Thursday, 22 Jun 2023

Written Answers Nos. 157-183

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (157)

Paul Murphy

Question:

157. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason expressions of interest with a closing date of 26 May 2023 had been sought for places on the election observer roster; the conclusions and findings that arise from this process; if persons who did not express interest can apply; if so, if they will be at any disadvantage over those who expressed interest; the date the full competition will be published; the number of places available; whether separate panels will be formed for long-term election observers and short-term election observers; if he plans to have any reserved places for people with disabilities, politicians or others; if so, will he detail the number of reserved places and the persons eligible to apply for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30232/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The current Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.

To inform planning for the recruitment of the next Roster, expressions of interest were sought from those who were interested in applying to be a member. By the closing date, 26 May 2023, the Department had received 250 expressions of interest. The Department is now consulting with relevant experts and finalising documentation for the application process. It will be possible to apply to become a Roster Member even if an expression of interest has not been submitted. A deadline will be set for the submission of applications in the near future.

The Department is fully committed to equality of opportunity, in line with the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. We are therefore committed to ensuring that Ireland’s Election Observation Roster provides for the participation of people with disabilities, and we are engaging with the EU and OSCE in this regard. The Department will ensure that any requests received for reasonable accommodation at application stage from people with disabilities are given all due consideration.

All information will be made available on the Department’s website at: Election observation - Department of Foreign Affairs (irishaid.ie)

Official Travel

Questions (158)

Pauline Tully

Question:

158. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to visit the United States before the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30282/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I have visited the United States twice so far during 2023, visiting Washington DC in February and, over the St Patrick's Day festivities in March, visiting New York as well Boston and Holyoke in Massachusetts.

While in Washington DC I met with US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan and had engagements with officials from the Biden administration and the State Department, as well as with key contacts on Capitol Hill to discuss issues relating to Northern Ireland and other matters of mutual interest, including prospects for emigration reform. I also participated in events reflecting on 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, and on the role of women in the peace process, coinciding with St. Brigid’s Day.

While in New York and Massachusetts during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, I met the UN Secretary-General; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Congressman Richie Neal; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; and New York Attorney General Letitia James. I also addressed a conference in New York commemorating 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement and had the opportunity to meet with groups and organisations providing cultural, community and pastoral services to Irish communities in New York and Massachusetts.

Along with Government colleagues, I was delighted to welcome President Biden to Ireland in April along with members of his Cabinet and members of Congress for a historic and very successful visit. The visit of any US President, particularly one with such strong connections to Ireland, is a unique opportunity to reinforce the strong historic, economic, cultural and family ties between our two countries.

My travel programme for the remainder of 2023 remains under review. Should appropriate opportunities to further promote Ireland’s economic and political interests in the United States arise, I would intend to pay another visit to the United States later this year.

Passport Services

Questions (159)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

159. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when applications for passports on behalf of siblings (details supplied) will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30315/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.

Passport Services

Questions (160)

Chris Andrews

Question:

160. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department is aware of the increasing number of fraudulent Irish passport renewal websites operating; what action his Department is taking to have these websites removed; and if his Department is planning to run a public awareness campaign regarding this problem. [30472/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department is aware of third party websites who, in return for a fee, are purporting to assist passport applicants with their online application. Such websites advertising their services for a premium are not authorised to do so by the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Passport Service.

The Passport Service is not responsible for the content of, or fees charged, by these sites. The Passport Service strongly recommends that online passport applications should only be made at www.dfa.ie/passports. Members of the public should, of course, at all times exercise extreme caution when conducting any financial transactions online.

This type of third party purported service is not, of course, unique to passport applications. Any suspicions or concerns about any third party website should be reported to any Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

There are no current plans to run a public awareness campaign about this issue, but the Passport Service is currently working on an update to its website to make citizens aware of such sites and to strongly advise citizens that online applications for a passport should only be made at www.dfa.ie/passports.

Passport Services

Questions (161)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

161. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a response to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30489/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (162)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

162. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications 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 commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for 2022. [30258/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The information requested by the Deputy is a direct operational matter for each of the commercial bodies under the aegis of my Department. The relevant bodies will be asked to provide the information sought directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (163)

Michael Lowry

Question:

163. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide clarification on the reasons an applicant (details supplied) to the warmer homes scheme was refused funding for new windows; if the applicant's urgent medical needs were taken into consideration during the assessment process by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; what specific criteria or guidelines are followed by the SEAI when evaluating applications which may need window replacements under the warmer homes scheme; if there are any provisions or exceptions in place to accommodate applicants with urgent medical needs, especially when it pertains to improving indoor air quality, insulation and overall living conditions; in light of the applicant's urgent medical needs, what alternative solutions or recommendations can be provided to ensure their health and well-being are adequately addressed within the framework of the warmer homes scheme, as it is crucial to understand the rationale behind the refusal and to ascertain if appropriate consideration was given to the applicant's urgent medical requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30283/23]

Written answers

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

The Warmer Homes Scheme provides fully funded upgrades to households at risk of energy poverty. SEAI administer the scheme on behalf of my Department. As Minister I have no function in relation to individual applications to the scheme.

To qualify for the scheme an applicant must own and live in the home they are applying for works for. In addition, the home must have been built and occupied before 2006 and the household must be in receipt of a relevant Department of Social Protection payment. No exceptions to these criteria can be made. There is a very high level of demand for the scheme, and the current waiting time from application to works being carried out is approximately 22.5 months.

When applications are received by SEAI they are first assessed on a first come first served basis to determine eligibility of the applicant and whether any Building Energy Rating-based prioritisation will apply. Homes with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G and with a year of construction of pre-1993 are prioritised for survey and works. No other prioritisation applies under any circumstances.

In addition to being an eligible applicant the property must be suitable for one or more measures from the range of works available under the scheme. The suitability of a home is determined by an SEAI Surveyor at the Survey Stage.

The surveyor recommends upgrades that are suitable for the given property. These will be based on factors such as the property’s age, size, existing heating system and condition. Appendix 1 of the scheme application guidelines www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/SCHEME-GUIDELINES.pdf) provides further details on the conditions for the various recommendation for energy efficiency upgrade measures, including the conditions for where replacement windows may be recommended.

Given the demand and associated cycle times for the scheme it is not a suitable avenue for urgent home repair needs. There are other grants and schemes available from Government that could be of assistance in these situations. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.

Telecommunications Services

Questions (164)

Denis Naughten

Question:

164. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current 5G population coverage; the steps being taken to progress the deployment of 100% population 5G coverage by 2030; the timeline for the delivery of this objective and interim targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30304/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Digital Connectivity Strategy, aligned with EU Digital Decade targets, aims for all populated areas to be covered by 5G no later than 2030. Irish telecoms operators provide services in a fully liberalised market independently regulated by ComReg, who stipulates coverage obligations in licences granted to operators. Operators advise that they are all exceeding current minimum coverage obligations.

ComReg completed a Multi-Band Spectrum Award in January 2023, assigning rights of use in four spectrum bands, enabling the market to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for wireless broadband services in Ireland.

Awarded licences' details are on comreg.ie, and include obligations to provide outdoor mobile services of:

• 3Mbit/s to 99% of the population within 3 years and 92% of the geographic area of Ireland within 7 years;

• 30Mbit/s to 95% of the population, 90% of motorways, and 80% of primary roads within 7 years; and

• 30Mbit/s service to 345 specific locations within 7 years.

ComReg continually updates its online map providing information on operators' coverage, including 5G, at: coveragemap.comreg.ie/map. Latest market data from Comreg indicates there were some 1.1m 5G mobile subscriptions as of Q1 2023.

My Department has worked with Member States to develop the EU Connectivity Toolbox, a collection of best practices to lower operational costs and foster better connectivity across the EU, including streamlining administrative and permitting granting procedures, and improving access to State assets. These are being implemented via the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce's work programme (2022-2025).

Legislative Measures

Questions (165)

Denis Naughten

Question:

165. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for the publication of the general scheme of legislation to establish the national cybersecurity centre on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30305/23]

Written answers

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

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is a unit within my Department, is the lead Government agency for cyber security including coordination of the national response to major cyber security incidents. The NCSC was established by a Government decision in 2011 and its mandate is set out in the National Cyber Security Strategy published in 2019. The Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is the unit within the NCSC tasked with detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber security incidents. Its role and functions are set out in the European Union (Measures for a High Common level of Security of Network and Information Systems) Regulations 2018, S.I. No. 360/2018, which transposed the EU Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive, EU 2016/1148.

As part of a number of measures to develop the NCSC, the Government agreed in 2021 to establish the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on a statutory basis and provide for related matters including clarity around its mandate and role in general and in relation to other actors in the cyber area. Drafting of Heads of a Bill has been advanced by officials in my Department.

In parallel to the drafting of Heads, the EU has revised the NIS Directive to take account of the increased reliance on ICT systems across critical infrastructure and industry, as well as the deterioration in the global cyber threat landscape. The revised Directive - known as NIS2 - was agreed last December and published in the Official Journal of the European Union as Directive (EU) 2022/2555 on 27 December 2022. The NIS 2 Directive is a major step forward for cyber resilience in Europe and will enhance cyber risk management across the Union including generating significant improvements in our capacity to respond to major incidents and developing the information-sharing platforms which are proving effective to date.

In order to implement the provisions NIS2 Directive, the NCSC and CSIRT will require additional powers. Recognising the significant overlap between the draft Heads to establish the NCSC and the transposition of the NIS2 Directive, these will be taken forward as a single legislative instrument. Work has begun on the preparation of a general scheme which will be considered by Government before the end of the year.

Energy Policy

Questions (166)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

166. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider engaging with the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to examine allowing micro-energy generating customers using day-night meters who do not have a smart meter to use other independent sources, such as the installer data, to calculate refunds due from energy supplied to the grid, rather than a basic minimum as is currently the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30312/23]

Written answers

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

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff which outlines arrangements for implementation of the tariff, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. As part of this, the CRU decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis which must be reflective of the market, or wholesale, value of the electricity, in line with the requirements of Article 21(2)(d) of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (REDII).

CEG payments for exported quantities must be based on meter data, recorded on the Distribution System Operator’s (ESBN) smart meter, which is the meter for record for the purposes of metering and billing data. The National Smart Metering Programme will roll out and install 2.34 million meters by end of 2024 and in the process make available new products and services to energy consumers. It is co-ordinated by CRU with ESB Networks delivering the electricity meter rollout.

In line with the CRU decision paper for the CEG, microgenerators who are not yet eligible for a smart meter may be eligible to be remunerated under deemed export arrangements. For households currently with a day/night (MCC02) meter, export payments can be made to the household, based on a deemed export value. These conditions include alerting ESBN of their intention to install microgeneration using an NC6 or equivalent form and meeting the definitions for microgeneration laid out in REDII. Customers must also either have a meter type which is not eligible for smart meter installation or be eligible for smart meter installation but currently unable to have one installed due to circumstances outside of their control. Under these conditions a deemed quantity will be calculated by the ESBN.

It is important to note that ESBN are currently finalising plans to install smart meters which can be configured as day/night meters. This will enable a like-for-like exchange for customers who wish to retain the functionality of their current meter, while receiving remuneration for the precise value of their exported electricity. It is expected that these Smart Day/night meter exchanges will be available for day/night meter customers later in 2023.

Telecommunications Services

Questions (167)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

167. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the proposed EU telecoms tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30433/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

In February 2023, the European Commission launched an exploratory public consultation on the future of European telecommunications networks, in order to progress towards the Digital Decade 2030 connectivity targets. While this public consultation posed some questions on funding of infrastructure improvements, currently there is no formal proposal for a European telecoms tax.

The EU Commission has received submissions to the public consultation which closed in May and I understand that they are considering these at present. The outcome of such considerations is not known at this early stage. My officials are keeping this under review, and if a proposal does emerge in the future, it will be given due consideration.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (168)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

168. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will publish Ireland's national hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30434/23]

Written answers

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

Hydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long duration energy storage, dispatchable renewable electricity, the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing and a potential export market opportunity, given Ireland's offshore renewable potential. As set out in the 2023 Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind, the Government has set an initial target of 2 GW of floating offshore wind to be in development by 2030, which may include the development of projects devoted to production of green hydrogen, to create the necessary environment to develop an indigenous hydrogen industry, and projects devoted to other non-grid uses. Hydrogen and decarbonised gases should be a critical component of Ireland’s energy ecosystem and decarbonisation pathway.

A hydrogen strategy for Ireland is currently being finalised and is expected to publish in the coming weeks. This strategy will set out the need for a robust safety and regulatory framework to be in place, as well as the need to ensure licensing and permitting procedures are in place to enable sustainable indigenously produced green hydrogen supply chains to develop.

Departmental Consultations

Questions (169)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

169. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he intends to launch a public consultation on private wires-direct lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30435/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Climate Action Plan 23 includes a commitment to carry out a public consultation on Private Wires and a deadline for publication of Q4 2023 has been set. Private Wires are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders. The policy area of Private Wires is broad in nature and as such detailed consideration must go into formulating the consultation in order to ensure that all aspects of the policy area are considered.

Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of Private Wires is a priority for my Department. Work on this policy area is ongoing within my Department with my officials engaging directly in recent months with interested stakeholders as part of the consultation formulation process. I intend that the consultation will be published during Q2 however at this point I am not able to provide an exact publication date.

My officials look forward to their continued engagement with interested stakeholders as they continue to develop this important policy area.

Defence Forces

Questions (170, 171, 172)

Alan Dillon

Question:

170. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will grant an exception to the two-year rule for the submission of the case of recommendation (details supplied) similar to that afforded to the case of a person and the Jadotville medal award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30289/23]

Alan Dillon

Question:

171. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will support the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30290/23]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

172. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if it is intended to amend the regulations in relation to awarding medals for gallantry to allow the awarding of medals to persons (details supplied) who died in action in 1999 at Post 6-42 in south Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30309/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 172, inclusive, together.

While Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Forces Medals, the awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities.

I am advised that in general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas.

This Regulation also delineates the procedures for the awarding of those medals to members of the Defence Forces. DFR A9 sets out the various types of medal awards. ‘Medal award’ serves as an overarching category and then various subcategories are further set out under each ‘medal award’. These subcategories are: classes of award, bar to medal, investigation by military board, time limit for award, and administrative instructions. The details provided underneath each of these headings essentially lays out the protocols for the awarding of these medals.

In accordance with Defence Forces regulations, the award of medals for bravery is time-bound. They may not be awarded, in any case, unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made. Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.

With a view therefore to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the medals awarding system, the matter has been raised with the Chief of Staff, in the context of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group Jadotville. I understand that the matter remains under consideration by the Chief of Staff.

Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 170.

Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 170.

Defence Forces

Questions (173)

Brian Leddin

Question:

173. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the timelines for application decisions and the appeals process for applicants to the 2023 Army cadetship competition; how a candidate can request feedback; when the next round of applications will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30415/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

Military Management have advised me that the timeline for application decisions and appeals process are specific to each Defence Forces recruitment competition, including Cadetship competitions, of which the 2023 iteration was the most recent, which open in March of this year.

With regard to Cadetship competitions, a candidate must pass each stage of the selection procedure in order to progress onto the next stage, as set out in the governing Terms and Conditions for the competition. The following timelines apply to the 2023 Cadetship Competition specifically:

• Stage 1 - Competition Open - March 2023

• Stage 2 - Psychometric Test (online) – April 2023

• Stage 3 - Assessment Day (Fitness Test, Supervised Psychometric Test, Group assessment) – 3rd to the 14th of April 2023

• Stage 4 - Interview – 12th to the 28th July 2023

• Security Vetting

• Stage 5 – Medical Assessments – August 2023

• Attestation – October 2023

If a candidate fails to meet the minimum standard at any stage above, they will not be permitted to proceed to the next stage of the competition.

Where a candidate wishes to appeal, I am advised that the candidate can request feedback at the end of the Cadetship competition once all offers have been made and accepted, by emailing [e-mail]. The candidate will receive a consolidated sheet outlining their scores during the various stages of the competition depending on the specific stage of the competition they made it to.

For the medical examination, a candidate who does not pass the examination owing to a medical condition that, in the opinion of the Examining Medical officer, is capable of being remedied by treatment, may be afforded the opportunity of having the condition rectified within one week of their examination. Such candidates will be required to submit medical evidence indicating that the condition has been remedied.

While it is not possible to give a precise date for the launch of the 2024 Cadetship competition, it is anticipated that will be in the first quarter of 2024. 

As is the usual practice, details will be available on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie and advertised in the national media.

Energy Policy

Questions (174)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

174. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport what supports will be available for people required to upgrade machinery or cars to be e10 petrol compatible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30487/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulations establishing a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023. In making the regulations consideration was given to the responses received through a statutory consultation on the draft regulations, the impact on fuel prices, and other economic and environmental impacts.

The policy and regulation supporting the move to E10 takes into account the overriding consideration of the public good in decarbonising transport through increasing renewable fuels. Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. Ethanol (E5) in petrol currently accounts for almost 10% of annual tailpipe carbon emission savings (8.5% in 2022).

The experience from jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been widely used for a prolonged period has not indicated issues of damage to petrol engines as a result of E10 use. Recent analysis published on the website of the US Department of Energy indicates no reliability or operability issues concerning E10, which has been in use in the US since the late 70s. The AA has also issued guidance assuring the use of E10, with advice for the maintenance, use and storage of some older vehicles and equipment. All vehicle owners and operators are required to maintain their vehicles to operating and roadworthy standards.

My Department continues to run an E10 public information and awareness campaign through advertising and the gov.ie/E10 website remains the main point of reference for further information.

The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel policy.

Road Projects

Questions (175)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

175. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his Department’s position regarding an upgrade investment for the N24 Waterford to Limerick road; when such investment might happen; the scale of investment under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29765/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.

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.

Approximately €491m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2023. These allocations were announced by the Department of Transport and TII on the 16th of February 2023.

Having regard to the funding constraint outlined above, it was not possible to provide an allocation to all new national road projects in the NDP for 2023. However, the majority of projects have been allocated funding, including the N24 Waterford to Cahir, which has been allocated €2 million and the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction which has been allocated €1 million.

With regard to Waterford to Cahir, the Route Options Selection process began in 2021 and it is now expected that a Preferred Option will be selected and published in Quarter 3 of this year.

In the case of Cahir to Limerick Junction, the preferred route was published in May 2022 and work is progressing on the Design and Evaluation phase. Since the start of the year, TII have allocated additional funding from within the overall funding envelope for new roads in 2023 to ensure the continued progression of this project.

As with all national roads projects included in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.

Driver Test

Questions (176, 177)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

176. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if assistance will be provided in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30234/23]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

177. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30236/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service.  This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases. 

I believe that the Authority operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process such that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first. 

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 176.

Rail Network

Questions (178)

Patrick Costello

Question:

178. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider adding an additional train journey on the Waterford to Dublin line weekdays leaving Waterford around 4 p.m., to allow for commuters returning to Dublin from areas outside the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30244/23]

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 operations of public transport. 

In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that its operational fleet is fully deployed on scheduled services at present, in line with prevailing demand. The current capacity is primarily based on pre-COVID demand levels, when rapid growth in demand resulted in the utilisation of 100% of the operational fleet at peak times.

However, it is the case that additional and/or cascaded fleet will become available over the next 24months and the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann are considering options for their deployment on the network.

The deployment of new carriages is a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of certain public transport infrastructure, including the purchase of rolling stock.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród 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

Insurance Coverage

Questions (179)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

179. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that people looking to reduce their motor insurance costs by changing their provider are being requested to submit a valid NCT certificate for their vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21496/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 states that motor insurance is required to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. However, the terms and conditions attached to new motor insurance policies are commercial matters for insurance companies and are not within the remit of my department.

In the case of existing policies, Insurance Ireland, the representative body for the insurance sector, has stated that its members will be pragmatic and understanding in their approach to the current delays in the NCT service. Motor insurance cover will continue to be provided where customers, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain an NCT appointment because of backlogs at test centres. Under the current circumstances, provided motorists make every effort to book appointments in the normal way, insurance companies will recognise that the current issue is not the fault of the customer. Motorists are advised to keep evidence of the booking of their appointment.

Transport Policy

Questions (180)

Brian Leddin

Question:

180. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has or is planning to develop a policy to support the development of active travel infrastructure serving healthcare facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26727/23]

Written answers

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.

In terms of policy development around sustainable transport and active travel infrastructure, officials from my Department met with colleagues from the Department of Health and the HSE this week with a view to supporting their transport and mobility targets under the HSE Climate Strategy. We will continue to work closely with these organisations, along with the NTA, to assist with supporting any necessary active travel infrastructure projects at or near healthcare facilities going forward.

Public Transport

Questions (181)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

181. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he is committed to making public transport in rural areas accessible to passengers with mobility limitations; the improvements he is making in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29908/23]

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 integrated, accessible and sustainable 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 public transport services, including accessible public transport services in rural areas, 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

Road Projects

Questions (182)

Thomas Gould

Question:

182. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the status of the northern ring road for Cork, which is included in the NPF. [22062/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 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.

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

Road Projects

Questions (183)

Holly Cairns

Question:

183. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the roads projects being delivered in south-west Cork under the national development plan. [21882/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 planning, design and construction of 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.

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.

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