Brendan Griffin
Ceist:175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total cost estimated to provide for a new east coast naval base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45200/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraNaval Service
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces calls for the development of an East Coast base for the Naval Service. While IPVs can currently operate from Haulbowline, it is a strategic goal of the Defence Forces to develop a Forward Operating Base on the East Coast.
On 25 October, I instructed my officials to enter into discussions with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to secure berthage space in Dún Laoghaire harbour. The securing of berthage facilities in Dún Laoghaire will support the operational activity of the recently commissioned Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV’s), particularly in patrolling the East Coast.
My Department will engage with the County Council to agree on terms for the use of Carlisle Pier over the short term. A detailed business case is currently being developed by the Defence Forces for the longer term Naval Service presence on the East Coast and pending receipt of same I am not in a position to comment on estimated costs associated with same.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (176)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:176. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 14 of 17 October 2024, if his Department has compiled a list of the functions formally provided by the Defence Forces that his Government has outsourced since 2020. [45251/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 14 of 17 October 2024, I have requested the Defence Forces to provide information on the functions formally performed by members of the Defence Forces which have been outsourced since 2020. Preliminary data has been prepared, however, further analysis is required before a final answer can be provided. It is hoped to issue a reply to the Deputy in the near future.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
The Defence Forces have now provided the following instances of such outsourcing :-
Army
- Specialised ordnance instructors have been brought in to temporarily support the delivery of instruction to students of the Ordnance School.
- A number of Communications & Information Systems functions have being outsourced, with technical support being provided in various areas.
- A private company has been contracted to undertake PDF and RDF occupational and induction Part 2 medicals.
- Some of the maintenance and upkeep of certain Defence Force Installations has been contracted out to private companies.
Air Corps
- Second line maintenance for certain aircraft types has been outsourced, including where additional maintenance support is required.
- Outsourced technician support has been obtained to provide technical support to the Air Corps.
- Flight Operations – some Ministerial Air Transport Service Charter flights and PC9M Flight Line Support (Ramp Operations) have been outsourced.
- Flight Training – certain ab initio pilot training has been undertaken externally.
- Certain technician training has been outsourced.
Naval Service
- Outsourced civilian technician support have been utilised across the Naval Service due to shortages of Defence Forces qualified personnel.
- The maintenance of certain ships’ main engines and propulsion systems has been enhanced and outsourced, through an Optimised Maintenance contract.
- The maintenance of various other Naval Service equipment, including diving equipment and RHIB (small boat) maintenance has been outsourced.
- Due to a shortage of qualified technicians, certain training courses/modules in the Naval College have been outsourced.
The recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces are acknowledged. However, the Government have allocated record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector and have taken a number of initiatives as part of the ongoing programme to address these challenges. There have been significant improvements in the pay and conditions of the Defence Forces over recent years, including providing for the full impacts of the National Pay Agreement in the increased Defence Forces Pay allocation provided recently in Budget 2025.
In addition, private secondary healthcare is now available to all members of the PDF, the mandatory retirement age has increased to 62, there has been significant enhancements to the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years.
The situation continues to remain challenging, however, these measures and others are slowly starting to deliver and signs of stabilisation are beginning to emerge.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (177)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:177. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current establishment figure of the Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Force; that envisaged by LOA2 of the Report on the Commission of the Defence Forces; the effective strength and number currently enlisted; the number of applications received; the number inducted; the number who have been discharged; the number who have purchased their discharge; by year for 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024; by branch; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45252/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (178)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:178. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of naval patrols scheduled, conducted and cancelled in 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45253/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table, based on data provided by the military authorities, sets out the information sought by Deputy from 2019 up to the end of October (the latest date for which information is available).
|
- |
Completed Patrol Days |
Cancelled Patrol Days |
Total Scheduled Patrol Days |
|
2019 |
1061 |
94 |
1155 |
|
2020 |
1007 |
81 |
1088 |
|
2021 |
832 |
240 |
1072 |
|
2022 |
790 |
49 |
839 |
|
2023 |
520 |
86 |
606 |
|
To 31 October 2024 |
364 |
0 |
364 |
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (179)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:179. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he believes members of the Defence Forces will see their blanket exclusion from the protection of the Working Time Directive 2003 removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45254/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very pleased that this significant Government commitment is now nearing fruition and that members of the Defence Forces are soon to be brought within the scope of the Directive.
Extensive work has been undertaken to date between my officials and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to progress the removal of the blanket exemption of the Defence Forces from the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 by way of a Statutory Instrument under the European Communities Act 1972.
Furthermore, my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, TD. has confirmed his intentions to have this Regulation enacted by the end of the year.
As the Deputy will appreciate, this is a very positive development and this body of work has been a priority for myself, Minister Burke, Minister Higgins and the wider Government. My officials and officials in Enterprise, Trade and Employment have been working to progress this important priority.
The Military Authorities have previously determined that the vast majority of activities are compliant with the Directive. As part of the management position approved by me earlier this year however, I have approved a series of health and safety protections for a number of activities deemed to be outside the scope of the Directive due to their nature. These protections will be implemented as part of the overall package underpinning the implementation of the Working Time Directive.
Commemorative Plaques
Ceisteanna (180)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:180. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if some form of monument or commemorative plaque will be put in place at Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee, to mark the burial place of the recently pardoned Sylvester Poff and James Barrett, who were hanged at the barracks in January 1883 for a murder they did not commit, with their bodies being buried in lime on-site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45283/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are currently no plans to place a monument or commemorative plaque in Ballymullen Barracks as referenced by the Deputy.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (181)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:181. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the rail stop at Crusheen on the western rail corridor in Clare, which was allocated €1.5 million for reopening in 2010 but which was never included in Iarnród Éireann's subsequent budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45287/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station referred to at Crusheen, Co. Clare, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact 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.
Air Navigation Orders
Ceisteanna (182, 212, 213)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:182. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if officials from his Department acted on information (details supplied) to prevent the transit of weapons through Irish airspace in violation of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Paul Murphy
Ceist:212. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the dates and times his Department received alerts from a website (details supplied). [44634/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Murphy
Ceist:213. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he passed on details of a site (details supplied). [44635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 212 and 213 together.
On four occasions between 23 October and 1 November this year the news site referenced, sent a communication to me via email and to a range of other Government colleagues and Government bodies, in relation to flights that would be entering Irish sovereign airspace.
The emails referred to a specific air operator alleging the carriage of munitions of war with a reference to the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
On receipt of the first of these notifications, my Department communicated with the air operator directly to ascertain precisely what cargo was being carried.
As a result of the communication between my Department and the air operator, they provided the requested detail and indicated that they are fully informed of the requirements of Irish law concerning the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory.
The Department understands that the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) relates to US export and temporary import of defence articles and services which contain a very broad range of items.
However, it is the Irish legislation which is relevant in relation to whether an exemption is required from the Minister for Transport and not the fact that the item is classified under the US ITAR.
Coastal Erosion
Ceisteanna (183)
Verona Murphy
Ceist:183. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been allocated from the Office of Public Works in terms of protection against coastal erosion along the Rosslare-Dublin rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43902/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP).
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's 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.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (184)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:184. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the countries with which reciprocal driving licence arrangements are being examined at present; and the reasons for selection of these countries. [43903/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the driver licensing authority in Ireland and it recommends, following a detailed examination of the licensing system in a third country, whether or not to enter into a licence exchange agreement with that country.
In considering licence exchange agreements, Ireland is currently giving priority to identifying countries that may be a source of professional drivers, given the well documented shortages across the EU in that sector. However, the principle of ensuring the safety of Irish road users is still paramount in reaching such agreements.
Ireland has recently entered into a licence exchange agreement with Georgia for all categories of driving licence, including truck and bus licences. The RSA has also recently recommended new licence exchange agreements with North Macedonia and Moldova and is currently in discussions with those countries, with a view to putting agreements in place.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (185)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:185. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the US states of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, New York and Illinois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43904/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. Driver licensing laws are intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards. Testing standards are set at EU level.
Ireland may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter. Reaching them is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements can be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the licensing regimes, so that each side is satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The RSA has previously explored reaching agreement on exchange with the USA. However, US driver licensing operates at state rather than federal level, meaning that there are 50 licensing systems with widely varying standards and widely varying road safety performance, many with levels of road fatalities significantly worse than most EU countries. Agreement with any one state would mean taking into account the exchange relations between that state and the other 49.
In order to drive here, people with a non-exchangeable licence who come to reside in Ireland must obtain an Irish licence. A person with a full but non-exchangeable licence must go through the normal driver learning process but can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of the usual 12, and they do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (186)
David Stanton
Ceist:186. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 5 October 2023, to provide an update with respect to the review of the strategic assessment report for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43912/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
In this regard, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road. The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.
The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100 million, with possible staged implementation.
In line with Government requirements Cork County Council also produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the Department in November 2022.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
The Council submitted the POD to the Department in March 2024. Following the submission of the POD, the Council commenced work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a Preliminary Business Case.
An allocation of the €150,000 has been made to Cork County Council as part of the 2024 Regional and Local Roads Grants to assist in the development of the Preliminary Business Case.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (187)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:187. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport why the public transport issues in Knocklyon have not been addressed, given that this has been raised with him by this Deputy on several occasions and by residents of the area (details supplied). [43918/24]
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 this case Go Ahead.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication of their annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Public Sector Pensions
Ceisteanna (188)
Francis Noel Duffy
Ceist:188. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport for updates on the CIÉ 1951 pension scheme; if his Department will ensure the scheme has the sufficient capacity and funds to pay pension increases to CIÉ pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
From the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, it is understood that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the respective Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. For the first time in many years both CIÉ pension Schemes now meet the Pensions Authority’s Minimum Funding Standard (MFS), but the scheme deficits are still significant. The MFS indicates both schemes ability to ‘wind-up’ as it currently stands, as opposed to the ability to fund an increase in pension benefits.
The CIÉ Board has been advised by the respective Scheme Actuary that the current MFS position does not create sufficient headroom to grant pension increases at this time, as such a move would put the Schemes at risk of having a deficit on an MFS basis again. In line with industry norms, and in order to achieve stability and security for all members, a MFS funding level (including the Risk Reserve) of materially in excess of 100% is required to give the Schemes sufficient resources to withstand the investment losses that could result from investment market falls.
Any proposal to increase pension benefits would be dependent on the advice of the Schemes Actuary at the time an increase is proposed and must be done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes. Awarding discretionary pension increases remains a goal of the CIÉ Group, but it is not envisaged that any such increases can be awarded from the Schemes in the near term.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ 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.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (189)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:189. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the total number of electric vehicle, EV, buses deployed in Ireland over the past three years; the breakdown of these EV buses between State-run public transport services and the commercial bus sector during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44003/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including public transport fleet.
The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (190)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:190. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the specific measures and incentives his Department has introduced to promote the uptake of electric buses across both public and commercial transport sectors; how effective these measures have been to date; if he is satisfied that the current rate of EV bus deployment and other sustainable transport initiatives will allow the transport sector to meet its carbon emission reduction targets, as set out under the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44004/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015-2021 commit to a net-zero carbon future in Ireland by 2050 and an economy-wide 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. For the transport sector specifically, this translates to a reduction of 50% of 2018 emissions by 2030 as per sectoral emissions ceilings set by Government in July 2022. While it is clear that meeting these targets will present challenges, my Department remains committed to providing sustainable alternatives to private car travel, and accelerating a range of measures that will help us reach our sustainable transport targets as laid out in the Climate Action Plan. Measures have included an unprecedented level of investment in sustainable transport, as well as supports for electrification, along with increased use of alternative sustainable fuels in transport.
The EPA Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report 2024 shows that 2023 transport emissions only increased marginally by 0.3% on 2022 data, with emissions now 4.3% below 2019 pre-Covid levels. During the same time, our economy grew by 5% (GNI) pointing to a decoupling between economic growth and transport emissions.
The decarbonisation pathway is naturally skewed to deliver the greatest share of emissions abatement in the second half of this decade as electrification efforts increase and major public transport infrastructure and services continue to be rolled out. Sustainable transport initiatives, including the uptake of electric buses will enable the transport sector to meet its carbon emission reduction targets, as set out under the Climate Action Plan.
Continuing to invest in our public transport infrastructure and services is vital to ensure that we enable modal shift from private vehicles towards more sustainable transport modes. Ongoing investment also has an important role to play in reducing the emissions of our public transport fleets as we move away from diesel fuelled vehicles towards electrified fleets. The full transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is expected to be completed by 2035, as non-zero-emission buses reach the end of their service lives and are replaced by zero-emission vehicles.
BusConnects is an example of a major investment programme which will enable the electrification of the bus fleets in our cities. The first order of 100 double-deck electric buses for the Dublin network was placed in 2022 and so far 94 of these buses have entered service. An additional 50 buses have been accepted by the National Transport Authority, and a further 70 have been ordered. Earlier this year 34 double-deck electric buses entered service in Limerick while Athlone became the first all-electric town bus service in Ireland in 2023. BusConnects also provides for continued investment in charging infrastructure at depots to support the further roll-out of an electrified bus fleet.
There have been other sustainable transport initiatives under the Climate Action plan to meet Ireland’s carbon emission reduction targets and I’m pleased to say we reported a positive 75% delivery rate for Q3 actions which included the following completed actions:
• An annual National Sustainable Mobility Policy Year Two Progress Report - www.gov.ie/en/publication/21cc7-national-sustainable-mobility-policy-year-two-progress-report/ - was published which outlines progress in delivering the Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) Leadership Group work programme, including oversight and delivery of the SMP Action Plan and Progression of the SMP Pathfinder Programme.
• Kick-off of a pilot integration project for school and public transport in the Limerick/Shannon/Ennis corridor commenced and has post-primary pupils going to/from schools using ‘open’ public transport (PSO) services for the first time rather than the ‘closed’ School Transport Service (STS).
• In terms of decarbonising the freight sector, following consultation with stakeholders the Department of Transport accepted a set of standards for the delivery of eco-driving courses in September. Further work will now commence to analyse what incentives and measures could be introduced to increase the number of drivers undertaking available courses.
My Department expects more positive output in the sustainable transport and electrification space going into Q4 with actions such as the targeted delivery of 110km of walking/cycling infrastructure, and the launch of electric bike trials in Limerick and Cork, due for delivery by the end of this year.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (191)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:191. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff vacancies, by grade, in his Department at the end of August 2023 and August 2024; and the number of staff, by grade, on a career break of more than five years and more than six years, at the end of August 2023 and August 2024. [44136/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of staff vacancies, by grade, in my Department at the end of August 2023 and August 2024 are outlined below.
|
Rank |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Administrative Officer |
6 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
3 |
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
2 |
|
Executive Officer |
6 |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
0 |
|
Professional & Technical |
3 |
4 |
|
Service Officer |
- |
1 |
There were no staff members on a career break of more than five years or more than six years at the end of August 2023 and August 2024.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (192)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:192. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 9 September 2024, when a reply will be received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44158/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, as 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 provision of integrated ticketing and information systems for public transport, including the Leap card.
Given the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I referred Parliamentary Question 288 of 9 September 2024 to the NTA for a direct reply. I apologise that a reply has not yet issued.
I have again referred the Deputy's original question and this question to the NTA for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (193, 194)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:193. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on allowing non-EEA professional drivers to apply for their licence exchange while they are waiting on their Irish residence permit, with the IRP card being the final step in the process prior to the delivery of the Irish driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44210/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:194. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on extending the period by which a South African professional driver applicant for a licence exchange need not undergo a reverification process of documents which had been verified through the work permit process from three months to six months, given the delays currently caused by the new requirement for South Africans to obtain a visa to work here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44211/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS), and all applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS.
Where Ireland has a licence exchange agreement with a non-EEA country, a driving licence from that country can be exchanged in most cases, once the holder is resident in Ireland.
Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange, to ensure a valid document has been submitted and a driving test was passed in the country which issued the licence. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the priority in this matter.
Licence details, where available, are usually sent to the RSA for verification during a work permit application period. If the exchange application is made within six months of the verification, the RSA does not need to check this again.
There are various reasons for time being taken in processing foreign licence exchanges. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report or, for an online application, the physical licence.
The most common reason for delays is where the NDLS is awaiting verification of the licence from the foreign licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be considerable delays.
Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 193.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (195)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:195. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants, by grade, in his Department who were on a career break in 2023 and 2024; the number of those in 2023 and 2024 who were on a career break of five years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44313/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of civil servants in my department who availed of a career break in 2023 and 2024 are listed below, by grade.
|
Grade |
Number of staff in grade |
|
Service Officer |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4 |
|
Health and Safety Officer |
1 |
|
Radio Officer Grade 3 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Economist |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
There were no staff members on a career break of five year or more in 2023 and 2024.
Civil Service
Ceisteanna (196)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:196. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the provisions of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Circular 4/2013 are being properly implemented by his Department; if he is satisfied that civil servants whose career breaks are coming to an end are being notified of appropriate vacancies; if he is concerned by instances where civil servants are having their career breaks extended unnecessarily where the Department has appropriate vacancies to fill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44386/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am satisfied that the provisions of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Circular 4/2013 are being properly implemented by my Department.
I am satisfied that civil servants whose career breaks are coming to an end are being notified of appropriate vacancies. Staff returning from career break in my Department are assigned to vacancies commensurate with their grades.
There are no instances where civil servants in my Department have had their career breaks extended due to there being no appropriate vacancy to fill.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (197)
Ged Nash
Ceist:197. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to request from the NTA an update on the status of the proposed transportation plan for the Drogheda area, including parts of east Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44388/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region sets out that the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly will work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and relevant local authorities to prepare local transport plans for selected settlements including Drogheda.
The NTA, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has developed an advice note which sets out a methodology on how to assess the opportunities and constraints for sustainable transport within an area. This Area Based Transport Assessment methodology has been designed as a key input into local transport plans.
Noting the NTA's role in this 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.