Niamh Smyth
Question:90. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to expedite a passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26795/24]
View answerPassport Services
Questions (90)
Written answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application is within the current turnaround time and has not yet reached it’s issue by date.
Passport Services
Questions (91)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:91. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine a case (details supplied) where a written birth certificate has not been accepted for a passport application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26797/24]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 18th June 2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days. The Passport Service has reviewed the application, taken action as appropriate and will contact the applicant directly in relation to the application.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (92)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:92. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider part funding the running of Daisy Hill Hospital from the shared Ireland unit to allow it to serve the populations of east Monaghan and north Louth. [26813/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to deepening North-South cooperation, including in the health sector. The Department of Health collaborates closely with its counterpart in Northern Ireland on healthcare issues and there is ongoing engagement both at official level, and formally through the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). While responsibility for considering the scope for Shared Island funding lies with the relevant policy department in this jurisdiction, in this case the Department of Health, operational decisions in relation to the running of Daisy Hill Hospital are a matter for the authorities in Northern Ireland. There are numerous examples of practical, positive cooperation North South in the health sector, including with the provision of financial assistance from the Shared Island Initiative. Cancer care is a particularly salient example of the benefits of an all-island approach. In June 2023, the Minister for Health announced €5 million of funding, in conjunction with the Shared Island Initiative, for the construction of Daisy Lodge, a therapeutic short break centre in Cong, Co. Mayo, for children with cancer and their families and offers support services to children across the island. Additionally, the North-West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, a £66 million capital development project, has been funded on a North-South basis since 2016.In overall terms, the Government is continuing to pursue opportunities for collaborative investment in implementing the Shared Island priorities in the National Development Plan (NDP). These investment priorities and commitments will be delivered in cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government partners.
Foreign Policy
Questions (93)
Charles Flanagan
Question:93. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the illiberal drift of the government of Georgia in recent months; and the steps, if any, Ireland proposes to take to support the wishes of the people of Georgia in their quest to aspire to, and ultimately become members of, the European Union. [26979/24]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland and its European Union partners have repeatedly communicated to the Georgian government in recent months concerns around democratic backsliding in the country. In particular, the High Representative and EU Members States have been clear that the “on transparency of foreign influence” law recently enacted by the Government - despite widespread international criticism and months long protests by large numbers of Georgians - is not in line with core EU values and norms, and threatens Georgia’s path towards EU membership.EU enlargement is a merit-based process, and advancing on the path to European Union integration must go hand-in-hand with progress on EU-related reforms.
The so-called "foreign agents law" is a clear attempt by the Georgian government to limit Georgia’s vibrant civil society and criticism towards the government. The European Commission and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe have assessed that the law is not in line with EU values. In addition to calling for the law to be revoked, Ireland and the EU have also condemned the disproportionate response by the Georgian authorities to peaceful protesters, as an infringement on the right to freedom of assembly and expression. An independent investigation into the police response towards protesters should be conducted, and we are especially concerned by the reports of the violent assaults on opposition politicians and activists. We are also concerned by the recent legislation passed by the government which facilitates the transfer of offshore assets to Georgia, as well as the amendments to Georgia’s electoral code in advance of October’s parliamentary elections. The anti-LGBTQ+ package of legislation introduced by the Georgian government is the latest demonstration of democratic backsliding. We also regret the cancelling of Tbilisi Pride this year, for the second year in a row, due to security-related concerns.Ireland is currently engaging with our EU partners on a coordinated response to the Georgian government’s democratic backsliding. The situation, and the EU’s response, will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 June, and the European Council 27 – 28 June. Ireland will continue to emphasise in our engagements with Georgia that the European Union is a union based on values, and urge Georgia to return to the path of European integration.
Passport Services
Questions (94)
James Lawless
Question:94. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine and expedite a passport application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27077/24]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 18th June 2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
Passport Services
Questions (95)
Frankie Feighan
Question:95. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures involved in cases in which the applicant for Irish citizenship is the son of an Irish passport holder, that is, an Irish citizen not born in Ireland, and a great grandson of an Irish citizen; and the details of their entitlement to citizenship. [27089/24]
View answerWritten answers
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.
For individuals born outside of Ireland, they may claim citizenship if they had at least one parent who was born in the island of Ireland and where that parent is an Irish citizen. An individual born on the island of Ireland before 1 January 2005 is automatically an Irish citizen.
Individuals who were not born in Ireland and whose Irish citizen parent was not born in Ireland can apply to become Irish citizens through their Irish-born grandparents through Foreign Birth Registration.
For individuals whose great-grandparent was born in Ireland, they may be entitled to apply for entry on the Foreign Birth Register (FBR) if their parent was an Irish citizen at the time of the applicant's birth. This means that their parent must have been entered on the Foreign Birth Register and been an Irish citizen before the applicant was born.
Further information on Foreign Birth Registration is available on my Department's website www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/citizenship/born-abroad/registering-a-foreign-birth/.
Passport Services
Questions (96)
Paul Murphy
Question:96. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the difficulties faced by non-binary people looking to change their name; if he will ensure that this oversight in the system is urgently addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27107/24]
View answerWritten answers
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the Act“). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on his/her birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appear on a person's birth certificate is permitted under the Act in situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc, where civil or legal documents are available to verify this change.In cases where a name change arises, other than by marriage or civil partnership etc, the Passport Service requires evidence in respect of the use of this new name and identity over a two year period. Evidence of this for at least two years through documentation such as photo ID and official correspondence in the new name is required.This policy seeks to protect the integrity and security of the Irish passport against identity fraud, while at the same time balancing the wishes of those citizens, who may wish to change their name for a variety of reasons, including people who are non-binary. The Passport Service can assess individual cases of non-binary applicants who wish to change their name and may not have a full two years' proof of usage. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport currently ranks second in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries.
Freedom of Information
Questions (97)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:97. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of full-time and part-time contracted staff employed by his Department, and by any body or entity under the aegis of his Department, respectively which is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014, in each of the past three years; the Civil Service grade of each; the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by his Department or any body under its aegis in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27233/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Freedom of Information Act 2014 provides an important mechanism to facilitate access to records held by the Department of Foreign Affairs.Officials of my Department are mindful of their obligations under the terms of the Act and over the preceding three years have processed a total of 866 valid Freedom of Information requests. This total comprises 309 requests in 2021, 272 requests in 2022 and 285 requests in 2023.Requests, when received, are checked by a dedicated Freedom of Information Unit to ensure validity before assignation to the relevant unit or division of the Department for processing and response. The Freedom of Information Unit currently has a staffing complement of three: an Assistant Principal Officer (who covers Freedom of Information as well as other responsibilities), an Executive Officer and a Clerical Officer. This staffing complement has been maintained in each of the years since 2021, with the exception of short periods in 2022 and 2023 when the unit carried a vacancy at Clerical Officer level. The Unit liaises with requesters and provides guidance to divisions & responding officers on the provisions and obligations of the Act.
Energy Conservation
Questions (98)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:98. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when research independently produced by an organisation (details supplied) on the warmth and well-being pilot will be published; the reason it has not been published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26727/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme was an interdepartmental and inter-agency project led by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The project was established to produce research on how extensive energy efficiency upgrades to homes can improve the health and wellbeing of people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) were recruited to carry out independent analysis of the health impacts. Participants’ health and wellbeing was assessed and tracked over a 3-year period following their upgrade. The pilot, provided fully funded upgrades to 1,600 homes including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The research shows that retrofits have resulted in measured improved comfort in the homes as well as improved health and well-being scores across multiple dimensions. These included:
• Warmer, more comfortable homes, with heating systems that are easier to control;
• Improved physical health including reduced pain;
• Improved mental health and wellbeing including reduced feelings of anxiety and depression;
• Reduced visits to GP and A&E and fewer incidences requiring hospitalisation;
• Reduced prescription drug usage for their respiratory conditions;
• Being more comfortable inviting other to their homes.
The scheme experienced significant delays due to complications associated with GDPR, Brexit and the COVID-19 emergency. However, the learnings from the project are already influencing policy. This includes mainstreaming elements of the project into our national energy poverty retrofit scheme – the Warmer Homes scheme. Working with vulnerable homeowners has allowed my Department and SEAI to improve the scheme for everyone, keeping the customer at the forefront of the process.
The scheme was also featured in a report by the World Green Building Council as an example of international best practice in starting a renovation wave.
I intend to publish the final report in the coming weeks.
Waste Management
Questions (99, 100)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the work his Department is carrying out with the National Waste Collection Permit Office to examine whether fair and transparent pricing is consistent in the markets and how that information is disclosed to customers; for a breakdown of dates on which he and his officials have met with the NWCPO; when he expects this review to be complete and its findings published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26747/24]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:100. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the study on incentivised charging structures in the waste collection market; to provide a breakdown of dates on which he and his officials have met with the National Waste Collection Permit Office to discuss this; when he expects this review to be complete and its findings published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26748/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
The National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) has engaged a research consultancy to carry out a study on incentivised charging for waste collection and its implementation through the Waste Collection Permitting System. A steering committee is in place to support the study. It includes representatives from waste regulatory bodies and officials from my Department. The steering committee has met on the 28th February, 16th April and 15th May and will meet at scheduled intervals and as project milestones are reached.
It is envisaged that the study will be complete by the end of the year. Linked to this, the Department and the NWCPO are also considering appropriate measures to better inform households on pricing plans available from alternative waste providers. The NWCPO is in the process of publishing links on its website to the pricing plans for all companies who make this information available online as an information resource for households.
Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 99.
Recycling Policy
Questions (101)
Marc MacSharry
Question:101. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine the case of a business in the hospitality sector (details supplied) which has had its deposit return back exemption revoked recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26850/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Regulations, retailers may avail of an exemption to provide a take-back service, provided certain conditions are met. Retailers with a store size of less than 250m2, as well as those operating vending machines or online sales, food-to-go and hospitality establishments may apply to Re-Turn, the DRS operator, for an exemption. Retailers must indicate, when registering with Re-turn, whether they will provide a collection facility or are availing of a take-back exemption. Retailers also have the option of switching from an exemption to a collection facility. In making this switch, the take-back exemption is automatically revoked by Re-turn. As Minister, I have no function in the matter.
Inland Fisheries
Questions (102)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:102. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an approved NGO observer at NASCO (details supplied) furnished any scientific evidence or data to his officials in the inland fisheries division that validates the current policy requiring all rod-caught Atlantic salmon above 65cm to be released alive and that harvesting of Atlantic salmon in September should cease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26922/24]
View answerWritten answers
No submission was made to my officials by an NGO at the recent meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) hosted by Ireland. Current policy does not require rod caught salmon over 65 cms to be released. Any rod caught salmon captured on a river designated as catch and release in the relevant annual angling legislation must be released regardless of size. The salmon angling season continues each year until the end of September.
Inland Fisheries
Questions (103)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:103. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to his Department's officials co-hosting with Inland Fisheries Ireland the forty-first annual meeting of NASCO in Westport, County Mayo between 3 and 7 June, where the threat of invasive pink salmon (oncorhynchus gorbuscha) to native Atlantic salmon was discussed; if he will continue with the perverse policy of conserving pink salmon in Irish waters, particularly in special areas of conservation under current fisheries legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26923/24]
View answerWritten answers
The threat posed to native Atlantic salmon across the entire North Atlantic region by invasive pink salmon was discussed during a special themed session of the recent meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) hosted by Ireland. In a European context the instances of significant invasion are in Scandinavian and northern waters although pink salmon have been observed in very limited numbers in waters further south including Ireland.
My Department’s policy and that of Inland Fisheries Ireland is that pink salmon is an invasive alien species. Anglers, fishers and members of the public have been asked to retain any pink salmon encountered and present these fish to IFI for analysis. This policy initiative is supported by a public information campaign (including images and description) to assist with the identification of this species. Ireland is at the forefront, via our involvement in NASCO, in supporting concerted international cooperation to address the threat of pink salmon. Current fisheries policy does not provide for the protection or conservation of this species but supports its removal from our inland waters.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (104)
Niamh Smyth
Question:104. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to review a case (details supplied); if he will offer advice and investigate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26966/24]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The premises referred to in the question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map. The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via my Departments webform at https://secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and the department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
As per records made available to this department the premises in question is currently capable of getting over 100Mbps from open eir’s local HSBB cabinet CAV1_029, where there should currently be capacity to facilitate connection. Furthermore, this premises and the wider area are due to be covered for full fibre through Open eir's national fibre programme, currently rolling out nationwide.
Fuel Poverty
Questions (105)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:105. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the revised energy poverty action plan will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27114/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Energy Poverty Action Plan 2022 set out the range of measures implemented, as well as key longer-term measures, to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs were supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes over winter 2022/23. The implementation of the Action Plan has been monitored by a cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department.
An Annual Report outlining progress under the various actions in the Plan was published in May 2024 and is available on gov.ie
The Steering Group launched a consultation to inform the development of a revised Energy Poverty Action Plan in March 2024. The consultation was open for nine weeks and closed in May. The revised Plan will be published later this year and will set out a wide range of clear, timebound actions aimed at tackling energy poverty with appropriate governance and evaluation, and will consider the use of smart technologies to benefit energy poor households. It is intended that the Plan will build on and continue the policies and actions that have been driven to date by the existing Plan, and where appropriate, informed by stakeholder input, will supplement these measures.
The second Energy Poverty Forum was held on Monday 24 June and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss proposed actions for inclusion in the revised Plan.
Freedom of Information
Questions (106)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:106. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of contracted staff, full-time and part-time, employed by his Department, and by any body or entity under the aegis of the Department, who are specifically assigned to processing freedom of information requests (details supplied), in each of the past three years; the Civil Service grade of each; the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by his Department, or any body or entity under its aegis, in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27231/24]
View answerWritten answers
The dedicated FOI AIE Unit in my Department is responsible for handling Freedom of Information requests. This is done in strict compliance with the FOI Act 2014, its related secondary legislation, the FOI Code of Practice, and the FOI Model Publication Scheme. It is important to note that the officers listed below are also tasked with managing Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) requests, ensuring a comprehensive approach to information access.
The table below sets out the information requested.
|
Year |
Freedom of Information Requests |
Total Number Administrative Staff (FTE) |
Freedom of Information Officer / Higher Executive Officer |
Executive Officer |
Clerical Officer |
|
2021 |
211 |
4.3 |
0.8 |
1.5 |
2 |
|
2022 |
315 |
3.3 |
0 |
1.5 |
1.8 |
|
2023 |
251 |
4.3 |
1 |
1.5 |
1.8 |
|
2024* |
122 |
4.55 |
1 |
1.75 |
1.8 |
*denotes correct figures up to 20 June 2024.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
Defence Forces
Questions (107)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:107. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how information on medical questionnaires, sent to GPs by the Defence Forces when people apply to join, is treated by the Defence Forces; if previous health conditions, such as depression, are a bar to the application continuing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26992/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the military authorities that it is not standard practice to send medical questionnaires to GPs regarding individuals applying to join the Defence Forces.
However, in circumstances where a previous or ongoing health condition is made known, for example at an induction medical, a request may be made by the examining Medical Officer to a GP for further information in order to assist in determining if an applicant is fit to join the Defence Forces.
This request is made by means of a specific form, on a doctor-to-doctor basis, with the written consent of the applicant. Any clinical information received by the Medical Corps is treated as ‘Medical in Confidence’.
Freedom of Information
Questions (108)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:108. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of contracted staff, full-time and part-time, employed by his Department, and by any body or entity under the aegis of the Department, who are specifically assigned to processing freedom of information requests (details supplied), in each of the past three years; the Civil Service grade of each; the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by his Department, or any body or entity under its aegis, in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27228/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department deals with freedom of information requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 2014.
The tables below set out the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Department of Defence:
FOI Requests:
|
Year |
New Requests Received |
Carried Forward from previous year |
|
2021 |
148 |
6 |
|
2022 |
131 |
2 |
|
2023 |
163 |
6 |
FOI Unit:
|
Grade: |
Assistant Principal Officer |
Higher Executive Officer |
Executive Officer |
|
Full-time Equivalence: |
0.25 |
0.8 |
1.0 |
Bus Services
Questions (109)
Seán Crowe
Question:109. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has had discussions with transport providers to increase the capacity of the bus network in the Crooksling area to allow for the increase in usage by the IPAS residents in the area. [27156/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the provision of public transport services 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.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (110)
Cormac Devlin
Question:110. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on efforts to resolve the on-going issues surrounding the Córas Iompair Éireann 1951 pensions scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26803/24]
View answerWritten answers
From the outset I would like to clarify that I as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
Under the Transport Act 1950, CIÉ have initiated the statutory process by submitting an amending scheme to the Minister for Transport for review. The amending scheme is subject to Ministerial approval, and requires a statutory public consultation process, where any representations from interested parties will be considered. I may therefore confirm, modify, or reject an amending scheme in accordance with the process set out under the Transport Act.
CIÉ, in conjunction with their legal advisors, has prepared and submitted draft S.I.s to the Department of Transport to give effect to the labour court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by a ballot of trade union members in May 2021.
These drafts are currently being considered by the Department of Transport and advisors in NewERA. Once the draft S.I.s are finalised, they will be submitted to the Minister for consideration and pending receipt of the Minister’s approval, CIÉ will commence the statutory public consultation process on the draft S.I.s.
Driver Licences
Questions (111)
Michael McNamara
Question:111. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare cannot have their drivers licence issued in Irish as opposed to English; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26816/24]
View answerWritten answers
All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the Road Safety Authority, through the National Driver Licence Service (ndls.ie, 0818 700 800/+353 21 462 4810). My Department does not have access to individual driving licence applications.
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU legislation. The format of a driving licence, including the language or languages in which it is issued, is set at EU level. Under the 2006 Driving Licence Directive (Directive 2006/126 EC), a Member State that wishes to use a national language, other than Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish or Swedish, may issue a bilingual version of its national licence. Irish licences are issued bilingually, in Irish and English.
Where a licence holder wishes to change the personal details on their licence to Irish, details on this process are available at the following link.
www.ndls.ie/licensed-driver/update-my-personal-details.html#to-apply-to-update-your-name-to-the-irish-language-version-of-your-name.
Road Safety
Questions (112)
Catherine Murphy
Question:112. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of incidents where cars were damaged by objects thrown from motorway overpass bridges in 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26846/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 Infrastructure Guidelines 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.
Road Tolls
Questions (113)
Catherine Murphy
Question:113. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism for toll plaza responses to emergencies and the number of staff assigned to emergency response on motorways during weekdays and at weekends, per shift, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26847/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day-to-day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads, are within the remit of TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred the 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.
Taxi Regulations
Questions (114)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:114. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport ,further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 14 May 2024, the way it can be justified that 2014 cabs can remain on the road while 2015 cabs must be retired due to NTA age limits given that all taxi drivers operating during the Covid-19 crisis suffered a similar loss of income; if he will consider extending the age limits of other cabs operating during the pandemic in order to harmonise the compliance with the relevant legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26882/24]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 14 May 2024, the position regarding vehicle age limits for SPSVs remains the responsibility of the NTA, with the position on vehicle age limits remaining unchanged.
Regulations made by the NTA in 2010 first established a maximum permissible age of 10 years for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort, and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully.
The NTA's extension of age limits during Covid-19 was an emergency measure of a temporary nature, taken in recognition of the particular challenges posed by the pandemic and was specifically aimed at ensuring that no operator would be required to change their vehicle while passenger demand remained low, and there was a lack suitable vehicles available for purchase.
The 2022 Regulations amend Regulation 31 (Maximum Permissible Age Requirements) of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015. This amendment was made as an exceptional provision and contingency measure, as a result of vehicle supply issues. The Regulations also provide for a graduated return to the ten-year age limit, with vehicles whose 10-year limit was originally in 2020 or 2021 now extended to 2025; those whose original limit is in 2022 or 2023 now extended to 2026, and those whose original limit will be reached in 2024, extended to 2027.
The NTA does not anticipate introducing any further maximum permissible age extensions.