Alan Kelly
Ceist:143. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if taxi drivers are permitted to drive in bus lanes when they are not working and their roof signage is not displayed. [30525/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (143)
Freagraí scríofa
The current Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, as amended, allow for fare-carrying taxis to operate in bus lanes during the course of business.
On this basis, a taxi is only permitted to drive in a bus lane if working or carrying a fare-paying passenger. Taxis must carry prescribed branding and be fitted with a taxi meter, printer, and roof sign.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (144)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:144. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the impact nesting gulls will have on the timeframe for the delivery of a new Ceannt Station in Galway; the current timeframe for completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30551/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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, including the upgrade works at Galway Ceannt Station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (145)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:145. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport when the catering trolley will return to the Galway-Dublin train services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30552/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 the return of the catering trolley on the Galway to Dublin train services 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (146)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:146. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to address the lack of a 24-hour secure coach park facility to improve safety and security for coach operators, and to assist the tourism sector in improving the visitor experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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, nor do I have a role in the provision of coach parking for private bus operators.
The provision of coach parking for private bus operators, including decisions regarding the hours of operation, is a matter for the relevant local councils. In Dublin City, the provision of coach parking for private bus operators would be a matter for Dublin City Council (DCC). The National Transport Authority operates one coach park in the Dublin Docklands between 7am and 7pm. I have been advised by the NTA that the operating hours of these facilities are restricted by a DCC planning condition.
Finally, queries related to the tourism sector/ improving visitor experiences would be a matter for the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (147)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers on all bus services in Cork city and county for 2022, 2023 and 2024 to date. [30607/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (148)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:148. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers on the Cork to Mallow rail route, by month, day, and general time of day. [30608/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 the number of passengers on the Cork to Mallow rail route by month, day, and time of day 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (149)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:149. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full update from the Road Safety Authority on the need to progress a new temporary or permanent driving test centre for Drogheda, County Louth, the largest town in Ireland, considering the unacceptable driving test wait times in the Louth and east Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30640/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for Driver Testing Service and the provision of test centres. As such, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Pending this more detailed response, I am informed that investigations are ongoing between the Road Safety Authority and the Office of Public Works on finding a suitable test centre site for Drogheda.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (150)
Martin Browne
Ceist:150. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport if he will commit to providing funding to progress the Limerick Junction to Cahir roads project; the reasons for the uncertainty that currently exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30648/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction 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.
I can confirm that €650,000 was allocated for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction scheme in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you regarding the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (151)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:151. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if further consideration has been given to extending services to include passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line, thereby providing a rail link to Dublin from Navan in a relatively inexpensive and fast manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 the potential for extending services to include passenger services along the Navan to Drogheda rail line is a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (152)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:152. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if additional services will be established in 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30737/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the roll-out of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Revenue Commissioners
Ceisteanna (153, 154)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the date on which the Revenue Commissioners customs team conducted an audit of private aerodromes and or airports, for the purpose of ensuring adequate mitigation measures were in place to counter smuggling and storage of illicit substances and items. [30540/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Murphy
Ceist:154. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the weight, value and type of illicit substances detected by officials from the Revenue Commissioners and public and private airports and ports of entry in this State by location in the years 2019 to date in 2024; the amount of cash and high value items seized at same, over the same timeframe; and the amount of cash and high value items returned to persons on appeal over the same timeframe, in tabular form. [30541/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
I am advised that Revenue has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into, or exported from, the State. Revenue’s drugs interdiction strategy supports the Government’s strategic approach to the misuse of drugs under the National Drugs Strategy 2017-2025.
As part of its risk focused approach to the discharge of its role in relation to illegal drug importations, I am assured by Revenue that it monitors and evaluates all points of entry into the State on an ongoing basis to identify the risk potential for drug smuggling and whether a physical presence is required.
I am advised that Revenue uses the latest detection methods at the national points of entry into the State, with the deployment of assets such Revenue scanners, drug detector dogs and 24/7 staff, where required. Alongside the detection equipment and technologies deployed at the main points of entry, Revenue also deploys two Revenue Customs Cutters to patrol the coastline, undertake vessel controls and support maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering duties in relation to drugs. These vessels work closely with teams of land-based enforcement officers involved in anti-smuggling duties deployed to cover potential high-risk areas along the coastline. This work is supplemented by Revenue’s Customs Drug Watch Programme aimed at encouraging members of the public, along with coastal and local maritime communities to notify Revenue of suspect or unusual activity at sea or around the coastline by way of a confidential 24/7 free phone facility - 1800 295 295.
Given the global nature of the illicit drugs trade, international law enforcement cooperation remains a key element in Revenue’s overall response. Revenue has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting drugs trafficking, including working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as Europol and the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N). Revenue liaison officers are stationed in both Europol and MAOC-N, ensuring Revenue is at the forefront in the area of drugs enforcement at an international level. These officers work closely with international colleagues in identifying the transnational risks associated with drug smuggling into the State.
Furthermore, Revenue is an active participant, along with its national and EU partners, in initiatives under the umbrella of the EU Roadmap to Tackle Drugs and Organised Crime. These initiatives, including the European Ports Alliance, provide for EU-wide collaboration and information sharing on best practices to increase security and resilience in tackling the threat posed by drug trafficking and organised crime.
At a national level, the Joint Task Force, which is an interagency collaboration consisting of Revenue, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Naval Service, was put in place specifically to target illicit drug importations by sea into Ireland and uses the full capability and resources of each agency as required at an operational level. The Joint Task Force operates successfully under agreed protocols when activated for a specific targeted operation.
Details of drugs seized at ports and airports during the period 2019 to the end of June 2024 is outlined in the tables below:
|
Airports 2019 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
395 |
104.19 |
€2,074,587 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
223 |
49.02 |
€3,499,076 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
495 |
1,023.60 |
€398,180 |
|
|
Total |
1,113 |
1,176.81 |
€5,971,843 |
|
Ports2019 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
183 |
170.9 |
€3,411,295 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
32 |
35.65 |
€2,495,955 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
436 |
135.8 |
€237,061 |
|
|
Total |
651 |
342.35 |
€6,144,311 |
|
Airports 2020 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
657 |
222.31 |
€4,418,662 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
34 |
124.21 |
€10,286,529 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
590 |
1,074.88 |
€1,147,626 |
|
|
Total |
1,281 |
1,421.40 |
€15,852,817 |
|
Ports 2020 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
352 |
924.57 |
€18,456,330 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
32 |
91.03 |
€6,374,025 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
422 |
492.95 |
€1,270,161 |
|
|
Total |
806 |
1,508.55 |
€26,100,516 |
|
Airports 2021 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
288 |
374.18 |
€7,384,595 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
19 |
3.4 |
€239,701 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
404 |
423.67 |
€1,891,938 |
|
|
Total |
711 |
801.25 |
€9,516,234 |
|
Ports 2021 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
225 |
798.45 |
€13,848,212 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
25 |
802.41 |
€57,717,569 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
390 |
123.94 |
€983,494 |
|
|
Total |
640 |
1,724.80 |
€72,549,275 |
|
Airports 2022 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
400 |
400.75 |
€7,917,050 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
29 |
40.05 |
€2,843,386 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
760 |
749.19 |
€656,062 |
|
|
Total |
1,189 |
1,189.99 |
€11,416,498 |
|
Ports2022 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
186 |
774.17 |
€13,307,092 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
13 |
97.46 |
€7,277,814 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
230 |
95.94 |
€290,281 |
|
|
Total |
429 |
967.57 |
€20,875,187 |
|
Airports 2023 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
549 |
1,573.11 |
€30,883,953 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
41 |
423.88 |
€33,872,587 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
693 |
912.43 |
€2,371,101 |
|
|
Total |
1,283 |
2,909.42 |
€67,127,641 |
|
Ports 2023 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
272 |
1,344.43 |
€24,829,285 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
17 |
2,730.09 |
€191,106,187 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
210 |
1,539.81 |
€716,881 |
|
|
Total |
499 |
5,614.33 |
€216,652,353 |
|
Airports as at end June 2024 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
525 |
1,520.61 |
€29,571,303 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
12 |
11.54 |
€807,541 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
418 |
508.7 |
€2,724,143 |
|
|
Total |
955 |
2,040.85 |
€33,102,987 |
|
Ports as at end June 2024 |
Type of Drug |
Number |
Volume (Kg) |
Value € |
|
Cannabis (Herb & Resin) |
415 |
1,433.01 |
€26,812,474 |
|
|
Cocaine, Heroin |
4 |
61.49 |
€4,304,279 |
|
|
Amphetamine, Ecstasy & Other |
200 |
3,062.84 |
€34,189,870 |
|
|
Total |
619 |
4,557.34 |
€65,306,623 |
Details of cash seized and returned during the period 2019 to the end of June 2024 is outlined in the tables below:
|
Year |
Location |
No. Seizures |
Value € |
No. Returned |
Return Value |
|
2019 |
Airports |
36 |
€472,843 |
11 |
€81,103 |
|
Ports |
10 |
€227,987 |
5 |
€47,977 |
|
|
2020 |
Airports |
19 |
€416,946 |
9 |
€51,845 |
|
Ports |
15 |
€846,856 |
10 |
€14,865 |
|
|
2021 |
Airports |
22 |
€218,651 |
10 |
€97,058 |
|
Ports |
23 |
€411,127 |
9 |
€82,571 |
|
|
2022 |
Airports |
14 |
€343,470 |
2 |
€19,885 |
|
Ports |
14 |
€890,426 |
1 |
€6,550 |
|
|
2023 |
Airports |
11 |
€2,267,561 |
3 |
€36,794 |
|
Ports |
12 |
€362,872 |
2 |
€13,315 |
|
|
As at end June 2024 |
Airports |
12 |
€242,247 |
1 |
€38,000 |
|
Ports |
13 |
€332,675 |
0 |
€0 |
I am assured that combating the smuggling of controlled drugs into and out of this jurisdiction is, and will continue to be, a priority for Revenue.
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 153.
Credit Unions
Ceisteanna (155, 159)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:155. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the anti-competitive and crisis-era mortgage lending restrictions on credit unions as set out in regulations 12(2), 12(3) and 12A(1) of the Central Bank Statutory Instrument 1 of 2016. [30564/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarian Harkin
Ceist:159. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the limitations on credit unions for business lending; and if this is in line with Government policy. [30568/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 159 together.
I thank the Deputy for her questions.
Since January 2020 revised Central Bank Lending Regulations were put into effect, and the following concentration limits have applied to credit union house and business lending:
• Combined house and business lending not to exceed 7.5% of assets of the credit union, with an inner limit of 5% of assets for business lending. This applies to all credit unions.
• Combined house and business lending not to exceed 10% of assets of the credit union, with an inner limit of 5% of assets for business lending. This applies for all credit unions above €50 million assets and with regulatory reserves greater than 12.5%. The majority of credit unions could avail of the 10% limit. To make use of this limit, qualifying credit unions need only notify the Central Bank.
• Combined house and business lending not to exceed 15% of assets of the credit union. This is subject to minimum assets of €100 million and Central Bank approval. 68 credit unions holding more than 70% of sector assets could apply for the 15% limit. The most recent figures provided by the Central bank show that 14 applications for this limit have been approved, with a further 6 in progress. It is my and the Government’s hope that more eligible credit unions will continue to apply for this limit.
The Government is encouraged by the continued growth in both mortgage and commercial lending for credit unions. Year on year to March 2024 mortgage lending has grown from €364.6 million to €614.9 million (an increase of 68.7%) and commercial lending has grown from €151.8 million to €173.8 million (an increase of 14.5%). This lending growth can be further supported through the enabling provisions of the Credit Union (Amendment) Act, such as member referrals.
The sector continues to innovate in regards to mortgage lending and work is well under way to establish a mortgage CUSO, which will initially focus on establishing a common brand and mortgage product. It is expected that this product will be launched by year-end 2024. A sizeable proportion of the sector (77 credit unions) have committed funding to the initiative. The mortgage CUSO will help credit unions play a greater role in house lending.
In terms of business lending, products such as Cultivate (an agri-loan) have proven a great success and can serve as a paradigm for future credit union collaborations. At its inception in 2017, Cultivate loans were only offered by 4 credit unions. Today, 52 credit unions offer Cultivate loans.
Initial analysis completed by the Central Bank estimates that there is €2 billion available secured lending capacity is the sector, based on current regulations. I am aware that Minister Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for credit unions has engaged with many credit union stakeholders regarding lending limits and other issues facing the sector. I understand that Minister Richmond has engaged with the Central Bank to outline his view that as unutilised lending capacity cannot be transferred between credit unions, these limits need to be considered at an individual credit union level. When limits are assessed from this perspective, there is an economies of scale issue that has to be considered.
The recently published ICURN Peer Review Report highlighted that, “Without some liberalisation of the limits and flexibility, the Amendment Bill may not have the anticipated positive impact”. The ICURN Report also supported separation of limits for house and business lending given the different risk profiles of these types of lending.
The Central Bank are currently conducting a review of the changes to the lending framework introduced in January 2020, with an initial analysis expected by H2 2024. I trust the Central Bank will reflect on the views of the credit union stakeholders and the ICURN report when considering any potential amendments to the regulations.
Credit Availability
Ceisteanna (156)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:156. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance his views on competition in the mortgage market; and if the restrictions on credit union mortgage lending is negatively impacting competition following the exit of two banks (details supplied). [30565/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is of the view that a competitive, well regulated market is the best way to achieve a sustainable mortgage market which will work in the best interest of the suppliers and consumers of mortgage products over the longer term.
While we have had difficulties in maintaining participants in the mortgage market in recent years, with the departure of two banks, nevertheless there have been more recent welcome developments with new entrants either entering or expressing interest in entering the market. Ultimately, more competition and more choice will best serve the interest of mortgage borrowers.
While the Irish retail banking system is somewhat concentrated by international standards, nevertheless competition is possible. It should be noted that there is now a wider range of mortgage products provided by different bank and non-bank mortgage providers from various types of green mortgages to different fixed interest rate products, including long term fixed interest rate products, and a range of various LTV mortgage products.
In relation to credit unions, the Credit Union Act 1997 sets out provisions in relation to credit union lending and provides the Central Bank with regulation-making powers in relation to lending.
In particular, the lending section of the Credit Union Act 1997 (Regulatory Requirements) Regulations 2016 (the 2016 Regulations) sets out, among other things, the types of loans that credit unions may provide - including personal loans, business loans, community loans, house loans and loans to other credit unions - and concentration limits for certain types of lending. The 2016 Regulations also include a large exposure limit and maximum loan terms for credit union lending.
From January 2020, the Central Bank set out new lending measures for credit unions. These changes increased the ability of individual credit unions to manage the composition of their loan books and provide those credit unions with the financial strength, the competence and the capability and the flexibility to undertake increased longer term lending, including home mortgage and business lending.
The Government is encouraged by the continued growth in mortgage lending by credit unions. Year on year to March 2024, mortgage lending has grown from €365 million to €615 million, an increase of 69%. This lending growth can be further supported through the enabling provision of the Credit Union (Amendment) Bill such as member referral.
The credit union sector continues to innovate in regards to mortgage lending and work is well under way to establish a mortgage credit union service organisation (CUSO). This will initially focus on establishing a common brand and mortgage product and it is expected that this product will be launched by year-end 2024.
A sizeable proportion of the sector (77 credit unions) have committed funding to the initiative and it is considered that the mortgage CUSO may help credit unions play a greater role in house lending.