Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Written Answers Nos. 166-182

Departmental Inquiries

Questions (169, 170)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

169. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he can reconcile the involvement of the Department of Defence and his office in drawing up draft terms of reference for a statutory inquiry into what, if the review had included his Department, may well show findings of sharp, mal or poor practice within his Department and, his actions and/or the actions of the Minister of the day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21858/23]

Marc MacSharry

Question:

170. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he and the Government will be prepared to have an independent authority such as the appropriate joint Oireachtas committee, Standards in Public Office Commission or other such independent entity commence the process afresh, to engage in a complete fashion with all stakeholders in drawing up appropriate terms of reference for a statutory inquiry which are above reproach and enjoy the confidence of all stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21862/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address the extremely serious issues identified in the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG).

As I said in my initial response to the Report, a completely honest appraisal of the problems and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only way to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel and rebuild trust.

The Government has agreed to progress its thirteen recommendations in full. I am absolutely determined that this report must be, and will be, the catalyst for the transformation of Ireland’s Defence Forces.

Most immediately, the Government has moved to establish an External Oversight Body, on a non-statutory basis initially, to drive the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and to increase transparency and accountability.

The calibre and combined skills and experience of the members of the Body, under the chair of Prof. Brian MacCraith, is exceptional and I am very satisfied on their ability to carry out their important role in overseeing the future transformation and accountability of the Defence Forces effectively.

The Government has also agreed to the establishment of a Statutory Inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces on interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct. It is important that the momentum and impact of the IRG Report is built upon quickly. Accordingly, I have been consulting with the Attorney General in respect of its establishment.

I am also keenly aware of the importance of consultation with all stakeholders, as this transformation is taken forward. To this end, I met with a number of stakeholder groups on 2 May, which included the Defence Women’s Network, the Representative Associations (RACO, PDFORRA, RDFRA), the Women of Honour group and the Men and Women of Honour group. In addition, meetings took place with the Veteran Associations and with Civil and Civilian Employee Unions.

At the meetings, a first draft of proposed Terms of Reference for the forthcoming Statutory Inquiry was shared with the Groups. All groups have been invited to provide feedback and I can confirm that there will be further engagements and consultation with stakeholder groups on the proposed Terms of Reference before they are finalised, in consultation with the Attorney General.

I wish to make it clear that the Department of Defence will be included in the scope of this Inquiry.

Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 169.

Information and Communications Technology

Questions (171)

Ciarán Cannon

Question:

171. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport if officials from his Department are using an application (details supplied) to conduct business; if his Department has had official meetings regarding the use of the application by officials; if his Department has assessed the risk of using the application by Department officials and the input of Government-related data into the application; if his Department is using or is considering using other forms of artificial intelligence; if his Department is considering banning the use of the application by Department officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21100/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Chat GPT has been used by one division within my Department in an exploratory manner to trial its capabilities. No commercial, sensitive or non-public information was entered into the platform as part of this evaluation and no decision has yet been made on its utility in the future. Any use of ChatGPT or other AI tools in my Department is governed by existing GDPR, Cloud Computing and Acceptable Usage policies which prohibit entering any commercial, sensitive or non-public information into such services. We remain in regular contact with the OGCIO and NCSC in relation to this topic but at present there is no advice from either body to block access to ChatGPT. My officials will continue to monitor this area and act upon any future guidance received.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (172)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when legislation will be enacted to ensure that drug testing takes place at the scene of a road traffic accident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21109/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Since 2011, it has been mandatory for An Garda Síochána to test a driver involved in a fatal or serious collision for the presence of alcohol. It is the Department's understanding that a garda arriving at the scene of such a collision will also test for drugs as a matter of best practice, particularly since the introduction of improved portable testing technology in recent months, but no formal requirement is set out in legislation at present.

My Department is examining the possibility of introducing an amendment to make drug testing mandatory at the scene of a serious accident, bringing the relevant primary legislation in line with current Garda practice. As the Deputy is aware, any amendment to primary legislation must be approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Public Transport

Questions (173)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

173. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to provide public transport links between Westport and Louisburgh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21141/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, including the reconfiguration of routes 450 and 440, to provide better levels of service on a new alignment Louisburgh – Westport – Achill and return, 7 days a week, 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (174)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

174. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the make-up of the Coastal Unit Advisory Group, including the number of volunteers on the panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21148/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Coast Guard Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) is the official representative group of the Coast Guard volunteers.

This group represents Irish Coast Guard volunteers and provides advice and input to the Coast Guard under agreed terms of reference between management and the volunteers. This group meets regularly and is involved in working with Coast Guard management to deliver a world class service while protecting the safety and wellbeing of the volunteers within the Coast Guard units.

The CUAG panel consists of:

i. Six volunteer officers in charge (OiCs) (one from each coastal sector)

ii. Six non-OiC volunteers (one from each coastal sector)

iii. Two full-time members of staff.

I am in regular contact with CUAG and I very much encourage the positive engagement and communications that are taking place with CUAG and Coast Guard Units around the coast in relation to their role and how best they can support their volunteers.

Legislative Reviews

Questions (175)

Carol Nolan

Question:

175. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will list all reviews of Acts carried out by his Department in line with the provisions of the Act in question from 2000 to date; if a summary will be provided of any substantive amendments of the Act in question that occurred on foot of each review and the amending legislation, if any, in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21194/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Following consultation with officials in my Department, and having confirmed with the Deputy that her question refers to reviews of Acts carried out on foot of provisions of the Acts themselves, I can confirm that no such reviews have been carried out by my Department in the period from the year 2000 to date.

Air Safety

Questions (176)

Carol Nolan

Question:

176. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the legal basis for the restrictions against bringing 100 ml of liquids aboard aircraft; his views on whether these restrictions continue to be justified over two decades after their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Jack Chambers)

In accordance with the existing EU regulations on civil aviation security, LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels) are not prohibited articles. They can be carried by passengers into the cabin of the aircraft provided that they are screened by appropriate security equipment (liquid explosive detection equipment or LEDs).

Union regulations contain specifications for such technology and lists the currently available equipment approved for that purpose. The 100ml containers in the carry-on bags are currently an exception to this rule, that is, liquids not screened by LEDs that can be carried on board.

Airports may procure and deploy the abovementioned security technology for the screening of LAGs exceeding the 100ml capacity. The decision to do so (or not) is for airports to make. Irish airports are moving in the direction of deploying technology that would allow the lifting of LAG restrictions for passengers. Any airports not currently fully equipped with the new technology have equipment replacement plans in place that will see the relevant technology being deployed.

Airports not yet equipped with the necessary technology must continue to apply restrictions in accordance with EU regulation by rejecting LAGs above 100ml.

Bus Services

Questions (177)

Seán Canney

Question:

177. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure a regular bus service is put in place to service Clarinbridge into Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21214/23]

Written answers

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 decisions regarding the routes 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 question in relation to the possible introduction of a regular bus service for Clarinbridge into Galway city, to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Network

Questions (178, 179)

Michael McNamara

Question:

178. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by Transport Infrastructure Ireland cutting trees beside national roads and motorway networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21221/23]

Michael McNamara

Question:

179. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the number of permits obtained for the cutting of trees beside the motorway and national roads network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.

As 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 operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise the Deputy.

Noting the above position, I have referred these questions to TII for a direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 178.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (180)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

180. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a review of rules allowing tractors to drive on the motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21231/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I can confirm that my Department has no plans at present for a review of the rules regarding tractors driving on motorways.

Departmental Funding

Questions (181)

Holly Cairns

Question:

181. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his engagement with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media concerning investment in Eblana Theatre in the basement of Busáras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21243/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 operation and provision of public transport.

I understand from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media that much of the nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres were initiated and funded by local authorities including those serving Dublin City.

Further, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist and maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for specific Grant Schemes that are announced from time to time. The Arts Council provides programming and revenue supports to a range of arts centres in Dublin city.

As the matter of its property holdings is, in the first instance, a matter for CIÉ, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for co-ordination, as needed, to CIÉ and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Transport Costs

Questions (182, 183, 184)

Duncan Smith

Question:

182. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the estimated yearly cost of extending the young adult Leap card to 24-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21262/23]

Duncan Smith

Question:

183. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the estimated yearly cost of providing free public transport to under 25-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21263/23]

Duncan Smith

Question:

184. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the estimated yearly cost of providing a 20% public transport fare reduction for under 25-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21264/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 184, inclusive, together.

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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.

In relation to the commerical bus operators, it should be noted that these operators are responsible for setting their own fares and therefore it would not be within the remit of the NTA to estimate the cost to the Exchequer of subsidising the waiving of all fares on these services.

Therefore, in view of the above I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions in relation to PSO fares, to the NTA for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51