Written Answers Nos. 206 - 210
206. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to make broadband available in an area (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36002/14]
View answerThe Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial list of areas has already identified and includes 82 areas in County Galway. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in Galway by at least one commercial operator.
As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published over the coming weeks.
I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. It is important to note that these maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.
A further public consultation on a proposed comprehensive intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the proposed State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.
Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.
207. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will publish the NewERA report into RTE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36036/14]
View answerOn foot of the Five Year Review of the Funding of Public Service Broadcasters under Section 124 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, NewERA was tasked by Government with conducting an independent assessment of the scope for further efficiencies within RTÉ.
NewERA’s Report has been received and I am currently considering its recommendations, prior to bringing the Report to Government. It is expected that a redacted version of the Report will be made public following its consideration by Government.
208. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether chartered planes carrying only armed soldiers and-or military cargo are not military aircraft; if he will accept that any aircraft being used for exclusively military purposes should be treated as a military aircraft and responsibility for all such aircraft and all US military personnel and war materials transiting through airports and airspace here should be co-ordinated under one Department and Minister; and if he will indicate where sole responsibility for such matters lies. [36105/14]
View answerIreland is a party to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, done at Chicago on 7 December 1944. Ireland’s rights and obligations under the Convention have been incorporated into Irish law by means of the Air Navigation and Transport Acts. The Convention covers civil aviation; 'State Aircraft', including military aircraft, are excluded from its scope.
The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 defines foreign military aircraft as 'including naval, military and air force aircraft, and every aircraft commanded by a person in naval, military or air force service detailed for the purpose shall be deemed to be an aircraft used in military service'. Civil aircraft used to transport troops or munitions do not fall under this definition, as they are not military aircraft and are not commanded by military personnel.
Under the 1952 Order the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland.
This division of responsibility for civil and military aircraft is in line with international norms. My Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade liaise closely and I do not see any need to bring the two matters under one Department or Minister.
209. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is a requirement for NCT centres to have CCTV cameras installed in their carpark and workshop areas. [35967/14]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements.
As the subject matter of this question is a matter for the RSA I have requested that the RSA respond directly to the Deputy's question. If you have not received a response within ten days please contact my office.
210. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will urge Irish Rail to introduce train tickets for part-time workers that would reduce the cost of their travel and ensure they are not paying for fares for the days they do not commute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35978/14]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Irish Rail, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
