Aindrias Moynihan
Question:130. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the planning and development of military radar capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29797/24]
View answerDefence Forces
Questions (130)
Written answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Capability priorities (including replacement capabilities as they near end of life) for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the capability development planning processes which includes both an Equipment Development Plan (EDP) and a Built Infrastructure Programme.
The EDP recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process. As such, further additions to the EDP have been made as a result of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
As the Deputy is aware, the Commission on the Defence Forces outlined the absence of a significant Irish air defence capability and recommended as part of the aforementioned move to LOA2 the development of a new air defence system which is compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture (RAP) which also requires a military Primary Radar capability. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to this, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. A project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on a programme of work to develop military radar capabilities. This includes military primary radar systems, ground based air defence, maritime and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of Military Radar is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government and the increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding for the development of a primary radar capability. As indicated in the Detailed Implementation Plan, the Needs Phase has completed, with the scope of the capabilities having been established. The Requirements Phase has now commenced which will progress in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The Defence annual capital budget for 2024 is €176 million. In April, I announced record levels of capital funding for Defence over the next two years of €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.
Defence Forces
Questions (131)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:131. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for the discharge rates in the Defence Forces for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 to date, in tabular form; the measures being taken to ensure that the current level of recruitment can address the level of discharge rates in the ranks throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29798/24]
View answerWritten answers
The following table details the total level of turnover in the PDF in 2022, 2023 and in 2024 as at 31 May, and the corresponding breakdown between trained personnel and those in training.
|
Year |
Overall Turnover Level |
In-Training |
Trained |
|
2022 |
11.19% |
1.92% |
9.26% |
|
2023 |
10% |
1.42% |
8.58% |
|
2024 |
3.81% |
0.79% |
3.02% |
Turnover levels in the PDF are carefully monitored and the Commission on the Defence Forces stated in their report that they were satisfied that, in broad terms, levels of average turnover are not out of line with other military organisations internationally.
In respect of personnel who discharge while in training, the realities of military life and the training requirements are not always suitable for some recruits or in line with their expectations of the role. In any position where there is a training period prior to appointment there will always be fall off at different stages of the process.
Trained personnel leave the PDF for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at the end of contract and voluntary discharges. A high percentage of those who leave the PDF do so with some form of pension.
I have fully acknowledged the current staffing challenges in the Defence Forces and a range of measures have been introduced by this Government to address these and make the Defence Forces an attractive option as a career choice. To this end, there is provision, contained in the €1.23 billion allocated for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024.
In addition to ongoing recruitment for general service recruits and direct entry specialists, recruitment of cadets continued in 2024 and included a new competition for Air Corps Air Traffic Controller cadetship. A new Direct Entry Air Corps Aeronautical Engineer competition was also launched recently.
There are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives underway to increase capacity. An example includes the recent increase in the maximum retirement age for PDF personnel to 60 years. This retention measure also facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 years for General Service Recruits, Cadets and certain specialists with effect from 29 March 2024. The maximum recruitment age of Direct Entry Officer specialists was increased to 50 years.
It should be noted that interest in a career in the Defence Forces remains strong with 9,479 applications received in 2023 and 6,045 received in 2024 as at 31 May.
Departmental Communications
Questions (132)
Holly Cairns
Question:132. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide the number and detail of the public helplines operated by their Department; whether calls are recorded on each helpline; and if not, whether he would consider recording calls for transparency and training purposes. [29989/24]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department operates four public helplines within two specific areas , relating to Defence Forces Pay & Pensions and Corporate Support.
Primary or Level 1 public helplines for Defence Forces Pay & Pensions queries are managed by the National Shared Services Officer (NSSO), as the provider of payroll processing services to government departments and state bodies, including the Defence Forces.
Level 2 helplines, for complex or escalation queries, are operated directly by my Department; the contact detail for payroll is 091-743800 and for pensions is 091-743900.
The Corporate Support Branch operates two public helplines, one for the Freedom of Information Unit (045 45 2253) and one for the Data Protection Office (045 45 2190).
None of the calls to any of the helplines operated by my Department are recorded and there are no plans to do so.
Public Transport
Questions (133)
Paul Murphy
Question:133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if there is any plan to introduce free Leap cards for those in emergency homeless accommodation and in international protection in order that they can make essential journeys. [29704/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
While there are currently no plans to provide free Leap cards to those in emergency homeless accommodation and in international protection, I wish to advise the Deputy that since 2022 my Department has provided funding to the NTA for the provision of emergency public transport services for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) housed in remote parts of Ireland, as a result of fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This funding for Ukrainian BOTPs is provided on a quarterly basis to the NTA. In 2022, the total amount of this funding was €1.287m and the total amount in 2023 was €2.656m. The allocation for 2024 is €4 million.
Routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to those Ukrainian BOTPs housed in rural or isolated locations to ensure better access to our local communities. This is being achieved through an acceleration of network improvements, including additional stops, route modifications, and more services with the aim to increase connectivity. To date over 100 new and enhanced services have been rolled out nationwide under Connecting Ireland.
Departmental Funding
Questions (134)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:134. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in order to reinstate funding for local authorities to tender pavement projects previously approved, given the request by TII to local authorities to place a hold on tendering pavement projects while an expenditure review is undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29111/24]
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 operation and management 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.
Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network, such as pavement renewal. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year.
However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year.
Budget 2025
Questions (135)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:135. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to a pre-Budget 2025 submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29177/24]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for forwarding this submission to my office, which I have read carefully,
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and funding in relation to 'open' public transport. In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons (UNCRPD), my department and our agencies are progressively making public transport accessible, especially for disabled people, persons with disabilities and older people.
However, 'closed' transport services, for example dedicated disability transport supports, are outside of my 'open' public transport remit.
It is the Health Services Executive (HSE) which has responsibility for the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grants schemes and the Minister for Finance which have responsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, all of which are specifically highlighted in the submission.
Public Transport
Questions (136)
Martin Kenny
Question:136. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the security costs for Irish Rail in each of the years 2019 to 2023. [29234/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to security costs in each of the years from 2019 until 2023 is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
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 Transport
Questions (137)
Martin Kenny
Question:137. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the security costs for the Luas in each of the years 2019 to 2023. [29235/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to security costs for the Luas for each of the years from 2019 until 2023 is an operational matter for Transdev. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Transdev for direct response to the Deputy.
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.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (138)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:138. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has ever used artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, in drafting Dáil speeches or responses to Parliamentary Questions. [29289/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department's position in relation to the use of artificial intelligence continues to be that we are following the current advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) “Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies” published on 1 June 2023.
Officials in my Department are developing governance frameworks and policy guidelines for staff to ensure that any use of AI tools is done in a safe and appropriate manner, and on the basis of an approved business case. Until this work is complete, the current policy in place states that such tools should not be used for any official business which would include drafting Dáil speeches or responses to Parliamentary Questions.
Departmental Equipment
Questions (139)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:139. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of laptops or mobile phones owned by his Department that have been lost or stolen in each of the past ten years. [29307/24]
View answerWritten answers
A total of 40 laptops or mobile phones owned by this Department that have been lost or stolen in the last ten years. All laptops are security encrypted so it is not possible for any unauthorised user to access any data they may contain. As soon as a device is reported lost or stolen the owner's password is immediately reset and the device itself is blocked from being able to connect to the Departmental network. Finally, the device is marked as lost/stolen in the Departments asset management system for audit purposes.
Road Projects
Questions (140)
Noel Grealish
Question:140. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a pedestrian footbridge over the Owenriff River in Oughterard; the timeframe for the design phase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29376/24]
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 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 (141)
Noel Grealish
Question:141. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Claregalway inner relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29377/24]
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 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.
Bus Éireann
Questions (142)
Catherine Murphy
Question:142. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses in the Bus Éireann PSO fleet as of 25 June 2024; and if he will provide the figures as of 30 June 2022, in tabular form. [29393/24]
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 query raised by the Deputy 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.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (143)
Verona Murphy
Question:143. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of fatal and serious road traffic collisions involving learner drivers each year from 2016 to 2023; the number of fatalities in each of the fatal crashes by year, the number of people who suffered serious injury; the number of fatal and serious crashes involving an unaccompanied learner driver; the number of learner drivers involved who had never sat a driving test; the timeframe for the RSA to publish data on fatal and serious road crashes involving learner drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29450/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives collision data from An Garda Síochána for this purpose and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Driver Licences
Questions (144)
Verona Murphy
Question:144. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his agreed approach with the Road Safety Authority to prevent learner permit renewals without sitting a driving test, under action 27 of the road safety strategy; the proposed date in 2024 for implementation; the reason for the delay to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29451/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department and the Road Safety Authority have agreed an approach to addressing the issue of ongoing renewal of learner permits without sitting a driving test. It is intended that there will be a requirement to have sat a driving test before renewing a learner permit and that there will be a limit to the number of renewals that can be made before a learner must start the process again.
Implementation will need to be phased, as it will require IT systems updates, as well as increased testing capacity and revision of driver training and the test curriculum.. The RSA is currently working on an implementation plan.
Driver Licences
Questions (145)
Verona Murphy
Question:145. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow An Garda Síochána gain instant access to the national driver file database at the roadside, for real-time information on the status of a licence or learner permit and disqualifications; the proposed date for the Minister to give this access to gardaí as requested; the reason for the delay to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29452/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department currently engages in extensive data sharing with An Garda Síochána. We share a vehicle file twice weekly containing information to populate the PULSE system. This includes details on vehicle ownership and insurance. On a weekly basis we share a driver file with driver number, driver name and address details, driver status, driver sex, driver date of birth and driver disqualification details. On a daily basis we share a file containing a full update of all vehicles with expired NCT or CVRT (for defined period of time) and a file containing a full update of all vehicles with expired motor tax (for defined period of time) which are used for Garda ANPR systems. We also share vehicle registration numbers and vehicle data with An Garda Síochána to support the speed camera van service.
This data sharing is vital for the operation of roads policing and allows for the detection of untaxed vehicles and vehicles with expired or no NCT/CVRT by ANPR devices as well as populating the PULSE system with driver and vehicle data. These data sources are also made available to front line members through the Garda Mobility App.
Furthermore my Department is working closely with An Garda Síochána to enhance the existing data exchanges to provide real-time access to the national driver file database (NVDF) at the roadside. We are working through the data governance issues with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána. To facilitate this increased exchange of data and exchanges with other parties, my Department has drafted the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2024 to strengthen the legislation in this regard. The NVDF Bill 2024 will be brought to Cabinet before the summer recess. Once these data governance issues are in order, real-time access can to the NVDF can be granted which will enhance the existing extensive data sharing procedures.
Driver Licences
Questions (146)
Verona Murphy
Question:146. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to sign a commencement order to activate a provision in the Road Traffic Act 2023 allowing motor insurers and intermediaries gain access to his Department's driver file database to information on disqualified drivers and to verify the driver number; to allow intermediaries with specific sanction from a vehicle insurer to conclude insurance contracts on the insurer's behalf; the reason for delays to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29453/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023) was passed last June. The Act contains significant provisions related to allowing access to the NVDF by motor insurers and intermediaries to verify the Driver Number and gain access to endorsement and disqualification data.
Section 14(c) when commenced will expand access to allow not only insurers but also intermediaries acting on their behalf to verify Driver Numbers against the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) held by my Department for their existing 'back book' of driver numbers, for renewals, quotes and new policies. It will also allow access to insurers and intermediaries to endorsement and disqualification data.
My Department's immediate priority is to put in a place a contract and a data sharing agreement, to allow the verification of insurance companies and intermediaries seeking access to the Department’s NVDF. This will enable Driver Number verification and access to endorsement and disqualification information. This work is underway and once the contracts and agreements are signed the Commencement Order can follow immediately.
The access to disqualification information also requires ICT changes by my Department as the current system supports Driver Number Verification and access to endorsements only. ICT changes are also required on the part of MIBI and the insurances companies in this regard and my Department will work closely with these organisations to align our delivery.
Driver Licences
Questions (147)
Verona Murphy
Question:147. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for his Department to link records of all driving licences to the records of vehicle registrations on his Department's national vehicle and driver file databases; the reasons for the delay to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29454/24]
View answerWritten answers
It is important to distinguish between registration of a vehicle, from subsequent processing activity in its vehicle lifecycle. Initial registration of all new and imported vehicles is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, so any data quality issues around the name and address details registered for such vehicle owners, and verification of same, is a matter for that office.
Section 4 of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 amends existing legislation and enables a unique identifier to be captured where a vehicle’s ownership changes, or when it is being licensed. This will normally be a driver number, but if that is unavailable it may be a PPSN. The requirement for such owner verification details to be supplied will require significant change to how such services are currently provided and will require consultation with a number of stakeholders both within and outside my Department. My Department hopes to begin that engagement this year. Section 4 will be commenced when the necessary preparations have been concluded.