Written Answers Nos. 261-280
261. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair cén uair a chuirfear tuilleadh seirbhísí bus, mar a gealladh i ráiteas a rinneadh faoi Connecting Ireland idir Gaillimh agus an Cheathrú, Leitir Mealláin agus Carna, agus á chur i gcuntas go mbíonn na busanna lán, mar a bhíonn siad go minic, agus go mbíonn orthu paisinéirí a fhágáil ina ndiaidh, an fáth go bhfuil moill leis sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [48277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar Aire Iompair, táim freagrach as an bpolasaí agus as an maoiniú foriomlán a bhaineann l’iompar poiblí.
Tá freagracht reachtúil ar an Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair (NTA) as soláthar seirbhísí poiblí iompair do phaisinéirí a chinntiú go náisiúnta. Tá freagracht náisiúnta ar an NTA freisin as iompar comhtháite áitiúil agus tuaithe, lena n-áirítear seirbhísí Nasc Áitiúil TFI agus feidhmiú céimneach na seirbhísí faoin bPlean Soghluaisteachta Tuaithe de Chónascadh Éireann.
I bhfianaise fhreagrachtaí an NTA as seirbhísí iompair phoiblí nua agus feabhsaithe faoi Chónascadh Éireann, lena n-áirítear seirbhísí i gContae na Gaillimhe, tá do cheist curtha agam chuig an NTA le freagra díreach a thabhairt chugat. Cuir m'oifig phríobháideach ar an eolas le do thoil mura bhfaigheann tú freagra laistigh de dheich lá oibre.
262. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number and details of contracts currently held by his Government Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48309/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra279. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number and details of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48666/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number and details of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48698/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra281. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the number and details of contracts currently held by his Department with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48714/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take questions Nos. 262, 279, 280 and 281 together.
My Department is currently compiling the information requested by the Deputy and will be in contact directly with the Deputy in the coming days.
263. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if using an electric powered scooter or bike is an offence against which Garda enforcement is possible; and whether the new legislation on the regulation of such vehicles requires regulations or a commencement date before they become effective. [48319/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 23 June 2023. Under the Programme for Government, it was agreed that the Government would legislate for the use of e-scooters and e-bikes, and these matters are addressed in the Act.
The Act creates a new vehicle category, Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs), which will include e-scooters and future micro-mobility devices as needed. PPTs do not require registration, motor tax, insurance or a driving licence to use on Irish roads.
PPTs may not be used until regulations, setting out technical standards and how they may be safely used on Irish roads, are in place. Therefore, e-scooters are currently not legal for use on public roads pending the introduction of these regulations are in place. Furthermore, once regulations are in place, e-scooters that do not comply with those regulations will remain illegal for use on Irish roads.
Section 32 of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 amends section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 to allow An Garda Síochána to seize PPTs (e-scooters) that are in contravention of regulations under Section 11 or Section 54 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Until the commencement of the new provisions, e-scooters are still legally classed as mechanically propelled vehicles. As such they can be seized by the Garda under current legislation if used in a public place without tax or insurance.
E-bikes are currently legal to for use in Ireland and are classed as pedal cycles. E-bikes with a maximum power output of 250W, a motor cut-off speed of 25km/hr and a requirement for pedalling will continue to be treated as pedal bicycles under Irish law and there will be no change to the legal status of these pedal assist e-bikes. E-bikes outside of the above parameters will be treated as e-mopeds, which will require AM licence, registration, tax, and insurance.
It is anticipated that all regulations for e-scooters will be in place during the remainder of quarter 4 this year.
264. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for an additional Bus Éireann 187 bus route in both directions, seven days a week. [48335/23]
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 asking whether funding will be provided for an additional Bus Éireann 187 bus route in both directions, seven days a week, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
265. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the capital budget allocation for Transport Infrastructure Ireland in the years of 2022 and 2023; and the expected capital budget allocation in 2024, in tabular form. [48336/23]
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.
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.
266. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a bus shelter will be installed at a location (details supplied). [48352/23]
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, including the national provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
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.
267. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the rules to allow a SPSV driver’s licence holder switch from a WAV licence to a standard taxi licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48389/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
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.
268. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the current plans or investigations to improve reliability and cater to the growing commuter demand in Clondalkin, Chapelizod, Ballyfermot and Tallaght, given the constant service disruptions and overcrowding on the 76/76a bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48411/23]
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.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
269. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has been notified of vehicle recalls involving category M1 vehicles that occurred to date in 2023; if so, to provide, in tabular form, the number of recalls, the manufacturer in each case and the reason for the recall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48425/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the automotive market surveillance authority (AMSA) for the Republic of Ireland.
The AMSA provides product recall summary information for motor vehicle categories L, M, N and O, on the RSA website. The tables below display the number of M1 recalls for year to date and the top 20 recall campaigns. For more information on vehicle recalls please click the link to the AMSA webpage.
www.rsa.ie/services/vehicle-owners/automotive-market-surveillance-authority-(amsa)
Recall Campaigns 2023 - Year to Date by Manufacturer
|
Manufacturer |
Recalls per manufacturer |
Vehicles affected |
|
Alfa Romeo |
1 |
35 |
|
Audi |
3 |
3311 |
|
BMW |
7 |
12,302 |
|
Citroen |
9 |
3198 |
|
Cupra |
1 |
7 |
|
DS Automobiles |
6 |
283 |
|
Fiat |
1 |
20 |
|
Ford |
3 |
321 |
|
GWM |
1 |
527 |
|
Hyundai |
6 |
7345 |
|
Jaguar |
2 |
355 |
|
Jeep |
1 |
17 |
|
Kia |
8 |
6072 |
|
Land Rover |
4 |
1108 |
|
Mazda |
1 |
27 |
|
Mercedes-Benz |
11 |
1224 |
|
MG |
1 |
316 |
|
Nissan |
2 |
4378 |
|
Opel |
13 |
3345 |
|
Peugeot |
14 |
9807 |
|
Porsche |
1 |
8 |
|
Renault |
2 |
13 |
|
Seat |
2 |
13 |
|
Skoda |
2 |
381 |
|
Subaru |
1 |
212 |
|
Toyota |
5 |
3438 |
|
Volkswagen |
5 |
74 |
|
Volvo |
1 |
391 |
|
Total |
114 |
58,528 |
Top 20 Recall Campaigns 2023 - Year to Date (accounts for 87% of all recalls)
|
Make and model |
Vehicles affected |
Recall campaign description |
|
|
1 |
BMW – 1/2 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer/Gran Tourer, 3/4/5/6 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, M2, M3, M4, X5M and X6 |
9018 |
The driver airbag may be defective. Fragments may become detached from inflator housing when deployed and cause injury to the occupant. |
|
2 |
Peugeot - 208, 2008, 301, 308, 3008, 508, 5008, Boxer, Rifter, Partner, Traveller, Expert |
6355 |
A software error in the engine control unit prevents the malfunction indicator light (MIL) from switching on if the urea injector stops working. This can lead to higher emissions and poses a risk to the environment. |
|
3 |
Hyundai - TUCSON & I30 |
5136 |
The tandem pump pre-filter could be sealed by fibres from the tandem pump belt. Customers could experience tightening of the brake pedal, which could lead to an accident. The oil pressure indicator light will also show. |
|
4 |
Nissan - Leaf |
4213 |
A potential malfunction that could affect the vehicle control module (VCM). In certain driving conditions, deactivation of the cruise control could be followed by sudden and unintentional acceleration. |
|
5 |
Kia - Sportage |
3852 |
Hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire. |
|
6 |
Audi – A4, A6, A8 & TT |
3299 |
Driver-airbag gas generators from the original manufacturer Takata (NADI (non-azide driver inflator) generators) produced from 1997-1999 may be faulty. In an accident the restraining effect of the deployed driver airbag might not always be fully guaranteed. |
|
7 |
Toyota - Toyota Corolla, Aygo, BZ4X, CHR Camry, Corolla Cross, Lexus ES, Highlander, Hilux, Prius & Yaris Cross |
2684 |
Subject vehicles are equipped with a DCM (Data Communication Module) from a specific supplier. This DCM supports emergency calling (eCall), enabling emergency calls to be made manually, or in certain severe crashes, automatically. There is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific time when the ignition is turned off, causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making eCall unavailable. If this condition occurs, there is no warning that the in-vehicle system cannot place an emergency call. |
|
8 |
Citroen - Berlingo, C3, C4 V3, C4 Picasso, Celysée, Jumper, Spacetourer, Jumpy, C5 & Aircross |
2620 |
A software error in the engine control unit prevents the malfunction indicator light (MIL) from switching on if the urea injector stops working. This can lead to higher emissions and poses a risk to the environment. |
|
9 |
Opel - Insignia |
2252 |
Under specific conditions (loss of vacuum), the hydraulic braking pressure regulator may not be activated to ensure the maximum reduced braking distance. The emergency solution is not activated. This could lead to accidents. |
|
10 |
Peugeot – 2008, 208, 3008, 308, 5008 & PARTNER |
1705 |
The vacuum pump may be damaged because the oil inlet port of the vacuum pump could be obstructed by materials from the timing belt due to chemical corrosion by degraded oil. Ageing of the oil depends on mileage and multiple stop/start cycles of the engine (as it mostly operates below optimal temperature). Lubrication of the vacuum pump may be insufficient and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to the vacuum pump breaking, resulting in a reduction or loss of braking assistance. |
|
11 |
BMW – 3 Series/M3 |
1656 |
The propellant in the passenger airbag may deteriorate in wide temperature and moisture fluctuations. In an accident resulting in deployment of the airbag, fragments of the inflator housing may become detached and injure occupants. |
|
12 |
BMW – X5, X5M, X6, X6M |
1583 |
The driver or passenger airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation. If the airbag is activated, the internal pressure in the inflator may become too high and in the worst-case scenario the inflator may burst. Metal parts could cause potentially fatal injuries. |
|
13 |
Hyundai - i40, Kona |
1225 |
The oil supply to the engine may be interrupted, causing sudden damage to the engine. In addition, the brake booster may fail, which would lead to a significantly higher braking effort. Measure: a metal screen is to be removed from the oil pump and the tandem pump is to be checked. |
|
14 |
Kia - Niro HEV, Sportage & Sportage HEV |
1154 |
The voltage instability when the vehicle is starting may cause the instrument cluster to fail to illuminate. This could make drivers unable to see important vehicle indicators. The non-functional displays could cause a crash. |
|
15 |
Land Rover - Range Rover, Range Rover Velar; Range Rover Sport & Defender |
1064 |
The coolant pump drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment. There will be a loss of coolant flow, causing the engine to rapidly overheat and rupture an engine mounted plastic elbow in the cooling circuit. Coolant can leak onto the turbocharger heatshield which may lead to a fire in the engine compartment that could propagate to the whole vehicle. |
|
16 |
Hyundai - Santa Fe |
930 |
There could be an anomaly in the deployment of front seatbelt pre-tensioners in an accident. Installation of protective caps on the pre-tensioners (left and right) is needed to ensure that occupants are properly restrained. |
|
17 |
Peugeot – 508 & 3008 |
651 |
Due to water infiltration, corrosion of the battery housing may occur, creating a fire risk. |
|
18 |
Toyota - Proace City + Proace Verso |
622 |
There is an error in specific software calibrations of the engine control unit. As a consequence, the malfunction indicator Light (MIL) will not turn on when the urea injection system (part of the exhaust after treatment system) shuts down caused by urea overpressure. As a result, the customer is not warned and might drive with increased tailpipe emissions until the next maintenance. |
|
19 |
GWM - Ora |
527 |
There is a problem with the internal algorithm of the E-Call controller. The negative longitude information is processed as an absolute value, resulting in the wrong location information being transmitted if activated in an accident/emergency. This may cause a delay in assistance. |
|
20 |
Kia - Sorento |
509 |
The electric oil pump within the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault which can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
270. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to outline the relationship he has with the Automotive Market Surveillance Authority; the number and grade of staff working in the authority; the funding, if any, he has provided to the authority in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48426/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Member States are required to appoint a market surveillance authority for a number of vehicle types under EU Vehicle Type Approval Regulations.
The Department of Transport has responsibilities for motor vehicles and motorcycles and quadricycles. For motor vehicles, EU Regulation 2018/858 (motor vehicles and their trailers) - Article 6 applies, and for motor cycles & quadricycles, EU Regulation 168/2013 (two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles) - Article 6 applies.To fulfill these obligations, my Department has appointed the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as the automotive market surveillance authority (AMSA) for both motor vehicles and motorcycles and quadricycles.SI 556 of 2020 - European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020, appointed the RSA as the market surveillance authority for motor vehicles and trailers from 27 November 2020.S I 340 of 2023 - European Union (Two- or Three- Wheel vehicles and Quadricycles) (Market Surveillance) Regulations 2023, appointed the RSA as market surveillance authority for two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles from 1 July 2023.AMSA is the statutory responsibility of the RSA. My Department performs an oversight role in respect of these functions, meeting on a bi-monthly basis to formally discuss the function and to review current issues and recall notifications and the numbers of vehicles affected.My Department has oversight of exchequer funding to the RSA for the AMSA role. Exchequer funding for 2021 - 2023 is outlined below.
• 2021 - €580,000.00
• 2022 - €850,000.00
• 2023 - €850,000.00
AMSA staffing is managed directly by the RSA, following sanction by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Current staffing is:
• 1 x Grade 1 Engineer
• 1 x Grade 2 Engineer
• 1 x Grade 3 Engineer
• 1.5 x Clerical Officer
The AMSA function is overseen by the Head of Vehicle Standards within the RSA. More information on AMSA and the role of the RSA may be found on the RSA's AMSA website:
www.rsa.ie/services/vehicle-owners/automotive-market-surveillance-authority-(amsa)
271. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport what steps he is taking to facilitate the bringing of bikes on trains, light rail and buses in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48463/23]
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 provision and operation of public transport.
The Deputy's query in relation to the facilitation of bicycles on board trains, light rail, and buses is an operational matter for the individual operators. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Irish Rail, Transdev, Bus Éíreann and Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
272. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an additional bus stop will be erected in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48472/23]
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, including the national provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
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.
273. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the L2455 road improvement scheme, Lehenaghmore, Cork; and whether funding remains in place. [48483/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
274. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the annual funding for National Transport Authority for each year since 2016; the allocation for 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48492/23]
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.
It is important to note that the 2024 funding allocations for the NTA will be finalised as part of the Revised Estimates Process later this year, as such it is not possible to provide the 2024 figure at this time.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the annual funding for National Transport Authority for each year since 2016 to 2023, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
275. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the annual funding for Transport Infrastructure Ireland for each year since 2016; the allocation for 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48493/23]
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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
276. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the annual funding for Road Safety Authority for each year since 2016; the allocation for 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48494/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom 2009, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has reduced its dependence on direct Exchequer funding subvention. In 2014 the Authority achieved a position where it was largely self-funded, financing its activities through customer fees for services such as driver testing and the National Car Test. The RSA now only receives residual Exchequer funding for historic pension purposes and, since 2021, its activities as Automotive Market Surveillance Authority.
Exchequer funding for the period from 2016 to 2023 is summarised in the table below.
|
Year |
Exchequer Funding |
|
2016 |
€139,000 |
|
2017 |
€139,000 |
|
2018 |
€139,000 |
|
2019 |
€139,000 |
|
2020 |
€139,000 |
|
2021 |
€719,000 |
|
2022 |
€989,000 |
|
2023 |
€952,000 |
277. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the extent to which cancellations and congestion are experienced in the Ratoath area of County Meath, in particular Bus Éireann 103 and 105X services; if his Department will provide details of all cancelled and late services in 2023; the times and dates of those cancelled and delayed services; the capacity of those services during peak hours to and from Ratoath, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48606/23]
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 question raised by the Deputy in relation to the extent to which cancellations and congestion are experienced in the Ratoath area of County Meath, in particular Bus Éireann 103 and 105X services; if his Department will provide details of all cancelled and late services in 2023; the times and dates of those cancelled and delayed services; the capacity of those services during peak hours to and from Ratoath is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.I have, therefore, 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.
278. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is monitoring the play street pilot introduced by Fingal County Council; if his Department has considered how to facilitate the establishment of play streets within the road and traffic law framework in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48619/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraChildren in Ireland are increasingly growing up indoors and moments for communities to gather and get to know each other have become all too infrequent. It is well documented that access to spontaneous free play is essential in developing children’s physical, mental and emotional well being, the benefits of which remain throughout their lives. On top of this, communities are becoming increasingly disconnected as they don’t have the same opportunities to meet and mix as they once did.
I am therefore extremely encouraged by the Play Street Pilot initiative introduced by Fingal County Council and I would encourage all Local Authorities to monitor its progress with a view to rolling out similar schemes country-wide. Currently the requirement of temporary road closures to facilitate these play streets is at the discretion of the relevant Local Authority - in this case Fingal County Council. Per the Deputy's suggestion, I will bear any legislative possibilities in mind pending the outcome of the pilot scheme.
