Written Answers Nos. 236-247
236. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport whether an agreement exists with the driver licensing authority of the Australian state of Western Australia regarding mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences across all categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3481/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a driving licence agreement with Australia for all categories of licence. The agreement includes licences issued by the licensing authority of the State of Western Australia. It is set out in the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Australia) Order, 2023 (SI 158 of 2023).
237. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will advocate for urgent safety upgrades to the N25, including works to improve dangerous junctions and accident blackspots across County Waterford. [3482/25]
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), the 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 regarding the N25. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
238. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the amount that Irish Rail has spent on maintenance and refurbishment to Waterford Plunkett station in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025. [3483/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Transport has 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 station at Waterford, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Of relevance, the Waterford North Quays Redevelopment comprises a number of infrastructure elements to enable the urban regeneration of the North Quays in Waterford City, which was designated as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in 2016. This includes relocation of Plunkett train station circa 800 metres to the east of its current location.
The works, which are ongoing, to build the new Waterford train station and construct a new sustainable transport bridge will enable transport-orientated development in Waterford city in line with the National Planning Framework and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, and help provide for a modal shift of journeys in the city towards sustainable mobility.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter I am referring your question for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
239. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to implement the Programme for Government commitment to “extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3486/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy states the Programme for Government 2025 commits to 'extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service' and I will engage with my Department to consider how best to take that commitment forward.
The background to this issue is that the National Transport Authority (NTA) as the statutory, independent, regulator made regulations in 2010 under Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 that established a maximum permissible age of 10 years for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort, and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully.
The Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 require the NTA to seek to promote the provision and maintenance of quality services by SPSVs and their drivers. The Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 continued the age limit for taxis and hackneys as, in general, less than 10 years old, and always of a condition and quality suitable to provide SPSV services.
Wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys can operate up to 15-years old. No maximum age is set for limousines due to the vintage nature of many of these vehicles, and the reduced mileage they do due to their ceremonial and prestigious roles.
The NTA's extension of age limits during Covid-19 was an emergency measure of a temporary nature, taken in recognition of the particular challenges posed by the pandemic and was specifically aimed at ensuring that no operator would be required to change their vehicle while passenger demand remained low, and there was a lack suitable vehicles available for purchase.
The 2022 Regulations amend Regulation 31 (Maximum Permissible Age Requirements) of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015. This amendment was made as an exceptional provision and contingency measure, as a result of vehicle supply issues. The Regulations also provide for a graduated return to the ten-year age limit, with vehicles whose 10-year limit was originally in 2020 or 2021 now extended to 2025; those whose original limit was in 2022 or 2023 now extended to 2026, and those whose original limit was reached in 2024, extended to 2027.
240. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport when a catering trolley will be installed on the Tralee-Dublin train services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3548/25]
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 a catering trolley on the Tralee to Dublin rail service is an operational 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.
241. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport when the works on the plaza in the Tralee train station will begin; when he anticipates they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3549/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Transport has 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 station at Tralee, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter I am referring your question for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
242. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to report on the consultation on the N22 Farranfore to Killarney Project; if this project will go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3550/25]
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), the planning 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 on the latest status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the N22 Farranfore to Killarney Project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
243. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the measures that are being taken to increase the frequency and reliability of buses, trains, and trams, particularly in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3588/25]
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services in Dublin and 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.
244. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if additional subsidies or fare reductions will be introduced to improve the affordability of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3589/25]
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 their capacity as fare regulator, on the 27th of April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this on the 18th of January 2024 they published the first of a series of Fares Determination related to the strategy.
The most significant change in the fare determination was the implementation of a new ‘Dublin Commuter Zone’ (extending from the outer edge of the Dublin City Zone to approximately 50 km from the centre of Dublin), with simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. This represents a more consistent and equitable fares approach, and one that is easier for customers to understand. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025.
Further, Budget 2025 included funding for the continuation of public transport fare initiatives including the 90-minute fare, the Young Adult/Student Leap Card, and the discounted fares on PSO services, with further provision to extend child fares to include those ages 5-8 years of age.
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 Orders.
245. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if all public transport infrastructure will be required to meet accessibility standards, particularly for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3590/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. At a policy level, the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, published in 2022, contains two particularly relevant high-level goals -
• 6. Take a whole of journey approach to mobility, promoting inclusive access for all
• 7. Design infrastructure according to Universal Design Principles and the Hierarchy of Road Users model
The policy was accompanied by the publication of an action plan out to end 2025 which contained specific actions to be delivered by end 2025 in support of those high-level goals. The action plan will be reviewed in order to develop a new action plan to cover the period 2026 to 2030.
In addition to the above my Department has also been engaging with colleagues across Government in the development of a new National Disability Strategy which will be finalised and published by the relevant Minister in due course.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, in conjunction with the transport operators as appropriate, 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.
246. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to encourage civil servants in his Department to take or avail of special leave or career breaks, or other forms of leave to encourage and facilitate Ireland's 2026 EU presidency, the Government "Career for EU" jobs strategy, and the Department's Gaeilge/Irish-language policy and promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3945/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department regularly promotes roles for staff that are available in EU Institutions which will help facilitate Ireland's 2026 EU presidency, by advertising relevant roles internally. Currently there are 10 Department of Transport staff seconded to the Permanent Representation and to the EU institutions. Staff are encouraged to apply for positions in the EU Institutions and have been granted leave to take such roles.
In 2024 the Department's Human Resources Division in conjunction with the Department's EU & International Division launched an EU Orientation Programme. This programme provides attendees with a deeper understanding of the workings of the European Council, European Commission and European Parliament as well as Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU. It will also provide an insight as to what the upcoming 2026 Irish EU Presidency will entail.
Members of our HR team also attend Inter-Departmental meetings on Staffing in EU and International Organisations (IDC) on a quarterly basis to network and connect on postings in the EU.
247. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance to outline the measures his Department is taking to tackle the importation and sale of illegal tobacco products in the State; the number of fines issued by the courts for offences related to tobacco smuggling and its illicit sale in 2023 and 2024 respectively; the number of fines that were paid and remain unpaid from the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3231/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the measures his Department is taking to counteract the cross-border smuggling and illegal trade of tobacco products within the State, such as cigarettes and vapes; if he is considering additional measures to combat such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3232/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra305. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the number of customs checks that were carried out in relation to illegal tobacco products; the number of fines issued for tobacco related offences; the number of fines paid; the number of seizures conducted by customs officials on duty free tobacco products which exceeded the personal limits in all airports and ports; the number of reported illegal factories producing counterfeit tobacco products in the State in each of the years from 2020 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3233/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 247, 304 and 305 together.
I am advised that Revenue is committed to targeting the illicit tobacco trade and implements a range of measures to identify and target the smuggling, supply or sale of illicit tobacco, including duty free tobacco in excess of duty-free allowances, and where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue keeps its operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including a suite of x-ray scanners, electronic risk analysis tools and maritime cutters, under continuous review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
In its efforts to detect the importation of excess duty-free goods, Revenue uses a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, screening of checked-in and carry-on baggage and the deployment of its detector dog teams. Revenue’s strategy also involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis. Revenue also frequently engages with duty-free operators at the points of entry into the State to discuss the duty-free regime and any additional measures to mitigate against the importation of excess duty-free goods.
I am advised that Revenue continues to adopt an agile response to this threat and monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources in response to new developments or methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade.
The smuggling of tobacco products has a transnational and cross border dimension and in addition to Revenue’s ongoing cooperation with An Garda Síochána in this area, Revenue also works closely with its counterparts in other jurisdictions including colleagues in Northern Ireland through the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) and international bodies including OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), Europol and the World Customs Organisation.
Revenue optimises media engagement in terms of successful prosecutions, significant seizures and enforcement initiatives, ensuring the general public is aware of the commitment by Revenue to tackling the illicit cigarette and tobacco trade and to deter those involved. To further encourage the general public to engage with Revenue in its efforts targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products, Revenue includes a message on all press releases relating to tobacco products notifying that businesses or members of the public can contact Revenue in confidence on the free phone number 1800 295 295.
I am pleased to acknowledge that Revenue has achieved considerable success in tackling the illicit tobacco trade. Its high detection rate is attributable to its multi-faceted tobacco strategy, continued cooperation and intelligence sharing with other national and international law enforcement agencies and its advanced profiling methods and strategic use of appropriate detection technology and assets.
Table 1 below outlines the overall number and value of seizures of cigarettes and tobacco from 2020 to 2024. I am advised that it is not possible to disaggregate the number of seizures relating to excess duty-free limits from the overall number of seizures of illicit tobacco.
Table 1 2020
|
- |
No. of Seizures |
Value |
|
Cigarettes |
3,132 |
€32.8m |
|
Tobacco |
1,304 |
€4.2m |
|
2021 |
||
|
No. of Seizures |
Value |
|
|
Cigarettes |
4,889 |
€43.5m |
|
Tobacco |
1,692 |
€24.1m |
|
2022 |
||
|
Cigarettes |
5,431 |
€39.5m |
|
Tobacco |
1,563 |
€8.5m |
|
2023 |
||
|
No. of Seizures |
Value |
|
|
Cigarettes |
5,164 |
€55.7m |
|
Tobacco |
1,673 |
€7.7m |
|
2024 |
||
|
No. of Seizures |
Value |
|
|
Cigarettes |
4,920 |
€95.5m |
|
Tobacco |
1,500 |
€32.6m |
In addition, the number of summary convictions and fines relating to tobacco offences for the period 2020 to 2024 is outlined in Table 2 below. I am advised by Revenue that it cannot provide data in relation to the number of fines that have been paid and those that remain unpaid as such fines are collected directly by the Courts Service.
Table 2
|
Year |
No. of Summary Convictions |
Fines |
|
2020 |
41 |
€98,500 |
|
2021 |
52 |
€119,800 |
|
2022 |
61 |
€124,000 |
|
2023 |
87 |
€204,000 |
|
2024 |
75 |
€189,277 |
In relation to the number of customs checks carried out for excess purchases of duty-free tobacco products, officers based at the points of entry into the State carry out checks targeting a variety of risks and as such, I am advised that it is not possible to disaggregate the number checks for duty-free tobacco products from the overall checks carried out.
One illicit cigarette manufacturing facility was detected and dismantled in the period 2020 to 2024. This detection in Dublin in February 2024 was as a result of an intelligence-led operation and investigations are ongoing nationally and internationally.
In relation to vapes, I am advised that electronic cigarettes, vapes and electronic liquids are not excisable products within the meaning of section 97 of Finance Act 2001 and section 71 of Finance Act 2005. The European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 271 of 2016) is the primary source of regulation of such products, in respect of which the Environmental Health Service of the Health Service Executive has responsibility for any relevant enforcement action.
Successive governments have ensured through the Finance Acts over the years that Revenue has the necessary statutory powers to tackle the illicit tobacco trade. I am satisfied that the current legislative framework provides an effective basis for undertaking and continuing its important work in this area. I am assured that Revenue is aware of the threat that tobacco smuggling poses to health, to legitimate business interests and to the Exchequer and I commend Revenue and all the relevant State agencies for their work in this important area.
