Written Answers Nos. 112-131
112. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the full implementation of the Working Time Directive for members of the Defence Forces requires additional expenditure by his Department; if so, the estimated full-year cost of the implementation of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36962/24]
View answerI am pleased to advise that following my approval earlier this year of the final management position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defences, my officials have been actively engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who are responsible for developing the appropriate legislative mechanism to remove the blanket exemption in the Organisation of Working Time Act.
It is anticipated that for the most part the cost associated with the implementation of the WTD for members of the Defence Forces will be absorbed as part of day to day budget management. Any potential costings however, remain under active consideration at this time.
One of the key costs associated with its implementation is the procurement of a robust and functional Time and Attendance System to suit the requirements of a workforce such as the Defence Forces. A procurement process for such a system has commenced with expressions of interest sought. These responses are currently being considered. Given the current status of the procurement process it is not prudent for me to specify costs at this point.
While there will potentially be other associated costs arising such as the development by the Defence Forces of a non-financial labour budget hours management tool, these are not anticipated to be ongoing costs.
It is, however, worth mentioning that the Military Authorities have advised that a high percentage of the normal everyday work of the Defence Forces is already in compliance with the Working Time Directive.
113. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline, in relation to the commitment made to increase the defence budget to €1.5 billion in 2022 values by 2028, his current estimate in 2024 values of the defence budget that will now be required by 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36963/24]
View answerIn July 2022, Government approved the move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This provides for a rise in the Defence budget to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, as part of annual Estimates processes.
This level of funding increase would allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. It encompasses both current and capital funding, and is supported by a comprehensive programme of work, currently underway throughout the Department and the Defence Forces, as outlined and prioritised in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission Report.
The Defence budget allocation is determined on an annual basis, within the overarching budgetary framework outlined each year by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform, and approved by Dáil Eireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. It is within this context that the annual Defence budget is determined each year and this annual process will continue out to 2028.
Currently, Budget 2025 discussions are intensifying, and, building on the increases in the Defence Vote Group allocations over recent years, while remaining cognisant of the fiscal parameters outlined in the Summer Economic Statement, I remain confident of a positive outcome for Defence.
Similar to recent years, any increase to funding will be used to enable further progress on the financial targets outlined within the Commission Report, while also ensuring that the Defence Forces continue to have the capacity to undertake all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.
114. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the “A spine” of the bus connects programme; and the expected commencement date of the works on the Swords to city centre core bus corridor. [35999/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
New bus services in Dublin are already being delivered, with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years.
The first of these Spines—the H-Spine—launched in June 2021 and serves Howth and Malahide. The second Spine—the C-Spine serving the Lucan/Leixlip/Celbridge corridor —launched in November 2021.
Phase 3—the Northern Orbital routes—was rolled out in May 2022, connecting Blanchardstown with the Point and Finglas with Howth Junction. Phase 4, comprising the G-Spine and Route 60 connecting Ballyfermot with the Docklands via the City Centre, was launched in October 2022.
Phase 5a, the Western Orbitals, launched in June 2023 connecting the West of Dublin to Kildare. Phase 5b, the Southern Orbitals, was launched in November 2023 connecting the Southern and Western areas of Dublin.
The redesign of the entire network, including the A Spine, will continue in the coming years subject to funding and driver availability.
The Swords to City Centre Core Bus Corridor has received planning approved by An Bord Pleanála; however, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to this scheme. Subject to no successful legal challenges, the necessary approvals under the Infrastructure Guidelines, and the required funding this scheme will progress in the coming years.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
115. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on revised services on Bus Éireann route 243, covering Bweeng and Grenagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36006/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy 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.
116. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to provide additional bus services between Galway and Loughrea to service the demand for public transport in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36013/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
117. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the direction by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to all local authorities to withhold planned road improvement tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36014/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
However, I can confirm that there has been no reduction to the overall capital funding available for national roads in 2024, which was announced at the start of the year.
A number of new road projects are facing funding pressures in 2024 due to reasons including an increased pace of delivery and land acquisition costs, as well as inflation and increased cost of materials which are higher than when the original estimates were calculated. This means the allocation will be spread on fewer projects than originally anticipated. This has resulted in the need to postpone some asset renewal works to ensure that the delivery of major new roads projects can continue. This is particularly the case where existing contracts are in place. It is important to note that any postponement is temporary in nature.
These new roads projects include the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project, which is under construction, and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass) projects which are approaching construction. A number of projects at an earlier stage in the development lifecycle are also affected. These important projects are in line with the commitment of Government to invest in new roads infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other. They will also assist in removing traffic from our towns and villages, creating more liveable communities.
In order to ensure the continued delivery of these important projects, earlier this year TII proposed to postpone some asset renewal works on the existing network, including work to renew pavement, until 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, some Greenways funding will be used to advance active travel infrastructure on the national road network, which would otherwise be funded from the roads budget. This will allow funding to be directed to new roads projects. It is important to point out that Safety Improvement Schemes will not be effected by these measures.
The Department and TII engage on a regular basis on the national roads programme, and the Department is committed to the continued maintenance and renewal of the existing road network.
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.
118. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if a local authority has been instructed not to proceed to tender on a road project (details supplied), which has already been approved in the annual road grant notification, without prior approval of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36018/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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. 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.
119. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if a local authority has been instructed not to proceed to tender on a road project (details supplied), which has already been approved in the annual road grant notification, without prior approval of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36019/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
However, I can confirm that there has been no reduction to the overall capital funding available for national roads in 2024, which was announced at the start of the year.
A number of new road projects are facing funding pressures in 2024 due to reasons including an increased pace of delivery and land acquisition costs, as well as inflation and increased cost of materials which are higher than when the original estimates were calculated. This means the allocation will be spread on fewer projects than originally anticipated. This has resulted in the need to postpone some asset renewal works to ensure that the delivery of major new roads projects can continue. This is particularly the case where existing contracts are in place. It is important to note that any postponement is temporary in nature.
These new roads projects include the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project, which is under construction, and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass) projects which are approaching construction. A number of projects at an earlier stage in the development lifecycle are also affected. These important projects are in line with the commitment of Government to invest in new roads infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other. They will also assist in removing traffic from our towns and villages, creating more liveable communities.
In order to ensure the continued delivery of these important projects, earlier this year TII proposed to postpone some asset renewal works on the existing network, including work to renew pavement, until 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, some Greenways funding will be used to advance active travel infrastructure on the national road network, which would otherwise be funded from the roads budget. This will allow funding to be directed to new roads projects. It is important to point out that Safety Improvement Schemes will not be effected by these measures.
The Department and TII engage on a regular basis on the national roads programme, and the Department is committed to the continued maintenance and renewal of the existing road network.
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.
120. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport regarding the development of a quarry at a site (details supplied), the measures being taken to ameliorate the deterioration of side roads caused by heavy quarry traffic; and when repairs will be conducted. [36025/24]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
On 15th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €658 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an increase of €32 million over the 2023 allocations, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement grant. On 31st May 2024, I announced additional funding of €30 million to local authorities through Restoration Improvement (RI) Grants following persistent rainfall over winter and spring.
The Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in a local authority functional area.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their area, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
121. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport when the next set of BusConnects Cork proposals will be published. [36060/24]
View answerBusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In Cork, following a public consultation, the new BusConnects network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented in the coming years.
Another key component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. A third round of non-statutory public consultation on the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors commenced ran from November to December 2023. Preparation of a Preliminary Business Case for the programme is ongoing.
Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
122. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport when resurfacing works due on the N22 Carrigrohane Road will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36061/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the N22 Carrigrohane Road works.
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.
123. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for a breakdown of every road improvement project, including the indicative cost of each project and local authority area, that either his Department or Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has instructed local authorities to withhold planned road improvement tenders unless they receive explicit approval from either his Department or TII, or directing that projects that have been tendered/awarded have been subsequently withdrawn, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36097/24]
View answer124. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for a full breakdown of all the road improvement projects announced by his Department in February 2024 (planned projects) that have not yet gone out to tender; the reason for not tendering in each case; the indicative costs involved with each project; when the respective projects will go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36098/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together.
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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
There has been no reduction to the overall capital funding available for national roads in 2024, which was announced at the start of the year. A number of new road projects are facing funding pressures in 2024 due to reasons including an increased pace of delivery and land acquisition costs, as well as inflation and increased cost of materials which are higher than when the original estimates were calculated. This means the allocation will be spread on fewer projects than originally anticipated. This has resulted in the need to postpone some asset renewal works to ensure that the delivery of major new roads projects can continue. This is particularly the case where existing contracts are in place. It is important to note that any postponement is temporary in nature.
In order to ensure the continued delivery of these important projects, earlier this year TII proposed to postpone some asset renewal works on the existing network, including work to renew pavement, until 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, some Greenways funding will be used to advance active travel infrastructure on the national road network, which would otherwise be funded from the roads budget. This will allow funding to be directed to new roads projects. It is important to point out that Safety Improvement Schemes will not be effected by these measures.
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.
125. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will sanction a direct shuttle bus service between Cork Airport and Cork city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36099/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
126. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the delivery of a safe traffic plan for students and parents at schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36119/24]
View answerThe Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme with 1 school subsequently withdrawing, while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
It is my understanding that Malahide Portmarnock ETNS was not included in the first 2 rounds of funding; however as they have submitted an application, they will not be required to reapply as all schools which applied will come into the programme on a rolling basis.
Noting the role of the NTA in the programme, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
127. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has a policy, or has issued guidance to staff on the use of artificial intelligence, large language model, natural language processing, generative or otherwise, or products based thereon in the course of their duties; if this has been communicated to staff; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36151/24]
View answerMy Department continues to follow guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) “Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies”, published on 1 June 2023 which states that access to AI platforms should be blocked
“until such time as Departments have conducted the relevant risk assessments, have appropriate usage policies in place and staff awareness on safe usage has been implemented.”
In February 2024 a notification issued to staff in the Department drawing their attention to the newly published Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform – these guidelines are available online. The notification reminded staff that AI tools are blocked by default in the Department while potential use cases are investigated.
The Department is currently finalising guidelines for staff on the limited use of AI and these will issue in the near future. Any subsequent roll-out of AI tools will be accompanied by comprehensive support, governance and risk assessment to ensure their safe and appropriate use.
128. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, or any agency under his auspices, has ever used any artificial intelligence software in the preparation of response to parliamentary questions, or in responses to any correspondence from outside the organisation; the details of same if applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36170/24]
View answerMy Department continues to follow guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) “Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies”, published on 1 June 2023 which states that access to AI platforms should be blocked
“until such time as Departments have conducted the relevant risk assessments, have appropriate usage policies in place and staff awareness on safe usage has been implemented.”
Generative AI tools are thus blocked in my Department while officials work to develop guidelines for staff to ensure that any future use takes place in a safe and appropriate manner. Until this work is complete, the current policy in place states that such tools should not be used for any official business.
I have asked the Agencies under my aegis to provide the information requested directly to the Deputy. If you do not hear back from the Agencies within 10 working days, please contact my office.
129. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the bus network and rail network, respectively that was accessible to disabled people in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [36192/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, in conjunction with the transport operators as appropriate, 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.
130. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the supports that are available to taxi operators for the provision of wheelchair-accessible taxis; the funding provided in the Budget to support the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and the number of wheelchair accessible taxis in operation in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [36193/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
My Department is committed to making public transport accessible for all and has introduced a number of initiatives to support this. In order to increase the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) penetration of the SPSV fleet nationwide (taxis, hackneys, and limousines), the NTA introduced S.I. No. 250 of 2010 (Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Grant of Taxi Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2010) in June 2010, to only issue new taxi and hackney licences for wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys.
This S.I. has been supported by wheelchair accessible vehicle grants to provide financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet. Under this Scheme, drivers can avail of up to €17,500 in grant funding. The Scheme is administered by the NTA.
I have referred your question to the NTA for further information and direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
131. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of demerits under part 5 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 that were issued, for each of the past ten years. [36205/24]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including the collection of statistics regarding demerits, 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 sector.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for attention. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
