Written Answers Nos. 181-194
181. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the ongoing problem with buses to and from Donegal town not going according to the schedule and that it is unacceptable that Bus Éireann is not providing a full scheduled service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9626/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 matter raised in relation to issues with bus services to and from Donegal town is an operational matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
182. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) who pre-booked a seat on the No. X30 bus from Donegal town to Dublin Airport, but the bus never arrived, can be compensated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9627/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route X30, are commercial bus services and responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
183. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a bus stop (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9643/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
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.
184. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of the all-island rail review; and when he will publish same. [9668/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the All-Ireland Rail Review. [9843/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 193 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Strategic Rail Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, including the potential for higher/high-speed; enhancing regional accessibility; supporting balanced regional development; and rail connectivity to our international gateways.
A draft report is currently being finalised and will be submitted to the Departments shortly. After the necessary approvals have been secured on both sides of the border, including by the Government, my Department will publish the report.
185. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that he will not sign any amending Statutory Instrument changing the benefits of members of the CIÉ 1951 scheme given that the independent actuary of the 1951 Committee of Trustees has confirmed that the 1951 scheme now meets the minimum funding standard provisions of the Pensions Act 1990 and is solvent. [9683/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct Córas Iompair Éireann to provide a detailed explanation on a matter (details supplied), including all of the outstanding information sought by the statutory Committee of Trustees of the 1951 scheme. [9684/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
CIÉ have advised that the Group’s two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), are currently not in compliance with the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as defined in the Pensions Act 1990.
As the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to the schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard required by the Pensions Authority.
In relation to the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to proposed changes to the 1951 scheme which is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA. However, the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.
The questions raised by the Deputy in relation in relation to the 1951 scheme are an operational matter for CIÉ. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
187. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline all funding applications received by TII from Mayo County Council in relation to greenway funding for 2023; if he will provide details regarding the decision on each application; if he will outline the rationale for each decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways.
As of 20 September 2021 and in line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway projects is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9704/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCIÉ have advised that the Group’s two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), are currently not in compliance with the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as defined in the Pensions Act 1990.
As the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to the schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard required by the Pensions Authority.
In relation to the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to proposed changes to the 1951 scheme which is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA. However, the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.
The questions raised by the Deputy in relation in relation to the 1951 scheme are an operational matter for CIÉ. 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.
189. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of all special advisers employed in his Department; their roles; and their annual salaries. [9713/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
From July 2020 costs for special adviser(s) to the Minister for Transport were absorbed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The salary cost of the advisers to Minister of State Jack Chambers are detailed below:
|
Details of Adviser |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser Shane Smyth |
€103,358 |
190. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the matters which have been brought to his attention by CIÉ management for consideration regarding the future of the 1951 CIÉ pension scheme; if he is aware that there is evidence to confirm that this scheme now meets the minimum funding standard provisions of the Pensions Act 1990 and is therefore solvent; if he will consider the concerns of the employees of CIÉ in relation to the future of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9725/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCIÉ have advised that the Group’s two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), are currently not in compliance with the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as defined in the Pensions Act 1990.
As the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to the schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard required by the Pensions Authority.
In relation to the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to proposed changes to the 1951 scheme which is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA. However, the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.
The questions raised by the Deputy in relation in relation to the 1951 scheme are an operational matter for CIÉ. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
191. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Programme for Government commitment to establish a national public transport forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9778/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government (PfG) commitment to establish a National Public Transport Forum was incorporated into the Government's National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) - published in April 2022. The policy commits to delivering a significant and ambitious increase in active travel and public transport journeys between now and 2030.
To support this ambition, and to ensure full engagement with all key stakeholders, my Department are working to convene a national forum in April 2023. The National Sustainable Mobility Forum will mark the first anniversary of the SMP, and will provide stakeholders with an update on progress to date, and with an opportunity to shape future efforts for expanding and enhancing the availability and attractiveness of sustainable mobility options - walking, cycling, shared and public transport.
It is intended to issue to invitations to stakeholders in the coming weeks.
192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to reduce overly-long waitlist times for driving tests with the Road Safety Authority. [9781/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I would like to assure the Deputy that the Authority is working closely with my Department to address the issue of Driver Testing waiting times.
The Driver Testing service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand which is 28% up on 2021 figures and 27% up on 2018 pre Covid-19 pandemic figures.
I am told that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their test.
The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130. I am informed that the RSA has deployed the majority of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by the end of Q1 2023.With the need for further review given the continued backlog, the RSA conducted an updated analysis of demand and capacity in late 2022 and early 2023. My Department is actively engaged with the RSA in evaluating this subsequent request for additional resources.
194. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of social media influencers and online personalities, television and or radio personalities engaged by his Department and bodies under his aegis in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; if he will include the fees expended, name of personality and campaign they were engaged on; and if he will also provide the key performance indicators in respect of their engagement. [9909/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not engaged any social media influencers and online personalities, television and or radio personalities in 2021, 2022 or to date in 2023.
The information requested by the deputy in relation to a schedule of social media influencers etc, which operate under the remit of my department is more appropriate to the state bodies concerned and is not held within my Department.
Accordingly, I have asked the agencies under my department’s remit to respond to you directly. If you do not hear from them within 10 working days, please advise my private office.
