Written Answers Nos. 191-198
191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of the measures he plans to put in place in 2023 to enhance airport security and passenger screening at Dublin Airport. [14553/23]
View answerMy Department, through the National Air Transportation Facilitation Committee (NATFaC) have convened a Summer 2023 Readiness Subgroup, which is meeting regularly to discuss preparations for what is expected to be a very busy summer season for air travel. Membership of the subgroup includes air carriers, airport operators, air navigation service providers, ground handlers and immigration authorities.
Security queueing times at Dublin Airport have been good in a very busy first quarter with virtually all passengers being processed in less than 30 minutes and over 90% of passengers being processed within 20 minutes. daa have advised my Department that there is significant recruitment and training of security staff ongoing at Dublin Airport and that they are confident in their plans for the peak Summer period. Contingency plans are also in place should they be required.
On the standard of security screening, aviation security is highly regulated at international, European and national levels and all regulated entities, including airport operators, are required to comply with rigorous standards and are subject to national and international oversight.
Inspections and testing of security controls at Irish airports are conducted at national level by the IAA in accordance with EU Regulation 18/2010, and at European level by the European Commission in accordance with EU Regulation 72/2010. The results of these inspections are evaluated, and corrective actions and system improvements are implemented where required.
I cannot comment on specific aspects of aviation security operations as this is highly security-sensitive.
192. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that adequate funding is allocated to a local authority in 2023 to advance proposed road projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14562/23]
View answerAs 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.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year – however most national road projects in the NDP will continue to be progressed in 2023. In this context, €600,000 has been allocated for the N2 Ardee to south of Castleblayney scheme. In relation to the N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme, €2.5 million has been allocated, which is contingent on a successful application for funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Both projects are listed in the NDP and will continue to be considered for further funding in future years over the life of the current NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the status of these schemes. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
193. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the information his office was provided with after 24 February 2023 that advised him contrary to the fact that the CIÉ superannuation scheme 1951 is in significant surplus; who supplied that information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14570/23]
View answer194. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he agrees that the CIÉ group’s 1951 superannuation scheme (1951 scheme), is currently not in compliance with the minimum funding standard as defined in the Pensions Act 1990, (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14573/23]
View answer195. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to sign any amending statutory instrument changing the benefits of members of the CIÉ 1951 superannuation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14574/23]
View answer196. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport how he and CIÉ came to the conclusion that the CIÉ 1951 superannuation scheme (1951 Scheme) is currently not in compliance with the minimum funding standard as defined in the Pensions Act 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14575/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 193, 194, 195 and 196 together.
CIÉ have advised that the Group’s two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), are currently not in compliance with the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as defined in the Pensions Act 1990.As the Deputies may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to the schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.
In relation to CIE's Regular Wages Scheme (RWS), I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.
In regards to the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of scheme trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputies may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. I have, therefore, referred the Deputies questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the current status of plans to alleviate traffic congestion in Celbridge, County Kildare; when the proposals are likely to be finalised in this regard given the seriousness of traffic congestion in Celbridge; if any conclusive steps will be taken in the future in this regard, given the pressing nature of the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/23]
View answer198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the proposed but not agreed traffic alleviation measures for Naas, County Kildare; if any progress is being made towards an alternative solution which was approved by the councillors of the area; if such proposals will now receive a favourable response given the ongoing and pressing nature of the traffic issues in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14620/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the policy and overall funding in relation to transport measures. In recent years we have seen a significant increase in Active Travel spending around the country which is aimed primarily at encouraging modal shift away from private cars and towards walking and cycling, ultimately resulting in an easing of traffic congestion among other aims.
€290 million has been allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2023 to fund walking and cycling around the country, including almost €10 million to Kildare County Council. The NTA works with the local authorities to determine funding for specific projects and oversees their development.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply in relation to planned works in Celbridge and Naas. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
