Written Answers Nos. 363-382
363. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has any usage policy on or if it sanctions for official purposes the use of messaging apps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37211/26]
View answerIn relation to messaging platforms such as those referenced in the Deputy’s question, their use is governed by my Department’s ICT Acceptable Usage Policy (last updated in 2023) which references Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 09/2019, https://circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/per/2019/09.pdf. My Department continues to keep its policies under review to ensure alignment with Government guidelines and best practice in information governance.
364. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of cases where long-serving taxi drivers are being refused extensions to the permissible vehicle age limits by the National Transport Authority, including in the case of a person (details supplied); the rationale behind such refusals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37257/26]
View answerThe 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 Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The NTA as the statutory, independent, regulator made regulations in 2010 that 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 Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 require the NTA to seek to promote the provision and maintenance of quality services by SPSVs and their drivers. The Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 continued the age limit for taxis and hackneys as, in general, less than 10 years old, and always of a condition and quality suitable to provide SPSV services. Wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys can operate up to 15-years old. No maximum age is set for limousines due to the vintage nature of many of these vehicles and their reduced mileage, due to their ceremonial and prestigious roles.
The NTA extended vehicle age limits during Covid-19, but this was a temporary measure, aimed at ensuring that no operator would be required to change their vehicle while passenger demand remained low due to the pandemic. The 2022 Regulations provide for a graduated return to the ten-year age limit; however, the Programme for Government 2025 (PfG) contained a commitment to 'extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service.' To address this PfG commitment, the NTA made a new Regulation in April 2015 which permitted an extension to the final operation date of taxis in the fleet that were first registered in 2015, and due to reach their final operation date between 1st January 2025 and 31st December 2025. For those operators with licenced vehicles that met this description, licences could be renewed from April 1st 2025 until its new final operation date in 2026. The NTA does not anticipate introducing any further maximum permissible age extensions.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
365. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider exempting public transport services from toll charges; the estimated cost of such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37264/26]
View answerAs 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.
Tolling is a vital source of funding for the operation & maintenance of our national roads network. Any reduction in toll revenue would have to be made up through an increase in Exchequer funding. I have no plans at present to seek changes to tolling charges or exemptions.
Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have therefore referred the part of the Deputy's question regarding the cost of the proposed exemption to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
366. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the supports available to elderly persons who wish to sit the driver theory test; if he will address the difficulties faced by those who are not familiar with technology or computers in accessing or completing the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37290/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test Service. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, I am informed that the Driver Theory Test provider offers various options to accommodate candidates who may require special assistance to take their test. Additional supports include a voiceover option whereby the questions and answers are read out to the candidate over headphones. Additional time may also be allowed for a candidate to take the test. There is also a reader recorder service available whereby a staff member will read the questions and answer options to the candidate and record their answers on screen. Other services offered include dyslexia support, professional and Irish Sign Language (ISL) video clips, or ISL interpreters.
Further information about the types of support available during the theory test can be found at the following link: https://theorytest.ie/general-information/test-day-assistance-support/.
The RSA has assured my Department that it continuously reviews its services to ensure customers are supported and also welcomes the feedback of customers and their advocates.
367. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to expedite an application for a licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37313/26]
View answerI wish to advise that that all enquiries related to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, provision of which is delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor the Department have any role in individual driving licence applications.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not received a reply within 10 days.
368. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the current position regarding the implementation of pension increases for retired Córas Iompair Éireann pension scheme members; whether any issues remain outstanding in relation to the payment of these increases; the engagement his Department has had with CIÉ on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37344/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.
369. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to expediting a driving licence exchange application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37346/26]
View answerI wish to advise that all enquiries related to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, provision of which is delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor the Department have any role in individual driving licence applications.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not received a reply with 10 days.
370. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) Bill 2026; when this Bill will progress to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37423/26]
View answer372. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the date that the general scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 was approved by the Government; the date that it was sent to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting; the date that it is expected that the Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37614/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 372 together.
The General Scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 was approved by Government on 15 April 2025 and sent to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting on 13 May 2025.
The provisions included in the General Scheme improve the legislative basis underpinning the National Vehicle and Driver File, remove the requirement to display a paper motor tax disc, allow for open-ended declarations of non-use of a motor vehicle, amend the Road Traffic Act 2004 to allow for a speed limit of 60km/h on local roads within built-up areas, and amend the Roads Act 1993 to provide a basis for the direct sharing of road traffic collision data with local authorities.
On 16 December 2025, Cabinet approved the inclusion of additional Heads for drafting, which were sent to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting on 22 December. Two of the additional provisions were agreed with the Minister for Justice at the time of approving the General Scheme in April and will allow a jury to consider a charge of careless driving when a driver is acquitted of dangerous driving and allow safety camera van operators to provide certificate evidence in court.
Two additional provisions relate to the Road Traffic Act 2024. One is a technical amendment to local authority speed limit bye-law setting powers on national secondary roads and the other provides additional legislative clarity around how multiple penalty points from a single incident are to be applied to serve as a stronger deterrent to dangerous driving.
A further provision relates to the new CheckMyVehicle website, which will facilitate parties who might need to be assured of compliance, such as driver testers, driving instructors or car buyers, once the requirement to display a motor tax disc is removed.
The additional provisions were intended to be introduced at Committee Stage but, having received Government approval, the provisions are now being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel alongside the existing General Scheme in order to expedite its enactment.
The Bill is expected to be published shortly with progression through the Houses thereafter subject to Oireachtas scheduling.
371. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional staff employed or that will be employed by his Department directly or under contract for the purposes of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 [37462/26]
View answerDeputy,
My department has 2 additional staff under contract for purposes of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. These temporary Presidency Policy Officer and Local Administrative Support Officers roles were recruited following a recruitment process led by the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. Their contracts will cease at the end of the Presidency.
Department officers seconded to Brussels to support the Presidency will be redeployed to roles in my department at the end of the Presidency in January 2027.
373. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence (details supplied); if he can advise on any increase to these EV grants for domestic dwellings; the details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37698/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission and the delivery of the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Over €120m has been allocated in 2026 to support the continued transition to EVs which includes funding for EV grants, EV charging infrastructure and grants for home chargers. This underpins the Government's commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Current incentives to support the continued transition to electric vehicles and for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
•A purchase grant of €3,500 for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
•A Home Charger purchase grant subsidy of €300;
•VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
•eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV, including wheelchair accessible vehicles;
•ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
•Low rate of annual motor tax.
Funding and incentives for Electric Vehicles are under regular review by Departmental officials with a view to targeting exchequer funding which can deliver most effectively against Government priorities.
374. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if there is a dedicated email or phone number for Oireachtas Members wishing to contact the Road Safety Authority; and if so, the details of same. [37724/26]
View answerOireachtas Members wishing to contact the Road Safety Authority may do so at oireachtasqueries@rsa.ie. Queries may also be submitted to reps@rsa.ie for response by TDs.
375. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Eastern Bypass reserve lands. [37741/26]
View answer380. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s position regarding the Dublin Eastern Bypass Corridor Study. [37746/26]
View answer381. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department had been consulted, engaged with, or submitted any observations to the Dublin Eastern Bypass Corridor Study. [37747/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 375, 380 and 381 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA published Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray.
With regard to the Dublin Eastern Bypass Corridor Study, my understanding is this was commissioned and managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, with the NTA providing input to assist with strategic planning.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of light rail infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
376. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on planned or proposed Luas projects in south County Dublin. [37742/26]
View answer377. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has copies of the drawings and designs for the proposed Eastern Bypass Luas; and if copies of these maps will be made available. [37743/26]
View answer379. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the proposed Luas line from the Dublin city centre to Bray. [37745/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 377 and 379 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTA published Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray.
Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases-short-term up to 2030, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. An extension of the Luas Green line to Bray is part of the strategy's medium-term proposals for development and delivery within 2031-2036 and is part of a number of proposed expansions to the Luas network over the lifetime of the strategy, as I have outlined.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of light rail infrastructure in the GDA, 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.
378. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the current capacity on the Luas green line; and the plans to increase capacity. [37744/26]
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.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), as the National Transport Authority has assigned the day-to-day management of the Luas operating contract to TII, in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev Ireland. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
382. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will ensure the error on the driving licence in question is corrected; if he will provide an update on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37785/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
