Written Answers Nos. 281-300
281. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail the ten longest lengths of time anybody has been waiting for an NCT test, of those currently waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27563/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
282. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if, as part of the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue aviation contract offer to a company (details supplied) consideration has been given by his Department to the important role which Rescue 118, which is based in Strandhill, County Sligo, provides the people in the north west of Ireland as a critical patient safety transfer service between hospitals in the region; if a decision is being made to change the current Sikorsky S-92 helicopters that operate the service to other models; if so, if they have the required helicopter capacity size to enable Rescue 118 to provide this vital service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27565/23]
View answer283. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if as part of the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue aviation contract offer to a company (details supplied); if, under this proposed new contract the continuity of Rescue 118 as a critical patient transfer service for the north west has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27566/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
The Government recently announced that it has accepted a recommendation to offer the next Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) search & rescue aviation (SAR) contract to Bristow Ireland Limited.
The contract will provide for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a fixed wing aircraft element.
The new IRCG aviation service contract allows the Coast Guard to fully meet its obligations as prescribed in the National SAR Plan, the National Oil/ HNS Contingency Plan and its capacity to support other State agencies, in particular inland SAR support to An Garda Síochána, and provision of Air Ambulance services to HSE including day and night support to the island communities.
As the procurement process has now entered the required legal ‘Standstill Period’, my Department is not in a position to comment further. As soon as the contract has been finalised and awarded, further information will be provided.
284. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of free public transport on an annual basis for those under 22 years of age in the context of existing fare structures. [27573/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.
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. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the estimated cost of waiving public transport fees for persons in possession of a student leap card. to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
285. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of social media videos posted on each of his Departmental social media accounts, or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit, that included closed captioning/subtitling between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; and the percentage of same that feature translations into Irish or another language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27666/23]
View answerMost videos posted on my departmental social media accounts use open captions rather than closed captions, see percentage breakdown, below. This means that captions are hard coded onto the video itself so that users do not have to choose to enable closed captions when viewing these videos.
The percentage of social media videos with open captions between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023 is 90%, of which, 10% feature translations into Irish. Closed captions are included in 25% of videos posted on my department’s YouTube account from this period, while the remainder (75% of videos) use open captions, of which, 33% of feature translations into Irish.
As my department has mostly included open captioning for its videos posted on its social media accounts, the information requested by the deputy concerning a percentage of social media videos with closed captioning/subtitling and the percentage of same that feature translations into Irish or another language, which operate under the remit of my department is more appropriate to the state bodies concerned and is not held within my Department.
Accordingly, I have asked the agencies under my department’s remit to respond to you directly. If you do not hear from them within 10 working days, please advise my private office.
286. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, and public bodies and agencies under his remit, have an anti-racism policy which can be accessed by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27684/23]
View answerMy Department is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace demographically representative of the population which it serves. My Department is equally committed to the promotion of respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. There are several policies and associated procedures in place to both set out the standards to which the staff of my Department are held and to ensure all staff conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner and are protected from all forms of bullying and harassment, including all forms of racial discrimination.
My Department is at all times compliant with the provisions of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, which prohibit discrimination, including racial discrimination in the workplace, and provides protection against unfair treatment on the grounds of an individual’s ethnicity or race.
The Code of Standards and Behaviour for the Irish Civil Service, which sets out the principal values and behaviour that all civil servants should abide by including respectful and appropriate behaviour to both colleagues and members of the public, is of critical importance in the conduct of my Department's business.
In support of the Code of Standards and Behaviour, the Dignity at Work: An Anti Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for the Civil Service aims to provide a respectful and inclusive work environment and defines unacceptable behaviours, including discrimination and harassment. All staff have the right to raise a complaint under the Dignity at Work policy, and such complaints will be confidentially and comprehensively investigated to ensure that the staff of my Department are treated equitably and appropriately.
Where The Code of Standards and Behaviour for the Irish Civil Service and/ or The Dignity at Work policy are not adhered to, action may be taken under the Civil Service Disciplinary Code. The Disciplinary Code defines misconduct, including harassment, and sets out the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken should instances of such inappropriate behaviour arise.
All legislation and policies referenced are publicly available. I have asked the aegis bodies to respond directly to you on this matter and if you do not hear from them within 10 days you should contact my office.
287. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport the consideration, if any, that has been given to the provision of linking Croom Orthopaedic Hospital through the public transport network, specifically the bus service to and from Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27692/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to public transport from Croom Orthopaedic Hospital to Limerick, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
288. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the new provider for the search-and-rescue helicopter service in Ireland will retain the existing crews, along with their existing terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27710/23]
View answerThe Government recently announced that it has accepted a recommendation to offer the next Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) search & rescue aviation (SAR) contract to Bristow Ireland Limited.
The contract will provide for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a fixed wing aircraft element.
The new IRCG aviation service contract allows the Coast Guard to fully meet its obligations as prescribed in the National SAR Plan, the National Oil/ HNS Contingency Plan and its capacity to support other State agencies, in particular inland SAR support to An Garda Síochána, and provision of Air Ambulance services to HSE including day and night support to the island communities.
It is expected that as part of their staffing strategy the new contractor will undertake a consultation and engagement process with the employees of the current contractor, and the recognised Trade Unions.
As the procurement process has now entered the required legal ‘Standstill Period’, my Department is not in a position to comment further. As soon as the contract has been finalised and awarded, further information will be provided.
289. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the NTA and or Irish Rail in respect of a new access/exit point from Bray rail station directly onto Strand Road; and if he has provided funding for same. [27758/23]
View answerAs 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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, which includes any new access/exit points from Bray station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
290. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport when a primary school (details supplied) selected to participate in the safe route to school scheme three years ago will have the necessary works carried out at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27839/23]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme. Subsequently two schools have deferred their applications and one school has withdrawn, leaving 167 schools in Round 1. 108 schools were announced as part of Round 2 of the Programme in December 2022, totalling 275 schools now at varying stages of options development, design, planning, construction or completion.
I am aware that the school referred to in the Deputy's question submitted an application under the Safe Routes to School Programme and was selected for inclusion in Round 1. Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question in relation to the status of this specific application to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
291. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 31 January 2023, if there is an update on the route considered; and if it is part of any specific road programme. [27855/23]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the N25 Midleton to Youghal project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
292. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on an extra route to be added to the transport of patients from Kenmare Hospital, County Kerry, to Killarney (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27858/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to 'open' public transport services. This means that dedicated or 'closed' transport services, such as HSE health transport services, fall outside of my remit. As the Deputy's office confirmed to my office that his question relates to a Health Services Executive (HSE) transport service, the Minister for Health and the HSE would be best placed to provide information on such services.
293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when an official bus stop and shelter might be provided at Killick/Ferns Lough, Kilcock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27860/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
294. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to have C1 and C2 Local Link bus services run on Sundays and bank holidays in both directions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27922/23]
View answerAs 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 the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including in 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.
295. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons that have used Bus Éireann bus route 109X in both directions in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27923/23]
View answerAs 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 query raised by the deputy in relation to the number of persons that have used Bus Éireann bus route 109X in both directions in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
296. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the total spend on consulting services and on ‘business-as-usual’ outsourcing, as differentiated under the Code of ‘Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016’ for each non-commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for the year 2022. [27973/23]
View answerWith regard to the following non-commercial agencies under the aegis of the Department of Transport,
• Medical Bureau of Road Safety
• National Transport Authority (regulator)
• Commission for Railway Regulation (regulator)
• Road Safety Authority
• Transport Infrastructure Ireland
this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded your question to the agencies for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.
297. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the allocation for each local authority under active travel for footpath repair and widening; the amount allocated per local authority; the amount drawn down to date and the projects used, in tabular form [28014/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the overall policy and funding of Active Travel infrastructure. The allocation of this funding to the various local authorities falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA) who are responsible for overseeing the delivery of both new projects and upgrading of existing infrastructure.
Investment in both new and improved Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the NTA for such projects this year alone.
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.
298. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of bike spaces in trains available on each route; and if he plans to increase them to allow for more flexible bike travel without the need for prebooking. [28017/23]
View answerAs 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 operations of public transport.
The issue of the number of bike spaces on trains available on each route and plans to increase the number of spaces available is an operational matter for Iarnród 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.
299. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the current status on the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road scheme which is due to be progressed this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28034/23]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
300. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the status of the proposed Ardee bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28036/23]
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
