; his views that this should revert to the previous situation whereby only qualified mechanics were employed as testers; if he will introduce appropriate legislation to ensure that all NCT inspectors are fully trained and certified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56057/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), including the resourcing of staff, 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.
I would note that the RSA has assured my department that the high testing standard we expect from the NCTS will not be compromised in any way as it works to increase testing capacity.
169. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider waiving the requirement for taxis to be less than ten years old due to the ongoing disruption in the supply chain for new cars, and the unnecessary expense that this is placing on taxi drivers, who are already facing increased business costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs , is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. As such, the NTA has powers to make regulations in relation to the age limits of SPSVs.
Regulations made by the NTA in 2010 first established an age limit of less than 10 years old for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully. I would note that the Irish 10-year rule for standard taxis and hackneys is not particularly onerous by comparison with other jurisdictions.
Wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys are permitted to operate up to 15 years of age. No maximum permissible age is prescribed for limousines in recognition of both the vintage nature of many of these vehicles and their generally reduced mileage.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, standard age limits for taxis and hackneys were extended on several occasions, and are currently extended through to the end of 2022. This change helped ensure no operator exited the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
Since August, a series of global circumstances has, in the NTA’s view, considerably worsened the capability of taxi and hackney licence holders to secure new vehicles, with lead times of one year not uncommon already. Therefore, the NTA proposed to temporarily extend the maximum permissible age for taxis and hackneys with a current final operation date in 2023 and 2024, such that no current vehicle licence holder is forced out of the industry because a replacement vehicle cannot be purchased.
The NTA ran a public consultation on this proposal from 19 September until 12 October 2022. If approved by the NTA's Board, the new Regulations will be in place before the end of the year.
170. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to lengthy waiting times for driving tests at a test centre (details supplied); and the action that his Department is taking to shorten waiting times and increase testing capacity at this centre. [56111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test. and the information regarding specific test centres is held by them.
Due to the COVID pandemic, and the necessary ensuing precautions, I understand that a significant backlog of driver testing services developed. Since public health restrictions have eased, considerable progress has been made, and waiting times have reduced significantly.
Pre Covid, the target national average wait for a test was 10 weeks. On the eve of the pandemic, however, the actual waiting time was approximately six and a half weeks. This increased to 25 weeks during the pandemic. The pre-pandemic national average target wait of ten weeks was once again achieved by the end of 2021. Projections made early last year had estimated it would be February 2022 before this point was reached.
There has also been an increase in application volumes and learners becoming eligible to take their test since the start of the year as the economy once again reopened and many learners who availed of increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test are now becoming eligible.
In early 2022, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service. This review recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. Following due consideration, my Department gave approval for these additional personnel in June 2022. Recruitment is underway and the RSA hope to see new testers commence work before year end.
171. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the National Transport Authority and his Department are treating the annual tax-saver rail ticket already purchased by commuters, following the recent announcement by Government of the 20% reduction in public transport fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56123/22]
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 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 Deputy's specific question in relation to the tax saver tickets, to the NTA for directly reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
172. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for new park-and-ride facilities in Cork; and if he will provide a commitment that one will be located on the north side of Cork city. [56130/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in our cities, including the provision of park and ride facilities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
173. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will expedite a driving test for a person (details supplied) as they are unable to take up an mechanic apprenticeship without a full licence. [56159/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
174. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the return of quiet carriages on the Dublin to Cork rail line; if a wider roll-out of this initiative is being considered to include other lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the 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.
While I am aware of the recent introduction of quieter carriages on Dublin-Cork services, the issue of the wider roll-out of the idea is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore 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.
175. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56237/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), including the resourcing of staff, 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.
Concerns about the regulation of the vehicle repair industry in general, should be addressed to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, I would note that the RSA has assured my department that the high testing standard we expect from the NCTS will not be compromised in any way as it works to increase testing capacity
176. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a policy change by the company operating the NCT service which sees unqualified staff conducting vehicle tests; if his Department has any concerns over the safety issues of using unqualified staff in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56265/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), including the resourcing of staff, 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. I would note that the RSA has assured my department that the high testing standard we expect from the NCTS will not be compromised in any way as it works to increase testing capacity.
177. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the current crisis of bus driver shortages and recruitment; the way in which the BusConnects programme can be implemented in Dublin, given the failure to retain and recruit sufficient drivers by all companies that are needed for the expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56266/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area, including the implementation of BusConnects Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
178. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in relation to the selection of a route (details supplied); the length of time that land has been sterilised along this route; when he expects the route to be definitely selected, in view of the reported difficulties that it is causing to residents in that area along the route, and that there have been serious accidents on the road, which emphasises the need for urgency in having the route finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56303/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 N17 Knock to Collooney 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.
179. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit holders disqualified in each year since 2016; the number who surrendered their learner permit to the RSA each year from 2016 following disqualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56312/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll 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.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If she has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that she contact my office directly.
180. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the reason that someone under the age of 24 years with valid ID cannot avail of the young adult discounts on public transport; the reason that they must acquire a Leap card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56403/22]
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.
Therefore, in light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the Young Adult Card discount fare scheme, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
181. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with the development of a ports policy for the wind energy sector; when the policy will be published and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56418/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven Ireland’s increased ambition in the area of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and pending the review of overall National Ports Policy, and following an assessment of options, Minister Ryan announced an Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Ports Policy Statement setting out the strategy for a multi-port approach to the provision of port facilities. This policy is focused on commercial ports. A copy of the Policy Statement can be accessed at the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/8f40e-policy-statement-on-the-facilitation-of-offshore-renewable-energy-by-commercial-ports-in-ireland/
A number of ports will be required to provide facilities for the different activities at several locations around the country and at different times for the various phases of the fixed and floating ORE developments. This will maximise the economic benefits at both regional and national level in terms of job creation and new SME enterprises in areas such as engineering, fabrication, transport and logistics, and other technologies.
A multiport approach will ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade.
In line with the ORE Ports Policy Statement, in March 2022, the department established a Ports Co-ordination Group, the overall objective of which is to ensure that ports develop infrastructure to facilitate the ORE sector in line with Government policy. The Group provides a forum for port related ORE facilitation issues to be raised and to promote the sharing of information and best practices in relation to ORE port facilitation issues.
A number of ports are currently progressing plans for the development of the necessary facilities and the Department is engaging with on a bilateral basis in relation to various workstreams underway on the delivery of that infrastructure.
A full review of National Ports Policy (NPP) will commence later this year which will look at the overall ports policy framework. The first stage in this review will be the drafting of an Issues Paper and it is anticipated that this will go to public consultation in early 2023.
182. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the delay in driving tests in County Wexford; if there are plans to provide additional testers to alleviate waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56510/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the information on County Wexford is held by them.
I have therefore referred this part of 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.
Due to the COVID pandemic, and the necessary ensuing precautions, a significant backlog of driver testing services developed. Since public health restrictions have eased, considerable progress has been made, and waiting times have reduced significantly.
Pre Covid, the target national average wait for a test was 10 weeks. On the eve of the pandemic, however, the actual waiting time was approximately six and a half weeks. This increased to 25 weeks during the pandemic. The pre-pandemic national average target wait of 10 weeks was once again achieved by the end of 2021. Projections made early last year had estimated it would be February 2022 before this point was reached.
There has been an increase in application volumes and learners becoming eligible to take their test since the start of the year as the economy once again reopened and many learners who availed of increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test are now becoming eligible.
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and in early 2022, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service. This recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. Following due consideration, my Department gave approval for these additional personnel in June 2022. Recruitment is underway and the RSA hope to see new testers commence work before year end.
183. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the flights by a company (details supplied) from Carrickfinn to Dublin; the number of flights which have been cancelled for each month in 2022; the number of flights which have been delayed; the time delays for each delayed flight in tabular form for each month in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56511/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing an extensive procurement process in 2021, a Government funded Public Services Obligation (PSO) air services contract between Donegal and Dublin, was awarded by my Department.
This contract, which provides twice daily two-way air services, facilitating same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin airport, marks Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region for the next 3 years. In line with Government’s commitment to balanced regional development, this service will support growth of the economy and tourism in the region.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that, following the commencement of this contract on 26th February and the lifting of travel restrictions in March this year, passenger numbers immediately rebounded, exceeding 2019 pre-COVID passenger levels on this route.
While the Deputy has sought the time delays for each delayed flight, there is no contractual obligation on the airline to provide this information to my Department. The contract in place for the provision of these services requires that the airline provide a monthly report to my Department, taking account of any cancelled and delayed flights (greater than 30 minutes from departure). As requested by the Deputy, these are set out below for each month of the contract up until 31st October.
|
2022 Contract Month |
No. of Cancelled Flights |
No. of Delayed Flights |
|
March* |
6 |
15 |
|
April |
0 |
48 |
|
May |
0 |
24 |
|
June |
1 |
48 |
|
July |
1 |
43 |
|
August |
0 |
41 |
|
September |
4 |
23 |
|
October |
2 |
31 |
* Covers the period 26 Feb -31 March 2022
While it is evident from the above that there have been a number of delayed flights on this route, as well as marginal disruptions by way of cancelled flights, I can assure the Deputy that the performance of the airline operating this service is within the performance requirements as set out under contract; namely no more than 1% and 10% cancelled and delayed flights respectively, were such cancellations and delays are directly attributable to the airline.
Generally, incidents of flight cancellations and delays due to air traffic control hold-ups and resourcing issues with 3rd party handling agents would be considered non-attributable to airlines. So too are delays due to poor weather conditions. With Winter in particular bringing additional safety restrictions to operations, due to ice and wind, safe operations always remain the overarching consideration. Cancellations and delayed flights considered attributable to airlines would be those relating to aircraft technical matters and crewing issues.
With the importance of the passenger experience in mind, I would also like to advise the Deputy that the performance requirements in place under this current contract are more stringent that those under previous PSO contracts on this route. Previous contracts allowed for 2% and 20% cancellations and delays respectfully, directly attributable to the airline.
I am also pleased to advise the Deputy that the airline have informed my Department that they have taken a proactive approach to mitigate against any possible future delays, which are currently outside of their control. The airline has recently applied for a Handling Licence from the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) and hope to be in a position to provide their own ground handling services as early as next month. The airline anticipates that having their own dedicated in-house handling will see improvements in this route’s performance in terms of delayed departures.
184. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine extending the disability toll exemption scheme to parents of children who are patients in hospital, noting the cost that parents face travelling to visit their children in hospital every day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56568/22]
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.
Noting the above position, and given that the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme is operated by TII, 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.
