Written Answers Nos. 178-198
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much funding was allocated to the Irish Environmental Network in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and in Budget 2024, in tabular form. [56173/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Environmental Network (IEN) is an independent umbrella organisation whose members are nationally active Irish Environmental NGOs. The group represents on a broad range of environmental issues relating to climate change.
I have included in the following table, the total funding allocated by my Department to the IEN for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 . Funding for the organisation has risen by 141% in this time. The IEN funding proposal for 2024 is currently being reviewed within my Department.
|
Irish Environmental Network Funding |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
- |
€1,060,000 |
€1,764,000 |
€2,100,000 |
€2,550,000 |
179. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the widespread concerns in relation to inadequate mobile phone coverage in parts of County Cavan and County Monaghan; if there is an obligation on mobile telephony providers to ensure proper and adequate coverage in all areas; if this issue will be addressed by his Department or by agencies under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56174/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to concerns around mobile phone coverage, the roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002.
To assist consumers to choose the network provider that best meets their needs, ComReg continually updates and enhances its online national outdoor mobile coverage map (available at: Service Coverage - Commission for Communications Regulation (comreg.ie), which provides clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage. In 2022, ComReg updated this map to include 5G data.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January 2023 to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award will represent a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and will include significant coverage obligations for operators.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been in operation since 2016 and has been a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide. The Mobile Phone & Broadband Taskforce continues to implement actions specifically designed to remove barriers to telecoms infrastructure rollout.
180. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the contract extension announced between his Department and a company (details supplied) for the National Postcode System (Eircode) requires additional expenditure of public money by Government in excess of the €38 million already spent on the contract due to expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56175/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Tailte Éireann (formerly Ordnance Survey Ireland) provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory (APG), a subsidiary company of An Post and Tailte Éireann, issue a new release of database files monthly and quarterly to Capita in accordance with their revised licence agreement.
Since the launch, Eircode use, as part of an address, continues to grow strongly among the public and businesses and this, in part, can be seen by use of the free-to-use Eircode Finder app ((finder.eircode.ie/#/) with a total of 159 million look-ups and a monthly average of 2.5 million. Independent research carried out by Amárach Research in 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2015 showed that 97%, 93%, 84% and 89% respectively of respondents know the Eircode for their address, exceeding public awareness targets. Also, there are 2,423 business organisations and state agencies licensing Eircodes within their business systems and operations across a wide spectrum of sectors, including the leading satnav providers.
In recognition of the fact that earlier assignment of Eircodes for new builds is desirable, Capita have now reduced the timeframe to assign Eircodes from quarterly to a monthly basis. This followed a successful pilot project undertaken by Capita, supported by my Department, working intensively with An Post, Ordnance Survey Ireland and An Post GeoDirectory. All new Eircodes will be published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter will be issued to the property occupant containing the new Eircode and an updated Eircode Database files will be provided to licensed businesses for their use. The average number of new Eircodes assigned per month is 3,550.
The expected cost to the Exchequer over the initial ten-year period will be €40m (inc. VAT), with additional costs attributed to increased frequency of Eircode assignment on a monthly basis until contract expiry. The three-year extension is expected to cost a further €8m (inc. VAT).
181. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide the number of public servants servicing on State boards since 2006 in an independent capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55910/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no State boards, authorities or other State-appointed bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
182. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Cosanta cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [55991/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Cosanta cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56011/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Cosanta cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 20% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56029/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Cosanta cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana seo an céatadán 20% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56047/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 182 go 185, go huile, le chéile.
Tá an Roinn Cosanta agus Óglaigh na hÉireann lántiomanta a ndualgais reachtúla faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 agus faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2021 a chomhlíonadh, lena n-áirítear an dualgas reachtúil nua atá ar chomhlachtaí poiblí maidir le fógraíocht, cumarsáid ghinearálta agus cumarsáid tráchtála a bhíonn ag plé leis an bpobal, dá bhforáiltear in alt 10A d’[Acht 2003], a tháinig i bhfeidhm an 10 Deireadh Fómhair 2022.
Tá mo Roinnse agus Óglaigh na hÉireann ag obair chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear ar a laghad 20 faoin gcéad d’fhógraíocht ar bith ar fáil i nGaeilge agus go n-úsáidfear 5 faoin gcéad ar a laghad d’aon airgead a chaitear ar fhógraíocht in aon bhliain chun fógraíocht a chur i bhfeidhm trí mheáin Ghaeilge.
Mar is eol don Teachta, ní mór do chomhlachtaí poiblí tuairisceán comhlíontachta a chomhdú leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga tráth nach déanaí ná an 10 Márta 2024 i ndáil le fógraíocht 2023. Beidh an tuairisceán atá curtha isteach ag comhlachtaí poiblí mar bhonn ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga chun comhlíonadh na gcomhlachtaí poiblí sin maidir lena gcuid oibríochtaí fógraíochta a thomhas le linn 2023.
Níorbh fhéidir an t-eolas a d’iarr an Teachta a thiomsú san am a bhí ar fáil ach, a luaithe a bheidh sé curtha le chéile, tabharfaidh mo Roinn freagra díreach dó.
186. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56104/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government published in 2020 contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On the 15th December 2020, the Government approved terms of reference and the membership of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces, and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.
On the 12th July 2022, Government approval was given for a move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. is will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the current establishment of 9,500. This demonstrates the Government's strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
The High Level Action Plan for the report of the Commission set out a total of 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision. A comprehensive written update on all 38 early actions was published on March 23rd of this year, and included the status of each of the 38 early actions in tabular form. To date 37 out of the 38 Early Actions from the High Level Action Plan have been completed, with work ongoing on the Working Time Directive.
Some specific initiatives included the immediate commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force and the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review (SDR). On foot of a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a new Capability Development Unit has been established to take a new top down strategic approach to Capability Development Planning.
The High Level Action Plan set out the initial implementation and oversight structures. A High-Level Steering Board has been established, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, to oversee the implementation. An independently chaired Implementation Oversight Group has been established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations approved by Government. Ms. Julie Sinnamon has been appointed as the independent chair of this group. There have been seven meetings of the Group to date; most recently on the 20th of October.
A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is now complete and was noted by Cabinet and published on the 21st of November. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission’s recommendations.
The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28th March 2023. As part of the response to the IRG Report, the Government approved the establishment of an External Oversight Body for the Defence Forces to drive the necessary culture changes throughout the Defence Forces and enhance transparency and accountability. This is an essential part of the transformation of the current workplace to support current serving members.
The External Oversight Body is chaired by Prof. Brian MacCraith; its Terms of Reference were published on the 12th July. To support the body in its work, a dedicated Secretariat has been established and to date the Body has met on 15 occasions. Legislation is also being developed to put this Body on a statutory footing as soon as possible.
In September 2023, the Strategic Framework - Transformation of the Defence Forces was published. This document clearly sets out the vital work that is under way relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces and outlines the necessary actions to be delivered by the end of 2024. It covers the recommendations made in the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) and the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF), together with measures to address recruitment and retention challenges, and the legislative changes needed to modernise our Defence Forces.
Since June 2020, the finalisation of ongoing White Paper Projects, and the scheduled initiation of the majority of the future projects, has been evaluated and considered in light of the CoDF. It has been agreed that the majority of the projects could be merged within the CoDF project mechanisms, with small numbers either to be progressed on a stand-alone basis or closed.
An organisational capability review of the Department of Defence commenced in 2021. The Review was conducted by the Organisational Capability Review team which is based in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and involved engagement with Departmental staff and key stakeholders in the policy and operational domains of the Department. The report has been published on the Department’s website and an Action plan has been developed and is being progressed to address the recommendations of the review.
The Strategic Defence Review commenced this year with the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) which is currently being conducted by an interdepartmental working group and will address the significant security environment changes since the invasion of Ukraine. A fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing will then be completed.
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The updated Plan estimates infrastructure requirements to be in region of some €300m for the coming years and there are currently over €130 worth of projects under way at different stages of development.
My Department continue to implement the rolling 5-year Equipment Development Plan 2020-2024. In terms of military equipment two new Airbus C-295W Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered during 2023. These aircraft will enhance the Air Corps’ maritime surveillance capability and will provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. In addition, a contract for a military transport aircraft has been placed. While a tender process has been initiated to purchase a new Government Jet.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels bought from the New Zealand Navy were delivered to Cork in 2023. They are expected to become operational in 2024. The mid-life refit of LÉ Niamh is ongoing and expected to complete in 2024. Marine advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to replace the now decommissioned former flagship LÉ Eithne. This work is under way and will inform a public tender competition, in line with the Public Spending Code, in due course.
The MOWAG Mid-life Upgrade Programme to upgrade and maintain the Army’s fleet of 80 MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers continued in 2023 . Four armoured utility vehicles were also delivered which completes a multi-year programme to introduce a brand new vehicle type to the Defence Forces fleet, offering essential force protection to personnel on overseas missions. Significant contracts were finalised in 2023 to acquire force protection and soldier systems including Night vision equipment, CBRN Suit Replacement and EOD Systems upgrades.
The acquisition of ammunition for training and overseas deployments continued throughout 2023. These included small, medium and large calibre, pyrotechnics, EOD munitions, Short Range Manually Portable Air Defence missiles and Javelin missiles.
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. My Department has progressed a number of activities relating to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, and related HR issues including commissioning from the ranks, the re-entry of former PDF personnel with specific skills, a sea-going commitment scheme for Naval Service Personnel, an Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme, the Naval Service Tax Credit and extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants. On 15th November I announced that with effect from 01 January 2024 the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to Naval Service personnel will be doubled after ten days at sea.
A review of mandatory retirement ages in all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. The extended Building Momentum Agreement 2021-2023 provides for increases in pay for all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces of 6.5% over the lifetime of the agreement. A sub-committee of the Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Council (comprising of the Representative Associations, military and civil management) has been established to discuss, where appropriate, matters relating to implementation of the Working Time Directive. Discussions with the Defence Forces Representative Associations will continue to be undertaken through this forum as the current work evolves.
Arising from a Programme for Government commitment, sanction was secured from the Department of Public Expenditure, Reform and NDP Delivery during 2023 for the extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks. The maximum age of recruitment has increased to 29, for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentices and certain Specialists.
In relation to legislation, the Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 was enacted during 2022. The principal purpose of this Act is to provide for members of the Military Police to take and use DNA samples and other evidence for the purposes of their investigations, including outside the jurisdiction when Defence Forces personnel are deployed overseas. I also signed the Commencement Order for the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 and all provisions of the Act commenced with effect from 4 April 2022. Comprehensive rewrites of the Defence Forces Regulations relating to the Reserve Defence Forces (R5 and R7) and Boards of Survey (L7) have also been completed.
2023 saw the Civil Defence Act commencement and the amendments to sections 169 and 192 of the Defence Act 1954 prepared and included in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023; these amendments give effect to a recommendation of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces concerning the investigation and trial of sexual offences involving persons subject to military law; and the preparation of the General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 progressed.
As I indicated in my statement to the Dáil on 22 November on the "Triple Lock" mechanism, I have also instructed my officials to prepare legislative proposals that would govern the future overseas deployments of the Defence Forces and this work has commenced.
A three year implementation plan for the Civil Defence policy “Civil Defence-Towards 2030” was approved and as part of this a new Civil Defence Volunteer and Equipment Management System went live in July. This new system allows for more efficient management of around 2,500 Civil Defence volunteers, their training and activities. It is also assisting with equipment and vehicle management. The Civil Defence Act 2023 was enacted in July. The Act provides a modern legislative basis for the Civil Defence organisation. Following the introduction of the new legislation, the Civil Defence Act 2023, Code of Practice Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 371/2023) were introduced by the Minister. The Code of Practice prescribed in these regulations sets out grievance and disciplinary procedures as well as standards of conduct and integrity for Civil Defence volunteers.
With regard to international initiatives, my Departments main focus since June 2020 was Ireland’s policy input into negotiations around the establishment in March 2021 of the European Peace Facility (EPF); the new mechanism to finance Common Security and Defence Policy initiatives, and the Strategic Compass; which sets out the EU’s shared vision for Common Security and Defence Policy that was adopted in March 2022.
In November, Ireland's Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) with NATO for 2024-2028 under the Partnership for Peace was agreed; and Government and Dáil approval was received in July 2023 for Ireland's participation in four European Defence Agency Projects.
In June, the Department, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs, held the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy to build public understanding and generate discussions on Ireland’s foreign, security and defence policies. The Chair of the Forum delivered her Report to the Tánaiste in October of this year.
In April, Government and Dáil approval was secured for the deployment of the Irish naval vessel W.B. YEATS, as part of the EU naval mission EUNAVFORMED Operation Irini. The core task of Operation Irini is to contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed Area of Operation in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya. The Irish vessel with a crew of 58 personnel were in operation with the EU naval mission during June and July 2023.
In February this year the government approved the participation of up to 30 Defence Forces’ personnel in the newly established European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The primary role of the Defence Forces is to provide training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in one or more EU Member States in which the training will take place. These trainers are supplemented by a small number of staff positions based in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) staff based in Brussels, Belgium and in the multinational Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany. To date, Ireland has delivered training to approximately 237 UAF personnel across 6 training module iterations.
In January, the Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU battle group in 2024/2025. This will be the eighth occasion on which the Defence Forces have been part of an EU battle group and the first since 2020. The battle group will be stood-up during 2024 and will be on standby throughout 2025.
My Department published The National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2020, which identifies and assesses the likelihood and impact of key risks facing the State across a broad range of emergencies. It formed part of the EU-wide risk assessment process. Subsequently, my Department also published an Assessment of Risk Management Capabilities Report in 2021, which identified the capabilities in each of the government departments tasked with dealing with the 16 strategic risks identified in the National Risk Assessment for Ireland. Work is under way on a new National Risk Assessment for Ireland.
As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning supported by the Office of Emergency Planning in my Department. Particular policy achievements in this area include work to prepare the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2023 and the publishing of the Strategic Emergency Management Framework Guideline Document 9 on Information Management. In July and November 2020, my Department saw the launch of the first "Be Summer Ready" and annual "Be Winter Ready" Government Information Campaigns. I also launched both the 2023 ‘Be Summer Ready’ Campaign, whose message was, “Think Water Safety - Plan and Prepare”, and the 2023/2024 ‘Be Winter Ready’ Campaign, which focused on, “Road Safety – Plan, Prepare, Be Aware.” Following the EU Council Recommendation of 8 December 2022 on a Union-wide coordinated approach to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure, my Department has coordinated the stress testing of the energy sector in 2023. In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, hosted the 2nd annual All Island Disaster Risk Reduction Conference, which focused this year on the key topic of emergency communications.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government’s ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to ongoing delivery of key commitments.
187. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total value of procurement overseen by his Department as a central purchasing body; the percentage of compliant and non-compliant procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56170/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in procurement and purchasing and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines.
In 2022, the Contracts Register for the Defence Organisation lists 859 contracts (in excess of €25,000) with a value of €920,293,931. The Department complied with the procurements guidelines with the exception of three contracts (in excess of €25,000), totalling €213,489 (exclusive of VAT).
This indicates that numerically 0.35% of contracts in excess of €25,000 across the Defence Organisation were assessed as non-compliant in 2022. Over 99% of contracts in excess of €25,000 were found to be compliant in 2022.
Each of the three non-compliant procurements has been reviewed by the Department, and steps are being taken to bring them into compliance with the relevant procurement rules as quickly as possible.
188. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the number of public servants servicing on State boards since 2006 in an independent capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55910/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn making appointments to State boards under my remit as Minister for Transport, my Department operates in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform guidelines on appointments to State Boards.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) has responsibility for managing an open, accessible and transparent system to support Ministers in making state board appointments and it is open to all members of the public to apply for positions advertised on the stateboards.ie website.
Although the information requested by the Deputy may be available as part of the appointment process, under General Data Protection Regulation guidelines my Department does not have access to this information once the appointment has been made. Therefore, the specific information sought by the Deputy relating to public servants serving on State boards since 2006 in an independent capacity on Department of Transport State boards is not available.
Details of the current membership of all applicable State boards are published on the State boards website, www.Stateboards.ie: membership.stateboards.ie/en/department/Department%20of%20Transport/
189. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport the total budget allocated for the removal of vegetation on the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris; what is the purpose of the removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55845/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway network infrastructure, including maintenance works on closed and disused lines, such as the Western Rail Corridor.
This is the fourth year of the five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.3 billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's (IÉ) responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
190. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 28 November 2023, when funding will be committed for the provision of additional drivers in 2024 (details supplied). [55848/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. To support this objective, in Budget 2023, the Department of Transport secured €563.55 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €538m in 2022).
More recently, under Budget 2024, a funding package of c. €613.463m has been secured for PSO and Local Link services. This includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024. Funding has also been secured to support new and enhanced bus and rail services next year.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to improving public transport – both bus and rail – and is backing up that commitment with significant investments across the network. This includes the continued roll-out of the BusConnects programme in 2024.
The latest phase of the BusConnects Network Redesign in Dublin, Phase 5b, commenced on the 26th of November and involved the introduction of new Southern Orbital, Radial and Local routes. The S2, 74 and L25 routes are operated by Dublin Bus and S4, S6, S8, W2 and L55 routes are operated by Go-Ahead Ireland.
191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to follow up with the NTA on correspondence (details supplied) which was sent to the authority over two weeks ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55877/23]
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for new and enhanced public transport services under Connecting Ireland, including services in County Cavan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
192. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers that have used Bus Éireann route 109X in each direction in 2021 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55878/23]
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 operation of public transport services.
The issues raised are an operational matter for Bus 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.
193. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport whether there are further plans in place to add additional carriages to early morning commuter trains from Sallins in order to address capacity issues, in particular the 7:09 service to Grand Canal Dock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55893/23]
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 decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to supplying additional carriages to morning commuter trains is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
194. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider an awareness campaign to address the issue of lane discipline on motorways and dual carriageways, specifically pertaining to the 'keep left; pass right' rule, and the introduction of new penalty points for failing to use lanes properly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55957/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 9 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulation 1997 (SI 182 of 1997) specifies that vehicles should be driven on the left hand side of the roadway, in a manner that allows safe overtaking on the right. Article 10(4) of the Regulations further states that, other than in the circumstances prescribed, drivers shall overtake on the right. Failure to drive on the left and dangerous overtaking are currently penalty point offences as per the Road Traffic Act 2002.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (No. 14 of 2006), the RSA has a key role in road safety promotion, education and awareness. To date, it has run a number of campaigns on the rules for driving on motorways and dual carriageways. In 2018, the RSA published a booklet specifically on motorway driving which contains a section on using lanes properly: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/motorways/motorway-booklet-2018-web-(002).pdf?sfvrsn=850e47e3_3
195. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider an awareness campaign to promote the importance of walking on the right side of the road for pedestrian safety, especially in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55958/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety matters. Given its responsibility in this regard, I have referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
196. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport whether extra funding will be provided to local authorities, where considerable damage was done to road infrastructure, to reinstate damaged roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55983/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each local authority.
Each year the regional and local road network suffers deterioration due to severe weather and climate effects. Damage can be caused by excessive rainfall, fluctuating temperatures, erosion of embankments and retaining structures due to tidal and river flow and severe weather events. In some instances the damage can be significant, resulting in the infrastructure becoming impassable until it can be repaired and re-opened. This can impact on strategic ‘lifeline’ roads serving hospitals, schools and population centres with very few or no alternative routes. The frequency with which these roads and bridges are impacted is increasing.
With a view addressing this issue in a more systematic way, the Department together with the Climate Adaptation Regional Offices (CARO) has developed systems to allow local authorities identify and apply for funding for locations most susceptible to climate change. This facilitates targeted funding to these vulnerable areas.
In 2021, the Department introduced a climate change adaptation and resilience grant programme. This year €16.2 million was allocated to this grant category to help restore and future proof our regional and local road network.
The 2024 regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
197. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56008/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an t-eolas a iarrtar á chur le chéile agus cuirfear ar aghaidh chuig an Teachta é nuair a bheidh sé ar fáil.
198. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [56026/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an t-eolas a iarrtar á chur le chéile agus cuirfear ar aghaidh chuig an Teachta é nuair a bheidh sé ar fáil.
