Wednesday, 21 Feb 2024

Written Answers Nos. 25-45

National Security

Ceisteanna (25)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

25. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will develop a national security strategy and functioning security agency to deal with future security events. [7942/24]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The State’s security is a priority for the Government. We already have functioning services in place that carry out significant and important roles in protecting the State and the people, notably An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the National Cyber Security Centre.

Much of the security-focused work our services do is, of its very nature, covert and simply cannot be elaborated on in detail without jeopardising it. However, it will not be a surprise that combatting terrorism and violent extremism, protecting the interests of our people, at home and abroad, and counteracting the ever-present cyber threat rank highly in their priorities. Our services are active and dedicated to protecting our national security.

The Government will continue to ensure our services are properly resourced and developed to continue to work effectively against the threats we face. This is clearly evidenced by the Government’s resourcing and reform programmes for policing, defence and cyber security.

The Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy in the coming months. Work is ongoing in drawing up the strategy, co-ordinated by the National Security Analysis Centre in my Department and integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs; Defence; Justice; Environment, Climate and Communications; An Garda Síochána; the National Cyber Security Centre and the Defence Forces.

The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues. This will include the implications of more recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the serious deterioration in the European security environment and the related political and economic impacts that arise from the war in Ukraine; the deepening conflict in the Middle East; the growing impact and scale of cyber and hybrid threats; and continued instability in the geopolitical environment.

This work also takes account of the report of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy and the ongoing implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Social Dialogue

Ceisteanna (26)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

26. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the social dialogue co-ordination unit of his Department. [7941/24]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The social dialogue unit, part of the economic division of the Department, co-ordinates and assists the Government's overall approach to social dialogue. This includes the Labour Employer Economic Forum, LEEF, which engages with representatives of employers and trade unions on economic and employment issues insofar as they affect the labour market, and which are of mutual concern. The most recent meeting of the LEEF took place on 20 November. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on 26 February. A range of LEEF subgroups deal with issues such as employment and enterprise, housing, pensions, early years and health issues.

Social dialogue and engagement also take place through a variety of formats including:

· the National Civic Forum for dialogue with the community and voluntary sector, the second of which was held in November;

· the National Economic Dialogue, which was held on 12 June and will take place again this summer;

· the National Economic and Social Council;

· the National Dialogue on Climate Action;

· the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council; and

· many other sectoral groups and consultative forums.

Another model for broad-based social dialogue are citizens' assemblies.

In addition, I and other members of the Government regularly meet bilaterally with representative groups to hear their views on a wide variety of issues.

The social dialogue unit will continue to assist me and the Government in these engagements with the social partners in the period ahead.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (27)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

27. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the work of the policing reform implementation programme office in his Department. [7940/24]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

A Policing Service for our Future is the Government’s Plan to implement the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

The Implementation of the Plan has been overseen by a dedicated Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach and an Implementation Group on Policing Reform (IGPR), chaired by an independent person.

This phase is expected to conclude this year in line with the enhanced governance and accountability framework laid out in the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill coming into effect.

A significant focus of the Implementation Plan has been concerned with strengthening the internal capabilities of An Garda Síochána so that the organisation possesses the capacity to drive future reform.

The new Bill will establish a Garda Board to help this process and will be complemented by external agencies such as the Policing and Community Safety Authority and Fiosrú, the reconstituted Police Ombudsman.

Given that the Report on the Commission of the Future of Policing in Ireland called for greater clarity and coherence in terms of police governance, it would be important to ensure that future governance is as streamlined and clear as possible.

This would help to continue the reform process which has already achieved significant progress including:

· Progressing the Operating Model for An Garda Síochána, which will enable a more visible, responsive and localised policing service to communities nationwide. The model has been fully rolled out in eleven divisions with the remaining ten divisions later this year.

· Conclusion of the three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships in Dublin’s North Inner City, Waterford City and County and Longford County which will inform the national roll-out of these arrangements in 2024.

· The Garda workforce was larger at the end of 2023 than at any year before 2019 and recent recruitment has been strong following the Government decision to increase the entry age limit to apply to become a Garda trainee from 35 years to 50.

· Distribution of nearly 15,000 digital communication devices enabling front-line gardái to perform their duties without returning to stations.

· Implementation of new human rights structures, strategies and training across the organisation; and

· Introduction of a three-year Garda Health and Wellbeing Strategy which recognises the stresses a Garda can face and provides assistance to deal with them.

There has also been progress on legislative reform:

· the landmark Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2023 which provides for the most wide-ranging and coherent reform of policing in a generation. The Act was signed into law by the President on 7 February with early commencement envisaged.

· the Garda Síochána (Digital Recordings) Act, which concerns the use of recording devices, including body worn cameras, was signed into law by the President on 5 December 2023

· In June Cabinet approved the drafting of a General Scheme for a new Garda Bill on Facial Recognition Technology.

This new Bill will deal with the concerns raised on FRT and allow for the prioritisation of the enactment of the Recording Devices Bill before the end of the year.

· the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill which combines and modernises police powers of search, arrest and detention.

In addition, the Garda Síochána Operational Areas Act came into law in 2021 to underpin the new Garda Operating Model.

These achievements represent only some of the wide range of actions completed or being progressed. The Implementation Group on Policing Reform is currently focused on the arrangements for ensuring the smooth transition to the new statutory governance and oversight arrangements.

Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 24.

Foreign Policy

Ceisteanna (29, 30)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

29. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 25 October 2022, for an update on the engagement he has had with his Algerian, European and UN counterparts in relation to the kidnapping on 6 January 2009 in Algiers of the sibling of an Irish citizen (details supplied) for which the UNHCR established Algeria’s responsibility; the circumstances of their abduction; the reason for their detention without trial; the steps that he has taken to secure their safe return; the engagement he has had with their family in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8160/24]

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

30. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 8 November 2022, if he will follow up with the UN Human Rights Committee, requesting any updates in relation to this case, including any actions taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8193/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.

In the past, I have received correspondence related to this case, as have officials in my Department. I understand that members of the Oireachtas have also received details of this case.

The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy. In particular, the protection of human rights defenders is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland in our bilateral, EU, and UN multilateral engagement, including at the United Nations Security Council.

I have noted previously the views adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Committee in communication No. 2924/2016 which established Algeria’s responsibility in the alleged kidnapping of Mr Ahmed Braih.

On 14 February, officials from my Department met with representatives from Polisario Front and raised this case. Officials from my Department have also raised this case with the Algerian Embassy in Dublin. My Department will continue to raise this issue, including when appropriate with the Algerian authorities.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 29.

Death Certificates

Ceisteanna (31)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

31. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will engage with the South African Embassy concerning a death certificate application (detail supplied) submitted in 2018. where the applicant has yet to receive the death certificate more than four years afterwards. [8225/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

I have asked officials at our Embassy in Pretoria to follow up with the South African authorities responsible for the issuing of death certificates, on the basis of the details provided. The Department will also liaise with the Embassy of South Africa here in Dublin on the matter. When I have further details on the case, I will communicate with the Deputy.

Foreign Birth Registration

Ceisteanna (32)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

32. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on a foreign birth register application (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8240/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR or Naturalisation.

Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.

FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 8-9 months from receipt of all required supporting documents, a decrease in turnaround time of 75% from over two and a half years in 2022. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.

With regard to the specific Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 18 October 2023. Further documents were subsequently received on 12 December and were processed. However, the application remains incomplete. A member of the FBR team has contacted the applicant’s parent in this regard. The application cannot proceed until all required supporting documents have been received by the Passport Service.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (33)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

33. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the current situation in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; if any further measures against Russia are anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8257/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Almost 2 years into its unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues its barbaric bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.

On the frontline, Ukraine now finds itself in a very difficult situation. After four months of intense fighting, the city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast has fallen to Russian forces, who have taken severe casualties in the process. This was immediately followed by a series of new attacks against other Ukrainian positions across the frontlines, which have so far been repulsed. This shows that Russia is intent on continuing its offensive with a view to occupying more territory whenever it sees an opportunity to do so. Ukraine is particularly challenged by a lack of essential military supplies, such as artillery ammunition, and the Ukrainian government is working closely with its Western partners to remedy this.

Recent positive agreements at EU level send a strong signal of the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. At the December European Council, EU leaders agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine following the recommendation of the Commission Enlargement Report of 8 November. Ireland welcomes this decision, which is a source of hope for the Ukrainian people for their future. We look forward to additional reporting from the Commission in March, which we hope will facilitate next steps on Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

On 1 February, EU leaders met again at a Special European Council in order to approve the €50 billion “Ukraine Facility”. Ireland welcomes the agreement reached at this meeting, which will place EU support to Ukraine on a more sustainable footing over the coming years, enabling it to pay essential bills and repair and rebuild essential infrastructure as it continues to defend itself.

These recent agreements at EU level send a strong signal to Ukraine, Russia and the wider world that the EU is steadfast in its long-term support to Ukraine, notwithstanding other crises that are occupying our attention. It is important now that we maintain this momentum, and reach agreement as soon as possible on the important remaining decisions, including on the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, and the proposed Ukraine Assistance Fund which seeks to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine. Ireland remains supportive of long-term EU military support to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility, and our support will continue to focus on non-lethal assistance.

I discussed these further measures with my EU counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, where we were also joined by Yulia Navalnaya. The death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, in a Russian prison, will undoubtedly further galvanise EU action in this regard.

I expect that these issues will be further discussed at the March European Council.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (34)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

34. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the situation whereby the SEAI will not disburse grants from its better homes scheme to holders of credit union accounts and if he has engaged with the SEAI in relation to same. [8120/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manage a number of residential and community energy upgrade grant support schemes on behalf of my Department. SEAI operate their schemes within a specified governance framework with a set of rules determining eligibility for grant support. Accordingly, these schemes have terms and conditions in place to ensure the effective and transparent administration of public monies. Achieving this requires that the processes and systems are clear and efficient and operate in a manner which is clear and fair to all applicants.

Following enquiries by officials of my Department, SEAI has confirmed its systems accept and process payments to Irish Credit Union Accounts. SEAI advises the following process is in place for homeowners applying for grant support:

• At the point of applying for a grant on the SEAI online portal the applicant is not asked to select their bank details.

• Once the application is submitted online, SEAI will send out the required paperwork the next day by post, this paperwork includes a Request for Payment form.

• This is the point at which the bank or credit union payment details are requested of the applicant.

• The bank payee details are entered at the point of requesting grant payment and are entered on to SEAI's system by the SEAI teams based on information supplied by homeowners on their paperwork.

The SEAI helpdesk (ph: 01 8082012) is also available to homeowners seeking further assistance with regard to the applications.

Broadband Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (35)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

35. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of situations whereby a broadband distribution box is fitted at a residential property to serve a number of houses, but the property owner where the distribution box is fitted refuses to allow access via their property to the box; what options other residents and broadband providers have in such situations; if he will investigate such a situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8163/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My officials have investigated the issue referred to in the question. Having checked the details on the Department’s High Speed Broadband (HSBB) Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie, I can confirm that both premises are in a BLUE area. BLUE areas are parts of the country where commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. The Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.

The activities of these commercial operators are not funded by the State and therefore are not planned, designed or directed by the Department in any capacity. The Department cannot compel providers to upgrade services in any area or to any premises, or influence their day-to-day operations in any way. Furthermore, the Department has no role in ensuring the uppermost speeds available in the domestic market are accessible to every premises in the State.

My officials have been advised that instances such as the one referred to in the question do occur. The prevailing infrastructure, particularly with copper Distribution Points, is typically situated at one end of a row of terraced houses, with Open Eir historically implementing a duct system designed to serve adjacent terraces. It appears that a similar approach is being pursued for the deployment of fibre broadband infrastructure.

However, challenges arise when a single property owner objects to the installation of new cables, effectively impeding the provision of services to subsequent residences in the network chain. It is regrettable to note that, as of the current juncture, there is not a definitive resolution to circumvent such impasses, which hinders the broader objective of ensuring universal broadband access.

This matter warrants further investigation to explore potential legislative or regulatory measures that could facilitate the resolution of such disputes, ensuring that the broader community's access to essential broadband services is not compromised by individual objections. The government is committed ensuring equitable broadband distribution for all citizens, recognizing the critical role of digital connectivity in contemporary society.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (36)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

36. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is legislative provision in place to require management companies to take reasonable steps to provide EV charging networks for occupiers. [8234/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I have no function in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (37, 38, 39)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

37. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the dates and duration of all road closures in the vicinity and surrounds of the Curragh Camp and firing range for January to December 2023, and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8395/24]

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

38. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount of compensation paid out to local residents of the Curragh due to road closures for military purposes in each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8396/24]

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

39. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will clarify why planning permission was not applied for regarding the erection of two sentry posts on land designated as green lands at the Curragh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8399/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 to 39, inclusive, together.

The closure of roads on Defence owned lands during the course of operational and training activities is carried out pursuant to Section 274 of the Defence Act, 1954. The Act provides that the Officer in Command may temporarily stop all traffic by land or water where in their opinion same may be necessary for the security of life and the proper conduct of the manoeuvres and other operational activities and as such the issue of compensation does not arise. The Deputy will appreciate that as such activities relate to operational matters it would not be appropriate to comment further. In relation to the planning code, the Deputy may wish to note that developments related to military operations are generally exempted from consent requirements. For the avoidance of any doubt, I am advised that no person is denied access to their home by the closure of local roads in such instances.

Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 37.

Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 37.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (40)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

40. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will clarify whether he will reconstitute the Curragh forum, to include local residents, to discuss their concerns in relation to the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8400/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

As the Minister with responsibility for Defence, I am the custodian and guardian of the Curragh lands pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act, 1961. I believe it is important to bear this in mind, as under that Act, the Curragh Plains is recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance. I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no immediate plans to reconstitute the Curragh forum.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (41)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

41. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if the support schemes for EV charging networks developed by local authorities can cover the installation of chargers in multi-unit developments developed by local authorities or by approved housing bodies. [8232/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

Home charging is and will remain the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer. Home charging also assists in the overall management of the national grid by reducing the impact of reliance on higher powered and peak-time charging. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, however for those unable to do so a growing network of neighbourhood and destination charging will provide a reliable alternative.

ZEVI are currently finalising the Regional and Local EV infrastructure Network Plan. This plan will provide a pathway for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood areas, in line with both national and European ambitions for cleaner transportation. This plan ensures a cohesive and standardised approach. It will be led by local authorities, working together to develop regional strategies, promoting a unified and efficient rollout of charging infrastructure, facilitating nationwide integration of EVs. The plan will be published for public consultation in March 2024.

The accelerated expansion of public destination and neighbourhood charging infrastructure will also be led by local authorities with the support and in partnership with other public sector bodies, private sector groups and other stakeholders. This plan will be published for public consultation by end March 2024. As part of this plan, Local Authorities will develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies and subsequent implementation plans for public infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood locations. The plan is to support Local Authorities in the delivery of the infrastructure through direct funding of resources including direct staffing and capital supports.

In relation to multi unit developments and approved housing bodies (AHBs), there is currently a requirement under the building regulations Part L and Energy Performance of building regulations for the installation of ducting to facilitate future installations of EV charge points to make these locations EV ready. Local Authorities and AHBs can apply through the apartment charger scheme for retrofitting of EV charge points in their multi unit developments. The apartment charger scheme going forward will target private developments and AHBs. It is planned to directly fund Local Authorities through projects identified through their EV Infrastructure Strategies for neighbourhood charging requirements for residences without the ability to install and off street charger at their dwelling.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (42)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

42. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of local authorities that have installed EV charging networks with his Department's support; the number of locations in each case; and the planned and approved locations scheduled to be installed. [8235/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

Home charging is and will remain the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer. Home charging also assists in the overall management of the national grid by reducing the impact of reliance on higher powered and peak-time charging. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, however for those unable to do so a growing network of neighbourhood and destination charging will provide a reliable alternative.

Some Local Authorities have delivered public charging infrastructure through a range of measures; for example, through the (now closed) SEAI public charging point grant; through arrangements with charge point operators (CPOs - not funded from central government); and through projects such as the FASTER Project, through European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, part funded by the Department of Transport, which delivered 27 High Power DC Charge points at 14 Locations across Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Leitrim, Cavan, Sligo and Donegal.

ZEVI have also funded pilot Local Authority EV infrastructure projects such as in Limerick, where the Council has installed infrastructure in 2023 for 30 High power DC charge points at 15 Locations. There are a number of early mover Local Authorities such as the Dublin Local Authorities who are completing their Strategy development and are currently out to tender for 200 high Power AC and DC charge points at 50 locations across the Dublin region and Cork City, Galway City and Limerick City are nearing completion of their EV infrastructure strategies. These pilot projects will be supported by ZEVI and will provide valuable additions to public EV infrastructure in these areas.

However there is still a further need to provide a coordinated and planned delivery of the EV infrastructure needed to meet European and Climate Action targets to facilitate the transition to EVs. To address this and to transition to a planned lead approach, ZEVI is currently developing The Regional and Local EV infrastructure Network Plan. This plan will provide a pathway for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood areas, in line with both national and European ambitions for cleaner transportation. This plan ensures a cohesive and standardised approach. It will be led by local authorities, working together to develop regional strategies, promoting a unified and efficient rollout of charging infrastructure, facilitating nationwide integration of EVs. The plan will be published for public consultation in March 2024.

The accelerated expansion of public destination and neighbourhood charging infrastructure will be led by local authorities with the support and in partnership with other public sector bodies, private sector groups and other stakeholders. As part of this plan, local authorities will regionalise and develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies and subsequent implementation plans for public infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood locations. ZEVI will support local authorities including direct funding of projects and resources needed to deliver the accelerated and coordinated roll out of EV infrastructure.

Active Travel

Ceisteanna (43)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

43. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of funding allocated to the Innishmore active travel scheme in Ballincollig, Cork. [8181/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (44)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

44. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider accelerating proposals for a 24-hour public transport system in Dublin inclusive of the Luas, DART and trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8208/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The 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 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, under Budget 2024, a funding package of c. €613.463m has been secured for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services. This package includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the extension of the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services to include 24- and 25-year-olds, and the continuation of the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024. Funding has also been secured to support the continued roll-out of new and enhanced bus and rail services this year. This includes the continued roll-out of the BusConnects programme, Connecting Ireland and new town services.

Active Travel

Ceisteanna (45)

David Stanton

Ceist:

45. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the funding his Department has made available to facilitate active travel solutions in and around Youghal, County Cork; the corresponding active travel projects to be supported, and details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8297/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As 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.