Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:263. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Defence if a referendum will be held here on the Triple Lock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45926/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces
Ceisteanna (263)
Freagraí scríofa
The Triple Lock is a statutory mechanism, it is set out in the Defence (Amendment) Act 1960 and is not a constitutional mechanism. It is not enshrined in our Constitution. It was a political commitment made during the Nice and Lisbon Treaty processes. It is clear therefore that amending the legislation which governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas does not require a referendum or national plebiscite.
The geopolitical context was very different when this legislation was developed, compared to the changed geopolitical environment that we now navigate. We now find ourselves in a situation where one of five countries of the UN Security Council can decide whether or not our Irish troops can travel to engage in peacekeeping missions, be it in Lebanon, the Western Balkans, the Mediterranean or any other part of the world. It simply is not acceptable to have a situation in which Ireland's sovereign decision making with regard to participation in peace operations can be impacted by the geopolitical interests of other states.
This has been demonstrated in a very tangible way through the recent non-renewal of UN Security Council Resolution 2292, which underpinned the EU Mission, Operation Irini, in the Mediterranean, where Defence Forces personnel have served with some distinction. Participation in that mission by Irish Defence Forces personnel was in line with legislative requirements, including the requirement of a UN Security Council mandate. As a direct consequence, Irish personnel serving in the mission had to withdraw, not due to any change in Government policy or operational considerations, but because the statutory requirements of the Triple Lock could no longer be satisfied. This clearly illustrates the extent to which Ireland’s ability to contribute to international peace and security efforts can be affected by factors outside our control.
That situation is not sustainable if we are to retain a meaningful and credible capacity to participate in international peace support operations in line with our values and interests and the democratic will of the people of Ireland, that is entrusted to us as their representatives.
There has been extensive engagement between my Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of the Bill. Government approval for the text of the Defence (Amendment) Bill was received on 9th June. The Bill has been published on the Oireachtas website and will then be progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (264)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:264. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Defence whether for procurement spend, a purchase order can be raised within her Department's financial management systems without reference to a contract, framework agreement, procurement process or other authorising arrangement; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In respect of procurement, the Infrastructure Guidelines/Public Spending Code published by the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation sets out the obligations applying to each department in spending public money. This includes obligations at all stages of the expenditure lifecycle, from initial appraisal, through management and monitoring, to post-expenditure review and evaluation, and applies to both capital and current spending.
The Department of Defence follows the principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts in accordance with national and EU Regulations, including specific EU Regulations for procurement of defensive equipment, and in line with Office of Government Procurement guidelines where relevant.
Within my Department’s financial management system, there are limited and controlled circumstances in which a purchase order may be raised without direct reference to a specific contract or framework agreement. Such instances are generally confined to clearly defined situations, with all procurement expenditure supported by an appropriate authorising arrangement. This can take the form of a prior procurement process, an approved financial sanction, or another formally documented approval, in accordance with public procurement obligations and internal procedures.
Departmental procurement procedures are kept under constant review to ensure adherence to Office of Government Procurement advice and value for money principles.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (265)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:265. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Defence whether an invoice can be paid by her Department without an associated purchase order having first been raised; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; the number and value of payments made during quarter one of 2026 which were not associated with a purchase order; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45179/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management of the financial operations of my Department is the responsibility of the Accounting Officer. The majority of invoices processed by my Department are matched to corresponding purchase orders in line with established payment controls. This approach supports transparency, accountability, and effective financial management. However, in a limited number of non-routine instances, it may be necessary to undertake payments on a non-purchase order basis. Such instances can include but are not limited to consolidated departmental invoices, prepayments, utility bills, rents and legal costs etc, with 175 payments to a total value of €10.3m made in Quarter 1, 2026.
To ensure effective levels of financial security, probity and ongoing adherence to value for money objectives is applied to all payments, my Department has a broad range of audit and assurance arrangements in place. These arrangements encompass strong internal controls such as financial delegation and accountability, clear segregation of duties, monthly Management Board scrutiny and an embedded risk management system. These structures are further complemented and strengthened by ongoing reviews undertaken by an independent Internal Audit Unit and robust external scrutiny, both ongoing and periodic, from, inter alia, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitisation.
Collectively, this comprehensive approach to governance enhances transparency, safeguards public funding, and ensures that all Defence spending, to include non-purchase orders, is well-managed and compliant with applicable public financial and procurement procedures.
My Department is scheduled to migrate to the Financial Shared Services (FSS) framework over the coming years, and, as part of ongoing preparatory tasks, will be evaluating all existing and future payment models.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (266)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:266. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if she has an any way to identify which Parliamentary Questions are AI generated; and the amount it costs, on average, to answer a Parliamentary Question. [45366/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not have a mechanism in place to accurately determine whether a Parliamentary Question has been generated using AI.
The time and effort required to respond to individual questions depends on several factors including the complexity and urgency of the issues raised, the ease of access to the required information, the level of input required from the Defence Forces and the degree of cross-departmental coordination required in preparing the reply. It is therefore not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the average cost associated with answering a Parliamentary Question.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (267)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:267. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence to report on the emergency preparedness campaign; his plans to deliver a booklet to every household in the State; the cost of the campaign as of the end of May 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45483/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Building on the success of the Be Winter Ready and Be Summer Ready campaigns initiatives, my Department is developing a refreshed campaign aimed at increasing householders awareness of preparedness and what it means for them. The cost of the forthcoming campaign will be available after it has been launched. The existing Be Winter Ready and Be Summer Ready campaigns remain in place, with comprehensive guidance available on the gov.ie platform.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (268)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:268. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence the budget allocation for official entertainment functions onboard Irish Naval Service ships while abroad in 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form. [45747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Defence Vote spending is managed through a single programme with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service domains.
The Defence Forces have advised that, while no dedicated funding line is provided on the Defence Vote for official entertainment functions onboard Irish Naval Service ships while abroad, Subhead A.22.1 of the Defence Vote does provide funding for Military Expenditure on international meeting, ceremonies, etc. They also advise that any request for funding from within this particular subhead must be supported by a detailed business case which complies with the requirements of Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 25/2000 – Official Entertainment.
The table below sets out the allocation under Subhead A.22.1 for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026:
|
Subhead A22.1 Military expenditure on International Meetings, ceremonies etc. |
Allocation |
|
2024 |
€180,000 |
|
2025 |
€300,000 |
|
2026 |
€300,000 |
Air Corps
Ceisteanna (269)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:269. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence the annual intake and complete number for the Air Corps Pilot and Technical Training Programme for each of the past three years; and whether current training capacity aligns with projected staffing requirements under the Equipment Development Plan. [45748/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the military authorities that the number of personnel inducted to, and who completed pilot training in, the Air Corps in each year, 2021-25 is as follows:
|
Year |
Number Inducted |
Numbers Qualified |
|
2021 |
8 |
1 |
|
2022 |
8 |
17 |
|
2023 |
11 |
0 |
|
2024 |
10 |
7 |
|
2025 |
7 |
4 |
I am further advised that the number of personnel inducted to, and who completed aircraft technician training, in the Air Corps in each year, 2021-25 is as follows:
|
Year |
Number Inducted |
Number who completed training |
|
2021 |
25 |
7 |
|
2022 |
20 |
17 |
|
2023 |
12 |
8 |
|
2024 |
12 |
14 |
|
2025 |
8 |
12 |
The Defence Forces have advised me that training capacity aligns with the current Equipment Development Plan.
Concerted efforts continue to be made regarding recruitment to the Air Corps. General Service recruitment remains open and ongoing. In 2025, a total of 60 General Service Recruits were inducted to the Air Corps, in comparison to 46 during 2024. As of the 31 May 2026, there have been 25 further inductions of General Service Recruits to the Air Corps and 1 re-enlistment. A new competition for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) launched recently while new competitions for Direct Entry Air Traffic Controllers and Aerospace Technicians are being progressed. The 2026 cadetship competition closed for applications in March with over 800 applications received for the Pilot and Air Traffic Controller cadet streams respectively.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (270)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:270. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if any specific requests have been made to her, her Department or to Government in general, by any other States, or by the European Commission or any multilateral body, for Ireland to increase defence spending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45875/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Defence, at its core, remains a national competence and decision-making power in relation to defence remains a national competence under the EU Treaties.
While Ireland is a strong supporter of EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and will remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes, participation in the CSDP does not prejudice the security and defence policy or obligations of any Member State.
At EU level, discussions on strengthening defence spending and readiness are ongoing, particularly in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and are taking place at various levels, including in the context of the European Semester and related Country Specific Recommendations.
While the European Council has called for an acceleration of work on all strands to decisively ramp up Europe’s defence readiness over the next few years, none of the discussions at EU level impose or propose to impose binding obligations on Member States in respect of defence expenditure.
Motor Fuels
Ceisteanna (271)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:271. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if he will require petrol/diesel cars that are being scrapped under the ICE2EV scheme to have a valid NCT certificate; if so, the logic for this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45011/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new ICE2EV scrappage scheme is a demand-led and capped pilot scheme. It is intended to address a specific and persistent emissions challenge within the private car fleet: the continued operation of older, highly polluting ICE vehicles.
Eligible applicants can receive €5,000 for the permanent removal of a qualifying ICE vehicle registered in 2013 or earlier. The payment must be used towards the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle. It is additional to the existing €3,500 EV grant administered by the SEAI, bringing total available support up to €8,500 per vehicle.
Applicants must demonstrate on the date of application that the ICE vehicle:
• has been registered in their name within the State for at least 12 months prior to the application;
• holds a valid NCT certificate, or one expired by no more than six months;
• has been taxed and insured for road use during the six months prior to the application.
The requirement for a valid NCT along with tax, insurance and ownership criteria, is intended to ensure the scheme targets vehicles that are currently in active use, supporting the replacement of higher-emitting cars with lower-emission alternatives. The inclusion of a six-month grace period for expired NCT certificates reflects an effort to provide a degree of flexibility, recognising that practical issues such as test scheduling or delays may arise.
The pilot scheme will be reviewed to assess its overall impact and the effectiveness of scrappage as a policy tool.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (272)
Pa Daly
Ceist:272. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his plans for grant supports for second hand EVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45023/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Over €120m has been allocated in 2026 to support the continued transition to EVs which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government's commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
It is also important to note that EV purchase costs have significantly reduced in recent years due to the coming on stream of new EV brands and models from a variety of manufacturers, including smaller and lower cost EVs.
While the second-hand EV market is still in the early stages, we are seeing the transition from early EV adopters to the mainstream car market, and this should bolster the availability and price competitiveness of second-hand vehicles. However, apart from the policy consideration, extending grant eligibility to second-hand EVs at this time would raise a number of practical considerations, including the risk of double granting, where public funding could effectively subsidise the same vehicle more than once across its lifecycle, as well as distorting the second hand car market between dealerships and private individual-to-individual sales.
Current incentives to support the continued transition to electric vehicles and for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
•A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
•A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;
•VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;
•eSPSV grant scheme – a grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV, including wheelchair accessible vehicles;
•Low rate of annual motor tax.
Additionally, the Pilot ICE2EV scheme, announced on 3rd June 2026 and funded under the Climate Action Fund, is a capped scrappage scheme offering up to €8500 in support, comprising a €5000 scrappage payment and up to €3,500 in SEAI EV purchase grant to incentivise the replacement of older, higher emission vehicles with new electric vehicles.
EV incentives are kept under regular review to ensure they are providing best value for money to the exchequer.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (273)
Pa Daly
Ceist:273. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the targeted measures he is taking to make EVs accessible to low and middle-income households excluding the newly introduced scrappage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission and regularly reviews EV incentives and grants to ensure they are delivering value for money and supporting the delivery of the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Over €120m has been allocated in 2026 to support the continued transition to EVs which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government's commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
Current incentives to support the continued transition to electric vehicles and for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure include:
• a purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
• a home charging scheme
• an apartment charging scheme
• benefit-in-kind tax relief for BEVs
• VRT relief of up to €5,000 for BEVs
• a low rate of annual motor tax.
It is also important to note that EV purchase costs have significantly reduced in recent years due to the coming on stream of new EV brands and models from a variety of manufacturers, including smaller and lower cost EVs.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (274)
Pa Daly
Ceist:274. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the metrics he is using to determine whether the newly introduced scrappage scheme will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new ICE2EV scrappage scheme is a demand-led and capped pilot scheme. It is intended to address a specific and persistent emissions challenge within the private car fleet: the continued operation of older, highly polluting ICE vehicles.
The pilot scheme will be reviewed to assess its overall impact and the effectiveness of scrappage as a policy tool. Data from the scheme will be used to gauge the level of interest in the take-up of a scheme of this nature, to provide insights in respect of the types of vehicles being scrapped (e.g. their age and mileage), as well as to monitor the regional distribution of take-up (i.e. by region, as well as the urban / rural split). A number of factors will be taken into account including overall uptake and demand for the scheme, the pace at which available funding is drawn down, and the level of participation across different geographic areas, including rural and urban applicants.
In addition, the scheme will be evaluated in terms of its impact on supporting the replacement of older, higher-emitting vehicles, its contribution to increased electric vehicle uptake, and its alignment with wider climate and transport objectives.
Any further iterations of the scheme will be subject to budgetary considerations.
Transport Costs
Ceisteanna (275)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:275. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the action he and his Department has taken regarding petitioning the British Government to abolish the levy placed on hauliers in the State who use the roads in Northern Ireland; his views on the way in which this disadvantages hauliers, particularly those based in Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is important to clarify that the levy that the Deputy refers to applies to all HGVs driven on all UK roads, including Northern Ireland, regardless of their country of registration. This includes Irish hauliers who drive HGVs on UK roads. The HGV Road User Levy also applies to UK registered HGVs, including those registered in Northern Ireland, and is typically collected with UK motor tax rather than on a daily rate.
It is also important to note that different jurisdictions enact different road charging mechanisms for road maintenance and upgrades as they deem appropriate. The UK’s HGV Road User Levy was introduced in 2014 and prior to its introduction, the Irish Government engaged with UK authorities seeking to exempt Northern Ireland from the charge because of the potential impact on cross-border trade. The UK ultimately decided to maintain the levy, with only very minor exemptions for Northern Ireland.
The levy was suspended in August 2020 to support the haulage sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was reinstated from 01 August 2023 with amendments to align the levy with the environmental performance of vehicles in support of the UK’s decarbonisation goals. Zero emission HGVs are exempt from the charge.
While I appreciate that the levy imposes costs on HGV operators, including Irish hauliers, its application is a matter for the UK authorities.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (276)
Pa Daly
Ceist:276. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views on the National Safety Camera Strategy; the number of safety cameras the Government will install per year as part of this strategy; where will they be located; if this has not been determined, the reasons; and the timeline for publication. [45040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enforcement of road traffic offences, such as speeding, is the primary responsibility of An Garda Síochána. This includes enforcement of speeding laws through the use of cameras.
To assist An Garda Siochána in these activities I published the National Safety Camera Strategy on 29 April. The Strategy provides the framework for the increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences. It focuses on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future.
The Strategy sets out a partnership approach for camera deployment and enforcement between An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA). It proposes that TII takes responsibility for the management of fixed and average speed cameras, in partnership with An Garda Síochána, who will continue to be responsible for the enforcement of camera-detected speed offences. The NTA will assume the primary responsibility - both management and enforcement functions - for urban traffic management offences. This approach provides an effective structure through which the most progress can be made on the deployment of road safety camera systems in the near-term and was developed by an inter-agency working group led by TII.
A delivery focused Camera Enforcement Oversight Group (CEOG) has been established, comprising senior leaders from AGS, NTA, TII, RSA, the Courts Service and the Local Authority sector. The Group will be responsible for progressing the Strategy. This Group will report to the Road Safety Leadership Group on its progress. The Strategy aligns with Programme for Government Commitments to expand the use of safety cameras across the road network. It also delivers on part one of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy Phase 2 Action Plan.
It should be noted that camera enforcement has been increasing. Since late 2024, An Garda Síochána with the assistance of TII and local authorities has installed three additional average speed camera zones and nine static camera locations. This means that there are now five average safety cameras and nine static safety cameras in operation across the network. In addition, there are also 9,000 hours of AGS GoSafe monitoring carried out on our roads each month.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (277)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:277. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the total service volume of each driving test centre, in tabular form. [45041/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The Deputy may also wish to note that detailed statistics on the National Driver Testing Service, by County and test centre, are made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/rsadts.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (278)
Pa Daly
Ceist:278. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns about the newly introduced scrappage scheme regarding its operation on a 'first come first served' basis; the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45070/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ICE2EV Scheme will launch on 1 July and be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It is a targeted measure to reduce emissions, by removing ICE vehicles aged over 13 years from Ireland’s private car fleet and replacing them with new battery EVs.
The scheme is designed as capped pilot scheme, supported by a fixed budget of €10 million under the Climate Action Fund. Given this, a first come, first served approach provides a clear and transparent mechanism for allocating support.
The scheme places a particular emphasis on rural households, with 65% (6.5 million) of the available funding targeted at applicants living outside the main cities. This is intended to ensure balanced access and to recognise higher levels of car dependency and more limited public transport options in rural areas.
As this is a pilot scheme, its operation will be closely monitored by my Department and SEAI. Upon closure, the scheme will be reviewed and any further iterations will take account of lessons learnt.
Bus Éireann
Ceisteanna (279)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:279. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport his views on the Bus Éireann 103 service linking Ratoath, Ashbourne and Dublin city (details supplied). [45071/26]
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Media Sector
Ceisteanna (280)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:280. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on media campaigns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45077/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, RSA has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness campaigns and for the advancement of education specific to the safe use of roads. I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
However, more generally, the Deputy may wish to note that for 2026 the RSA has again ringfenced funding of €18 million for road safety awareness, education and promotional campaigns focused on making our roads safer for all road users, including and especially vulnerable road users. This builds on the €18m which the RSA set aside for these activities in 2025. During 2025 the RSA delivered significant new national campaigns including a drug driving campaign and a major drink driving campaign.
I am informed that as part of its awareness raising activities the RSA utilises multiple channels and platforms to maximise visibility and reach. These include TV and Video – on – demand, Cinema advertising, Radio and digital audio, Digital and Social Media Platforms, Out of Home advertising – including bus shelters, pubs etc., and Media Partnerships and Sports Advertising.
In addition , the RSA on 11 June announced that it is the official road safety partner for some of Ireland's biggest concerts, festivals and sporting events this summer which will allow for direct engagement with young people. The RSA will attend major events throughout the summer with a particular focus on raising awareness of the dangers and consequences of drink driving. This will also include the deployment of Flineboxes which will allow people to voluntarily test their breath alcohol level.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Road Safety Communications Steering Group was established in 2024, and ischaired by the Department. This Group continues to meet monthly and brings together the RSA communication leads and other key road safety stakeholders including An Garda Siochana to ensure coordination of messaging upcoming awareness raising campaigns.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (281, 282, 284)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:281. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing issues being experienced by bus users on the 101 and 101X; if he understands that these issues have arisen due to a number of vehicles off the road for maintenance; if he can provide details of any measures to address this deficit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:282. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing issues being experienced by users of the 103 bus; if his attention has been drawn to bus cancellations that are now occurring multiple times each day; if his attention has been drawn to when a scheduled service fails to operate, the following bus is frequently overcrowded and often unable to stop for waiting passengers along the N2 corridor, which creates a knock-on effect that impacts services for the remainder of the day and leaves many commuters stranded or significantly delayed; if he understands that the current situation is unacceptable for the thousands of people who rely on this route to access work, education, and essential services such as the Mater and Temple Street Hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45101/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:284. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the mechanisms in place to monitor and evaluate the frequency and quality of service on a given bus line, in particular the 103, 101 and 101X; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 281, 282 and 284 together.
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
As Minister for Transport, I continue to engage with all public transport operators on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards.
Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 281.