Written Answers Nos. 269-283
269. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if upgrade works currently taking place under the national broadband scheme will be extended to all parts of Kilmainham, Kells, County Meath (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2269/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
Currently, approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband from commercial service providers and investment by the telecoms sector is continuing to expand this footprint.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the current extent of the State Intervention area:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services,
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process. It is intended that premises within this area will have access to services of at least 30 megabits per second when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The map currently indicates that 100% of the townlands of Kilmainham Headfort and Kilmainham (Ed Kells rural) falls within an AMBER area and will therefore will be included in the State Intervention procurement process under the NBP. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
A formal procurement process is now in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. The Department will also shortly update the High Speed Broadband map and finalise this Intervention Area for bidders, taking into account any industry investments that have not materialised and potential other new investments.
Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second. The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In a further positive initiative, last July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with my colleague Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. The Taskforce report which was published in December, is available at the following link: http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band in early 2017. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country, including County Meath.
270. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will reinstate a Government grant towards the installation of underfloor heating in a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2370/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween 2006 to 2011 the Greener Homes scheme, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), offered grants for the installation of a range of heating systems which included solar thermal, heat pumps, both ground and air sourced, biomass boilers and wood gasification. The choice of heat emitters within a home i.e. radiators, under floor or other method, was up to the individual homeowner and was not grant supported. Therefore, I am not aware of any grants previously offered by my Department or the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) towards the installation of under floor heating.
Through SEAI, my Department continues to offer a range of grants to householders under the Better Energy Homes Scheme. These grants concentrate on the upgrade of the energy efficiency of a home. By upgrading the energy efficiency of a home a householder needs to use less energy to achieve their desired level of comfort and warmth regardless of heating type. This lowers energy bills for the householder and reduces Ireland's carbon emissions.
Within the Better Energy Homes scheme, a grant of €700 is made available to people who wish to upgrade their oil or gas boiler together with heating controls. This grant is made available to incentivise householders to replace an ageing boiler with a newer, more efficient model and requires that the householder installs heating controls. I have asked SEAI to conduct a review of the technologies that are currently supported through the Better Energy Homes scheme and consider whether grant support should be offered for a wider range of energy upgrades. I expect SEAI to report back to me later this year. Any changes to the scheme that are warranted will be operational in 2018.
271. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the discussions he or his Department has had with the social media companies based here regarding widespread concerns about the dissemination of fake news and hate speech; if he has outlined to such companies the absolute need to reduce as far as practicable the abuse of social media platforms in this regard; if he has received assurances from those companies that they will take responsibility to ensure that their platforms are not being used to spread malicious content; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2422/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the dissemination of so-called "fake news" through social media and other online platforms is currently a matter of widespread concern. While my officials regularly engage with companies which provide social media and other online services, no specific discussions have been held on the topic of so-called "fake news".
An effective, proportionate and appropriate response to this issue would require international co-operation and agreement and my Department continues to monitor developments in other EU Member States along with the work of the Council of Europe in this area.
Matters relating to illegal online content, including illegal hate speech, are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.
That said, I can confirm that in May 2016 Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft agreed with the European Commission a Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech. This code of conduct includes a number of public commitments, including that the four companies are to have clear and effective processes in place to review notifications regarding illegal online hate speech with dedicated teams to review notifications.
272. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if further consideration will be given to the concerns of industry members regarding the proposed producer responsibility initiative, as there is widespread concern concerning the adverse effects it will have on small and medium-sized companies that wish to be compliant; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the scheme will leave too many loopholes that will allow black market activity and fraud, which will distort the market for legitimate business, resulting in job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2449/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the concerns of the tyre industry regarding the new structures which I am introducing for tyres. I recently met with the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) and the Independent Tyre Wholesalers and Retailers Association (ITWRA). I have also met with the Association for Tyre Retails Standards (ATRS). I listened to the concerns of the ITIA and the ITWRA and I have done my best to address as many of them as possible. I have also received a lot of support during the extensive consultation that has taken place with the industry for the introduction of the scheme from other operators in the tyre market. One area of concern to the industry is the issue of market distortion and in this regard, distance sellers, i.e. those placing tyres on the Irish market but located outside the State, will have the same obligations as any operator based in Ireland. In addition tyres will be a priority area for enforcement in 2017 for the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) and I will be asking them to give particular attention to the border regions.
Elements of the tyre industry also contend that the formalisation of the existing charge which consumers pay when purchasing new tyre will cause a distortion in the market, with non-compliant operators undercutting compliant ones. I do not accept this. The regulations I am introducing will formalise this fee and ensure that it is used correctly to support the sound environmental treatment of waste tyres. As things stand, the consumer pays on the double – first, when they purchase new tyres and then again, through their taxation when local authorities have to remove illegal tyre stockpiles across the country.
The Compliance Scheme will be operated by Repak End of Life Tyres (ELT) with a registration and reporting role for the Producer Register Limited. The scheme will carry out all regulatory functions on behalf of its members. All operators will be obliged to provide data on the numbers of tyres coming on and off the market. This will be the first time that there will be clarity in this regard. It will be mandatory for anyone placing tyres on the market in Ireland to join the compliance scheme.
I am convinced that the new structures will address the lack of regulation in this market to date and address the occurrences of stockpiles of waste tyres that could have a detrimental effect on the environment and human health.
273. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Inland Fisheries Ireland intends to close the only office it has remaining in County Roscommon and amalgamate the Roscommon office with the Athlone office and, resultantly, move the inspector with responsibility for servicing County Roscommon to the Athlone office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2460/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is currently reviewing its property portfolio on a national basis. This review is part of IFI’s on-going rationalisation programme which commenced with stream-lining of properties in Dublin to facilitate a more focused national management and response capability.
This element has already seen IFI exit expensive property leases and move to new HQ facilities with significantly better energy efficiency, consistent with Government commitments as regards reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The exit from expensive leases and improved building efficiencies are expected to generate significant financial savings. From an operational perspective the inventory of IFI properties will facilitate consideration of broader rationalisation proposals in regional areas.
IFI have, thus far, developed an inventory of its property and intends to set out proposals on facility rationalisation within River Basin Districts (RBDs) to augment operational and deployment efficiencies. IFI does not currently have a base in Athlone and no consideration has yet been given to base locations in the Shannon RBD. In that regard, I would be happy to ask IFI to keep the Deputy advised of developments, however, at this stage, the position asserted by the Deputy is premature.
IFI advise that the geographical management structure for Inland Fisheries has long been based on River Basin Districts (RBD) rather than Counties. In delivering its core functions, IFI adapts development, protection and environmental / conservation practices to maximise the return on state investment in policing, conserving and developing the resource. IFI adopts a wide-ranging protection strategy and delivers an associated broad protection programme across the entire Shannon RBD.
Based on this model of protection, IFI’s aim in property rationalisation proposals will seek to augment the critical scale of bases and response and deployment capability in the changing and developing circumstances and environment in which services are delivered. It is also intended to continue to develop best value for public funds in service delivery.
The IFI offices in Ballinlough and Roscommon are resources within the Shannon RBD which assist in covering a significant catchment from Westmeath, East Galway, Roscommon and Longford. These operate effectively with a compliment of 4 Officers, reporting to a locally based Inspector.
IFI has input a significant protection and development resource into this catchment including day and night surveillance operations, boat, kayak and foot patrols, monitoring of water quality and planning developments, survey work, infrastructural projects and promotional assistance including the recently launched production “Along by the River: Discover the River Suck”.
Protection and other works are carried out on an RBD-wide basis and Officers stationed in other catchments of the Shannon RBD have participated in protection actions in the Roscommon area. In 2016, in excess of 5,000 person hours were provided to patrols and a further 193 person hours in assistance during the emergency flooding events, more than 100 boat patrols, 300 vehicle patrols resulting in over 3,000 angler inspections, seizures of nets and five prosecutions initiated. 38 rivers were assessed for development and five major angling development projects commenced.
I am also advised that the Midlands Fisheries Fund scheme has resulted in development projects in the Castlecoote, Donamon, Lough Acalla, Lough Loung, Blacks Lough and River Suck areas since 2013. IFI were also a partner in the biodiversity looped walk project on Lough O’Flynn and contributes towards fish stocking.
These catchments have been and will remain a high priority for IFI who will continue to protect, develop, conserve, manage and promote the fisheries to benefit the angling resource and local communities.
274. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on findings of recent studies on the air quality impact of burning coal; his further views on the viability of cheaper, more efficient and less harmful alternative fuels; his plans for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2485/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its introduction in Dublin in 1990, and subsequent extension to 26 urban areas nationwide, the ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel (or ‘smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known) has proved very effective in reducing air pollution and significantly improving public health.
Scientific understanding has evolved in the intervening years, however, and numerous studies now indicate that air pollution, at lower levels than was previously understood, has impacts on human health. Consequently, it is necessary to continue to strengthen policy to enhance air quality for the protection of people’s health and the environment.
In this regard, I am committed to extending the smoky coal ban nationwide. This process necessarily involves discussion and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, including with the European Commission, relevant Departments and agencies, the residential fuel industry, and the general public. Preliminary discussions on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed nationwide ban have already taken place with some of these stakeholders.
My Department is currently developing the first ever national Clean Air Strategy which will provide the strategic framework for a set of cross-Government policies and actions to reduce harmful emissions and improve our air quality. The strategy will also impact a wide range of other national policies that are relevant to air quality, such as transport, energy and agriculture. The issue of promoting alternative fuels is a key feature of the strategy and a consultation process on the strategy will commence shortly. I would expect that the strategy will be published by the end of 2017 and will, inter alia, indicate a timeline for the nationwide extension of the ban on smoky coal.
275. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the bilateral meetings he had with his European counterparts outside of European Council meetings, since the UK referendum to leave the EU took place, in which the issue of Brexit and the unique challenges faced by the island of Ireland were discussed, including the name of each European ministerial counterpart, the meeting location and the date of each meeting, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2514/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn extensive programme of engagement with all other EU Governments and the EU institutions, including the Commission’s Brexit Negotiations Task Force, is under way. This engagement is being intensified in 2017.
As the Deputy is aware one of the main avenues available for me to meet my European counterparts is through the EU Councils and Informal Councils, of which I have attended five since the Brexit vote. At these meetings I ensure that I hold a number of discussions on the margins of these meetings with my European Counterparts to stress the unique challenges faced by Ireland in the wake of the Brexit vote.
At the most recent EU TTE (Energy) Council on 5 December 2016 I held bilateral discussions with the representatives of Malta, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, and Cyprus on the subject of Brexit and the unique challenges faced by Ireland. I also had a bilateral with Commissioner Canete on the same topic.
Other meetings where I have discussed Brexit and its impact on Ireland include the North South Ministerial Council, meetings of the OECD, and United Nations meetings.
I have also met with:
- Andrus Ansip, Vice President of the European Commission, 8 September 2016 in Government Buildings
- Simon Hamilton, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive, 18 November 2016, on the margins of the North South Ministerial Council.
The Taoiseach and Ministers will continue to meet and engage with their EU counterparts over coming weeks to emphasise Ireland’s concerns and to ensure that they are fully reflected in the EU position once negotiations commence.
This activity is reinforced by extensive engagement at diplomatic and official level. The Government is acutely aware of the potential risks and challenges for the Irish economy and will remain fully engaged on this aspect as the negotiations proceed. An important part of our preparations for the Brexit negotiations is ensuring that our particular concerns are heard and understood across Europe, and engagement with our EU partners and with the EU institutions is therefore critical.
Of course, Ireland will be part of the EU 27 team and looks forward to working with our fellow Member States in delivering the best possible result for Ireland and for the EU.
In line with the agreement at EU level, there have been and will be no negotiations with the UK until Article 50 has been triggered.
276. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the National Transport Authority will regulate battery-powered rickshaws in view of the fact that the necessary legislation to facilitate the making of regulations has been passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2251/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann voted to provide for the regulation of rickshaws, by way of an amendment proposed by Deputy Imelda Munster, during its consideration of the Road Traffic Bill 2016, now the Road Traffic Act 2016. I subsequently explained to the Seanad during that House's consideration of the Dáil amendments to the Bill, that I would need to take further legal advice on the implications of the amendment, especially given that the amendment was not drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel or approved by the Office of the Attorney General.
During the debate in the Dáil on the Bill, I advised that the National Transport Authority (NTA) was working on a proposed policy and potential framework for the future regulation of rickshaws which it envisaged would be submitted to my Department by the end of this month. That remains the position.
My Department and I will urgently consider the NTA proposals when received and in the context of the legal advice received on the implications of the amendment to regulate rickshaws provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2016.
277. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to meet with a group (details supplied); his further plans to increase funding to the rural transport sector in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe group referred to by the Deputy has recently sought a meeting to discuss a number of issues and my office will be in touch with the group in due course.
Budget 2017 provided for a €2.19 million increase in funding for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) this year, which is part of the overall increase of €31 million for public transport services in the Budget. The increase in RTP funding brings the total allocated to the Programme in 2017 to €14.396 million. The increased level of funding for the RTP will enable a continuation of the process already underway of making improvements to existing services and developing new routes.
278. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2283/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Maintenance of private laneways/roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the landowners concerned. Due to the major cutbacks in roads funding it was necessary for the Department to cease making separate allocations to local authorities in respect of LIS. The approved scheme remains intact and local authorities can use a proportion of State grant funding for LIS should they wish to do so.
While 2017 will see a modest increase in funding for roads, it will take some years yet under the Capital Plan to restore "steady state" funding levels for regional and local roads. The primary focus will have to continue to be on the maintenance and renewal of public roads. I do, however, expect that local authorities will continue to be able to use a proportion of their Discretionary Grant for the Local Improvement Scheme in 2017.
In light of the provision in the Programme for Government indicating that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Local Improvement Schemes, I will be raising the issue of increased funding in the context of the planned Review of the Capital Plan. I expect to announce the 2017 regional and local road allocations in the coming weeks.
279. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the costs of insuring a wheelchair taxi vehicle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2290/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware that the rising costs of motor insurance for drivers generally are also affecting the taxi industry. There are reports of large increases for existing policy holders and difficulties in obtaining insurance for new operators. The implications of the current insurance difficulties faced by those in the taxi sector are of concern to me and the Government.
These difficulties being experienced by taxi and hackney operators were highlighted by my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) to the Working Group established last year, by the Minister for Finance, to review the factors which are influencing the increase in cost of motor insurance. I am advised that the NTA also had a bi-lateral meeting with the Department of Finance to apprise them of the situation pertaining to small public service vehicle (SPSV) licence holders in relation to both the availability and cost of SPSV insurance.
The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD and Minister of State for Financial Services, Eoghan Murphy TD published the Working Group's Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance on 10 January 2017. The Report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions and contains a detailed Action Plan identifying the responsible bodies and the timelines for delivery of the recommendations.
The Report states that while neither the Minister for Finance nor the Central Bank of Ireland can direct insurance companies as to how they price their products, the Working Group believes that the implementation of the Report's recommendations will lead to greater stability in the pricing of motor insurance and will help prevent the volatility that we have seen in the market in the past (both up and down) and should also better facilitate potential new entrants to the market.
My Department, together with the appropriate bodies, will work towards implementing the relevant Recommendations in the Report.
280. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has arranged a meeting with Bus Éireann in view of the leaked Grant Thornton report, which reported cuts to Bus Éireann express routes that will have a detrimental effect on counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2338/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Bus Éireann is developing plans to address its financial position. The Company is currently loss-making and these losses are not sustainable.
The Deputy may recall that a few months ago, the Chairman of Bus Éireann announced that the Board had commissioned a firm of consultants, Grant Thornton, to review proposals for Bus Éireann which the company's management had drawn up, and to advise the Board on those proposals. Last week I met the Chair of the Company who briefed me on the report that had been presented to the Board by the consultants a few days previously.
It seems that an early version of that report - but not the version that was presented to the Board last week - was reported upon in the media last week. It is important to note that the Grant Thornton report is an analysis prepared as advice for a Board which reviews some options, provides a critique of them and makes suggestions for further areas to consider; the report is not a plan in itself, and it was not intended that it would be a plan. On foot of the report and the Board's deliberations, the Company is now engaged in preparing a plan for its future and will be developing and finalising this over the coming weeks.
The Chairman updated me on the very serious situation the Company faces and assured me that the Board is resolved to address the situation and to restore the company to a sustainable position. The Chair indicated that an invitation would issue shortly to trade unions to commence discussions on proposals. I am firmly of the belief that difficult issues such as this can only be resolved through open, constructive and realistic engagement between the company and its employees and I encourage both sides to engage constructively on the matter.
Separately to my meeting with the Company Chair, I also met with the National Transport Authority who outlined to me their powers and responsibilities in relation to the provision of public transport services. I was assured by the NTA that it will work with local communities to maintain an appropriate level of public transport connectivity in the event of any reconfiguration of existing services.
281. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an Irish person residing in the United States of America can renew an Irish driving licence by post, as the person is not in a position to return here at present. [2352/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two possible scenarios, depending on the circumstances. Under EU law, Member States issue driving licences to people normally resident in their territory. If an Irish driving licence holder takes up residence in another jurisdiction, they cannot renew their Irish driving licence. However, if a person remains normally resident in Ireland but is temporarily abroad for work or study reasons, they may renew their driving licence by post from abroad.
282. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the State subsidy paid to Bus Éireann per capita of population served is five times less than that provided to Dublin Bus; the policy he has to address this issue and to ensure equality of treatment of all areas in the country in relation to public bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2361/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am unsure as regards the base year or precise methodology upon which the Deputy is calculating his ratios and in the context of 2016 population and subsidy levels would question whether the Deputy's statement reflects the current position.
Irrespective of that, I have previously stated that accurately benchmarking the level of subsidy paid to transport operators can be a difficult task given the very different services which operators provide. The amount of subsidy provided is reflective of the operator's contractual responsibilities under their public service contracts with the National Transport Authority, which since 2010 is statutorily responsible for the allocation of subsidies to individual transport operators.
I have therefore 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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take, including the increase of the State subsidy to Bus Éireann, to ensure that there is no deterioration in the services provided by this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Bus Éireann is developing plans to address its financial position. The Company is currently loss-making and these losses are not sustainable. The Company's difficulties stem from its commercial Expressway services which are not subsidised by the taxpayer and operate in competition with other non-subsidised operators.
Last week I met with the Chair of the Company who briefed me on the very serious situation the Company faces. The Chair indicated that an invitation would issue shortly to trade unions to commence discussions on the available options.
I am firmly of the belief that difficult issues such as this can only be resolved through open, constructive and realistic engagement between the company and its employees and I encourage both sides to engage constructively on the matter.
In terms of taxpayer support, last year Bus Éireann received €40million, or over 17% more in taxpayers' subsidy than it received in 2015, in respect of its PSO services. That subsidy is used to support the provision of socially necessary but financially unviable PSO services and last year almost 32 million people travelled on a Bus Éireann PSO service.
I am committed to the public transport system continuing to provide and develop services that are essential for local communities. That commitment is evidenced by the 11% increase secured for public transport services in 2017. Bus services are an integral part of our public transport system, particularly in rural Ireland.
Separately to meeting the Chair of Bus Éireann, I also met with the National Transport Authority who outlined to me their powers and responsibilities in relation to the provision of public transport services. I was assured by the NTA that it will work with local communities to maintain an appropriate level of public transport connectivity in the event of any reconfiguration of existing commercial services.
