Written Answers Nos. 33-54
33. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a foreign birth register application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24198/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331. This number is also available on the Department's website.
With regard to the specific Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications about which the Deputy has enquired, This application was cancelled on the 6th December 2023 as the application was incomplete. A refund was issued to the applicant when the application was cancelled. If the applicant has further evidence and supporting documentation to support their claim for Irish Citizenship and entry onto the Foreign Birth Register they are welcome to re-apply.
34. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs who invited the Israeli ambassador to the national famine commemoration on 19 May 2024; his views on whether this was appropriate given the looming famine in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24334/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach and other relevant Government Departments and authorities, my Department coordinates attendance by members of the foreign diplomatic corps at certain State events, including the National Famine Commemoration, which took place in Edgeworthstown Co. Longford on Sunday, 19 May.
In line with the agreed EU position in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation is not invited to official State events in Ireland.
All other resident Heads of Mission were invited to the National Famine Commemoration, including the Ambassador of Israel.
35. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what supports are available for businesses to install solar energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24205/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Non-Domestic Microgen grant (NDMG) scheme, as part of the wider Microgeneration Support Scheme, commenced in September 2022. The grant is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provides financial assistance to help businesses and other organisations to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site.
The initial non-domestic scheme enabled applicants such as businesses, farms, schools, and community buildings to apply for a grant for installations up to 6kW, at the same grant amounts as domestic customers. However, extended funding of up to €162,600 was introduced in July 2023 to support non-domestic installation sizes up to 1,000 kWp (1 MW) capacity, initially on a pilot basis to the end of 2023.
Since its launch, the amended NDMG scheme has proved an overwhelming success and as such, it has now been extended for 2024, at the same level of grant supports for installations up to 1 MW. To date over 1,300 offers have been made, supporting over 105 MW in additional generation capacity, with grant support of over €20 million across a range of non-domestic sectors such as education and care providers, food and retail businesses, community & leisure organisations, as well as larger commercial enterprises.
In addition, SEAI support solar PV as part of comprehensive building and industry upgrades through the EXEED Certified Grant and the Community Energy Grant.
Detailed information regarding eligibility for the non-domestic Microgen scheme is available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie.
36. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an application for the warmer homes scheme can be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, in view of the extenuating circumstances in their case. [24212/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €24,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as the Minister I have no function in relation to such applications. Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works.
For the homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 26 months for homes completed in 2022. SEAI advise that it can take 8-10 months from date of application to the pre-works BER assessment.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/.
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
37. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that community groups have been told they must pay for works granted under the Climate Action Fund and will only then be reimbursed through the fund. [24262/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) aims to support and empower communities, in partnership with their Local Authority, to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way to contribute to national climate and energy targets. The CCAP aims to support small and large, rural and urban communities to take climate action and supports direct engagement with communities to this end.
The majority of the projects approved for funding under the Climate Action Fund are paid on the basis of vouched expenditure.
Given that the groups submitting projects under the community climate action programme (CCAP) strand 1/1a and strand 2 are not-for-profit, sanction was sought and received from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, in August 2023, to allow for a small amount of pre-funding (up to 25%) on a demonstrated needs basis for individual projects.
Each Local Authority has received a specific allocation to deliver the projects under the CCAP. Local Authorities have the discretion to choose not to apply for this pre-funding allowance. Local Authorities can work solely on a vouched expenditure basis in the drawing down of their funds from the Climate Action Fund. This is in line with the Grant Circular 13/2014.
38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when engagement with a group (details supplied) can be expected from the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24168/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for Defence if he will report on the process involved in establishing the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24169/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason the Women of Honour have not been contacted to-date by the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; the reason for the delay in signing the statutory instrument; if his Department is prepared to give funding to the group on a parity basis with other support organisations to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24210/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 39 and 41 together.
The Government recently approved the Terms of Reference for a Tribunal of Inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 (as amended). The Tribunal will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
The Government also approved the appointment of Ms. Justice Ann Power to Chair the Tribunal.
The motions to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry were subsequently approved by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.
Arrangements are currently being finalised to allow the Inquiry to commence its work at the earliest possible date. This includes the appointment of legal and administrative staff to support the work of the Tribunal. A premises in Smithfield in Dublin has been provided by the Office of Public Works for the purposes of the Inquiry and a number of logistical matters are being finalised, including the development of a website for the Tribunal.
I will be signing a Statutory Instrument shortly to give effect to the formal establishment of Tribunal. Following this, I anticipate that the Tribunal will publish an opening statement containing general guidance for all persons who wish to engage with the Tribunal on matters that are relevant to its Terms of Reference. This would include information about how people can make submissions to the Tribunal. It will be a matter for the Tribunal to determine how it conducts its subsequent investigations. The Tribunal will also publicise details of how persons who wish to engage with and participate in the process may do so, and this will include matters relating to legal representation.
40. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has considered providing funding to survivors or groups representing them in order to better facilitate their own engagement with and participation in the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24170/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will be signing a Statutory Instrument shortly to give effect to the formal establishment of Tribunal.
Following this, I anticipate that the Tribunal will publish an opening statement containing general guidance for all persons who wish to engage with the Tribunal on matters that are relevant to its Terms of Reference. This will include information about how people can make submissions to the Tribunal. It will be a matter for the Tribunal to determine how it conducts its subsequent investigations. The Tribunal will also publicise details of how persons who wish to engage with and participate in the process may do so, and this will include matters relating to legal representation.
42. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of deferring an increase in toll costs for a further 12 months. [24177/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, 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). Therefore, 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 referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
43. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of making the current 20% reduction on public transport fares permanent. [24178/24]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
44. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of making the 50% reduction for Young Adult card fares permanent [24179/24]
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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
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.
45. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of increasing the Dublin bus fleet by 10%. [24180/24]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including procurement of bus fleet in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, there are two fundamental elements to increasing fleet. Firstly, there is the one-off capital expenditure cost associated with the purchase of new fleet and then secondly there is the recurring current expenditure cost associated with operating and maintaining that new fleet.
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.
46. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of increasing the Bus Éireann bus fleet by 10%. [24181/24]
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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of Bus Éireann bus fleets.
As the Deputy may be aware, there are two fundamental elements to increasing fleet. Firstly, there is the one-off capital expenditure cost associated with the purchase of new fleet and then secondly there is the recurring current expenditure cost associated with operating and maintaining that new fleet.
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.
47. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of building and operating the national train control centre, including a breakdown of capital and current costs. [24182/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the National Train Control Centre.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
48. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the toilet facilities in Athy and Newbridge train stations are open; if so, the opening times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24237/24]
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 issue raised by the Deputy in relation to toilet facilities in Athy and Newbridge train stations is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
49. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the key policy achievements realised and new initiatives taken by his Department to date and during 2024 in relation to regional aviation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24240/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s National Aviation Policy (“NAP”) published in August 2015, established a policy framework for the development of the aviation sector. With regard to regional airports, the NAP was designed to create an environment that would encourage the sector to enhance Ireland's connectivity and to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development.
In line with the action points under the NAP, regional airports are supported under a Regional Airports Programme. The current Programme for the period 2021-2025 was published by my Department in 2021. Since 2021, Exchequer funding totalling over €78 million has been allocated under this Programme.
This Programme continues to support Ireland’s smallest airports that provide connectivity and handle fewer than one million passengers per annum. In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the scope of this new Programme was expanded to support projects with a sustainability focus encouraging airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.
The NAP also supports Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services. A PSO air service between Donegal and Dublin is supported under the Regional Airports Programme providing vital connectivity to the people and businesses in the North-West region. Services facilitate same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport. The current contract, awarded by my Department to Emerald Airlines, came into effect on 26 February 2022 and will run for a three-year period, with a provision to extend for a further one year. As well as supporting Government’s commitment to balanced regional development, these services have supported growth of the economy and tourism in the region.
By virtue of their size and passenger numbers, neither Cork nor Shannon regional State airports had been eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme. However, in light of the impacts of COVID-19 and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, my Department allocated over €28 million to Cork and Shannon airports under a one-year COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme in 2021. Due to suppressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021, both airports later became eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme in 2022, with Shannon Airport remaining eligible in 2023 also. An additional €6.8 million in emergency supports were also approved by Government and provided to Shannon Airport to complete a Hold Baggage Screening project, commenced during the pandemic, and to repair the Shannon embankments following storm damage during winter 2013/2014.
In addition, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances faced by all Irish airports during COVID-19, a further unprecedented €19 million was allocated to regional airports in 2021 under an EU State Aid approved COVID Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish Airports. This funding compensated the smaller regional airports at Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West for the damage caused to them by COVID-19. The funding allocated to our regional State airports at Shannon and Cork provided them with the flexibility to roll out route incentives and charge rebates, in consultation with airlines.
I am pleased to say that Ireland has established good connectivity via our regional airports with the UK, Europe and America. The targeted Exchequer funding to this sector has supported this connectivity, with overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports in 2023 9% above 2019 levels (the last comparable period prior to COVID-19). I am also encouraged to see the strong growth experienced to date this year, with passenger traffic to end April 10% higher when compared to the same period last year.
That said, to consider how Exchequer funding to this sector is delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of how international connectivity and services to and from the regions can be maintained and enhanced, a mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme was undertaken in 2023. My Department carried out a public consultation last year to inform this review, which was finalised in late December.
While the primary focus of this review is on the performance of the Programme to date, recommendations and proposed actions on foot of this review may contribute to the development of policy on future appropriate and cost-effective support measures for regional airports in Ireland, including the development of any future Programme.
I am currently engaging with colleagues across Government in reaching a conclusion on this review.
50. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an outline of the spending in aviation in his Department to date and during 2024; to provide an account of any overspend or underspend noted by his Department in this Government programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24241/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question and for the subsequent clarification provided. Over the period 2020-2023, Exchequer supports totalling almost €222 million were provided to Irish airports under the Aviation Programme within my Department's VOTE. A further €21 million was provided to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services.
As requested, this funding is set out below by spending head under Table 1 – Funding to Irish Airports 2020-2023 and Table 2 – Funding on PSO Air Services 2020-2023.
Table 1- Funding to Irish Airports 2020-2023
|
AIRPORT |
SCHEME |
2020 €m |
2021 €m |
2022 €m |
2023 €m |
Total €m |
|
Donegal |
CAPEX |
- |
€0.149 |
€0.043 |
€0.361 |
€0.553 |
|
|
PPR-C |
€0.245 |
€0.583 |
€0.608 |
€0.104 |
€1.540 |
|
|
PPR-O |
€0.581 |
€0.461 |
€0.638 |
€0.722 |
€2.402 |
|
|
COVID Supplementary Support Scheme |
|
€0.258 |
|
|
€0.258 |
|
Donegal Total |
|
€0.826 |
€1.451 |
€1.289 |
€1.187 |
€4.753 |
|
Kerry |
CAPEX |
€0.097 |
€0.720 |
€0.184 |
€0.294 |
€1.295 |
|
|
PPR-C |
€1.058 |
€2.067 |
€0.893 |
€0.030 |
€4.048 |
|
|
PPR-O |
€1.500 |
€1.298 |
€1.434 |
€1.423 |
€5.655 |
|
|
COVID Supplementary Support Scheme |
|
€1.798 |
|
|
€1.798 |
|
Kerry Total |
|
€2.655 |
€5.883 |
€2.511 |
€1.747 |
€12.796 |
|
Ireland West |
CAPEX |
€0.553 |
€1.725 |
€1.242 |
€1.790 |
€5.310 |
|
|
PPR-C |
€0.330 |
€0.448 |
€1.082 |
€2.796 |
€4.656 |
|
|
PPR-O |
€1.354 |
€1.018 |
€1.788 |
€1.869 |
€6.029 |
|
|
COVID Supplementary Support Scheme |
|
€2.806 |
|
|
€2.806 |
|
Ireland West Total |
|
€2.237 |
€5.997 |
€4.112 |
€6.455 |
€18.801 |
|
Waterford |
CAPEX |
|
|
|
|
€0.000 |
|
|
PPR-C |
|
|
|
|
€0.000 |
|
|
PPR-O |
|
|
|
|
€0.000 |
|
|
Emergency Subvention |
€0.375 |
|
|
|
€0.375 |
|
Waterford Total |
|
€0.375 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0.375 |
|
Cork |
CAPEX |
|
€10.000 |
€3.382 |
€1.370 |
€14.752 |
|
|
PPR-C |
|
€0.000 |
€0.675 |
|
€0.675 |
|
|
PPR-O |
|
€6.690 |
€10.403 |
|
€17.093 |
|
|
COVID Supplementary Support Scheme |
|
€8.379 |
|
|
€8.379 |
|
Cork Total |
|
€0 |
€25.069 |
€14.460 |
€1.370 |
€40.899 |
|
Shannon |
Emergency Capital Supports |
€0 |
€5.350 |
€1.127 |
|
€0.304 |
|
|
CAPEX |
|
€2.907 |
€2.931 |
€4.708 |
€10.546 |
|
|
PPR-C |
|
€3.161 |
€0.744 |
€0.665 |
€4.570 |
|
|
PPR-O |
|
€5.527 |
€6.837 |
€7.206 |
€19.570 |
|
|
COVID Supplementary Support Scheme |
|
€5.494 |
|
|
€5.494 |
|
Shannon Total |
|
€0 |
€22.439 |
€11.639 |
€12.579 |
€46.959 |
|
Dublin |
COVID Supplementary Support Scheme |
|
€97.240 |
|
|
€97.240 |
|
Dublin Airport |
|
€0 |
€97.240 |
€0.000 |
€0.000 |
€97.240 |
|
TOTAL |
|
€6.396 |
€158.079 |
€34.011 |
€23.338 |
€221.823 |
Table 2 – Funding on PSO Air Services 2020-2023
|
PSO AIR SERVICE |
2020 €m |
2021 €m |
2022 €m |
2023 €m |
TOTAL €m |
|
Donegal/Dublin |
€3.999 |
€2.367 |
€5.229 |
€3.990 |
€15.585 |
|
Kerry/Dublin |
€3.308 |
€0.811 |
€0.944 |
|
€5.063 |
|
TOTAL |
€7.307 |
€3.178 |
€6.173 |
€3.990 |
€20.648 |
Regarding funding to regional airports in 2024, to date, capital funding allocations of €5.6 million have been announced for Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West airports. In line with previous years, additional funding allocations may be announced from within the 2024 budget before years end.
In relation to your question on overspends and underspends, firstly I wish to advise the Deputy that in relation to operational funding to regional airports, spending is generally in line with budgetary resources. Following an assessment of applications from regional airports each year, funding is allocated in line with forecast expenditure. Depending on budgetary resources in any given year, up to 100% of eligible non-economic payroll and operational costs at airports in the areas of Air Traffic control (ATC), safety and security are supported. Funding is then reconciled against airports’ actual operational costs as set out in audited financial statements as part of the following years application assessment. The following years allocations are then adjusted to account for any overcompensation, if applicable.
Regarding capital investment in regional airports, funding allocations are determined following an assessment of capital grant proposals put forward by eligible airports in Q1 each year. Allocations are based on project cost estimates put forward at the time of application. Grant aid is then drawn down by airports, on a recoupment basis, following the completion of projects. In some cases, small savings are realised resulting in savings under the Aviation Programme. However, in relation to project overspends, in accordance with the conditions set out under Grant Agreement with airports, it is a requirement that any project overrun is met from the airport’s own resources and not funded by the Exchequer.
At a higher level relating to overall Aviation Programme spend within my Department’s Vote, capital savings may be realised in any given year. In some cases, project delays, due to supply change issues for example, may arise resulting in projects not completing in the funding year. In other instances, the overall available budget under the Aviation Programme in any given year may exceed the cost of all eligible projects approved for funding. Where this occurs, sanction may be sought from the Department of Public Enterprise NDP Delivery and Reform, and approved by Government, for the deferred surrender of this Aviation Programme budget into the following year, thereby reducing the demand on the Exchequer in the following year.
As is the case with all Voted expenditure, the detail of this is published in the Appropriation Account for each funding year.
51. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the main sectors of analysis his Department is applying to the present Waterford airport runway extension review; the number of similar reviews using the same analysis template that have taken place in his Department over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24242/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question in relation to the submission made by Waterford Airport for Exchequer funding to support proposed development works. I wish to advise the Deputy that this document is currently being reviewed by my Department in accordance with the requirements of a Project Outline Document (POD) as set out under my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework and the Infrastructure Guidelines.
In accordance with this Framework, where a proposal seeking Exchequer funding has an estimated potential cost of €15 million or more, the Sponsoring Agency must produce a POD, to be reviewed by the Approving Authority (in this case, my Department). The purpose of the POD is to summarise the proposed scheme, assess alignment with national and local policies, outline the range of options to be considered to address the issue, identify the potential range of costs and assess the proposal's affordability, propose an appraisal plan and outline the governance plan for the project.
The POD was introduced as part of the TAF in 2023. The POD requirements ensure investment schemes in the transport sector can comply with the Infrastructure Guidelines while allowing for early assessment of proposals.
Since the publication of the TAF in June 2023, the Department has been involved in the review of approximately 5 PODs. Since June 2020, the Department has also been involved in the review of approximately 35 Strategic Assessment Reports (SARs) – the SAR being a precursor to the POD under the Public Spending Code. This gives a total of approximately 40 early-stage review documents.
Further detail on both the TAF and POD are available as follows:
Transport Appraisal Framework:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9038-transport-appraisal-framework-taf/#:~:text=The%20Transport%20Appraisal%20Framework%20%28TAF%29%20provides%20appraisal%20and,in%20accordance%20with%20the%20Public%20Spending%20Code%20%28PSC%29
Project Outline Document:
www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/260302/cf0dcac3-ac50-42fc-8a05-309ea9bf3728.pdf#page=null.
52. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline, regarding the Waterford airport runway extension business review, the way in which the exposure of the Exchequer being capped at maximum €12 million liability is captured in the present review report; to detail any other projects reviewed by his Department requesting Government funding where a similar ‘costs cap guarantee’ was provided to Government; how this cost benefit is weighted in terms of the overall review report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24243/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I cannot comment on the review report referenced as it is not yet finalised. As you will be aware, in June 2019, the then Government gave an approval in principle of an expression of support for development at Waterford Airport and to providing Exchequer funding of €5 million towards this development project.
Government support was not only contingent on local authority and private investment necessary to complete the project being committed and any risks relating to cost escalation being borne by the non-State investors, but also on full details of the project being provided to my Department for appraisal. Despite engagement with the airport over the intervening period, this detail remained outstanding from Waterford Airport until 13 December 2023.
As set out to you previously, this detail is being reviewed by my Department in accordance with the Project Outline Document (POD) requirements of the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) and the Infrastructure Guidelines.
My Department has prioritised this review, which will take account of the increased Exchequer funding contribution of €12 million now being sought. As would be expected with an appraisal process of this nature, a number of clarification requests and questions seeking further detail have been raised by the Department.
I wish to advise the Deputy that while an updated submission was received from the airport on 23 April, further outstanding supporting detail was only received this week (27 May). While this detail has addressed a number of matters raised, some detail remains outstanding. Officials are continuing to engage with airport management on these matters. Timely responses from the airport to all information sought will have a bearing on the timeframe for the completion of this present review.
Regarding other project proposals, I wish to advise the Deputy that the assessment of affordability is a key consideration in the appraisal of all investment proposals reviewed by my Department. As part of POD under the TAF, any transport investment proposal must outline the potential range of costs involved and outline the potential sources of funding, including consideration of existing public capital budget envelopes. If the proposal is developed further, the examination of affordability within existing resources must be updated appropriately in Preliminary and Final Business Cases. This assessment forms a crucial element of the overall appraisal document, alongside other elements like Cost-Benefit Analysis or equivalent analysis, and seeks to ensure that every transport investment proposal secures value for money in the use of scarce public resources.
53. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the reason there are two vacancies on the Board of the Road Safety Authority that arose on 1 January 2024, given the alarming increase in road deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24245/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Board of the Road Safety Authority shall consist of a chairperson and between six and eleven ordinary members. The quorum of the Board is set at five members, and the current composition of the board fulfils all legislative requirements. There are, therefore, no vacancies on the Board, though its membership is currently two fewer than at the end of 2023.
In accordance with the Department’s obligations under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Department has commissioned an external independent review of the Road Safety Authority. The overall objective of this review is to conduct a thorough and comprehensive examination of the organisational structures, funding model, service provision and strategic goals to ensure the Authority is structured appropriately in the years ahead to fulfil its statutory mandate and in the context of delivering the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
Pending the outcome of this review, it is prudent to defer any board appointments to ensure that any appointees to the board reflect the review's recommendations in terms of the RSA's oversight and governance structures and skills mix on the board itself. Following the appointment of two new members to the Board in November 2023, a panel remains in place until November of this year from which potential appointments may be quickly made following the conclusion of the Review, and which can also be drawn on if a current member of the Board must be replaced at short notice.
The Deputy may also be interested to note that my Department this week published a call for expressions of interest for appointees to the new Road User Safety Forum. The Forum is intended to comprise a wide range of different road user perspectives, including road safety advocates, and will be a key consultative body during the development of the Phase 2 Action Plan underpinning the Government's Road Safety Strategy from 2025 to 2027.
54. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently review the practice of switching off sections of motorway junction lights in the interest of public safety, given particular concerns have been raised regarding the lighting of junctions on the M6 at Kilbeggan and Moate. [24253/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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), 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.
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.
