A private operator can be asked by the school to bring a group from Galway to the zoo in Dublin and someone aged over 70 can drive the vehicle, but someone that age cannot drive students in the local area to the local school, a route with which they will be a lot more familiar. There is an issue there to be resolved. In all fairness, Bus Éireann is looking at that. It has to look at it from a safety perspective. It also has to look at it from a logistical point of view as to how this will work. This probably affect…

I reassure the Deputy and every other Deputy in the House that this is a priority for the Department of Transport and that I have the support of the Ministers and the Government on this. We are making sure that any changes we make, or made, take into account all the safety factors that have to be considered as well. I agree with the Deputy. I see this in my constituency where private operators find it hard to get drivers to do part-time work and there are very well-qualified drivers who may be 70, 71, 72 or 73, who…

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Deputy O’Donovan, is unable to be here today due to prior commitments and sends his apologies. He asked me to step in in his absence. I thank Senator Higgins for raising this important matter and giving me an opportunity to update the House on it. This Government places great value on culture and the arts sector. As outlined in the programme for Government, we recognise that the sector is essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, …

I thank the Senator. I realise her obvious passion towards this subject matter is true and genuine. This Government places great value on culture and the arts sector. As outlined in the programme for Government, we recognise that they are essential to a well-rounded society providing opportunities, education, expression and community engagement. Across the country, there is a network of cultural infrastructure, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including the programming and re…

I welcome every guest here. It is an opportune time to listen about local government. I was looking at the young people and wondering how many of them will enter politics in the future. It is an opportune time to listen to local government being discussed here. I thank Senator Gallagher for raising this matter and giving me the opportunity, on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Browne, and the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to update the House on the local democracy task force. At the outset, it is important to not…

I concur with the Senator on the hard work done by our local councillors on the ground with very little recognition for it. Since the time I was a councillor, the workload has increased for a lot of councillors. We need to recognise that as well. If we want to engage with and attract more young people into politics, both male and female, it is important they have access to get into the politics of it. I thank the Senator for his engagement on this matter and on the process that will see reform and strengthening of …

On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, who is here beside me, I again thank Deputy Carthy for raising this important issue today on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. I also extend my appreciation to all of the other speakers who have contributed to the debate this evening. I reiterate the Government's commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. At its core, zero tolerance ensures that every victim and survivor who comes forward to…

I thank Deputy Gould for raising this important topic, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien. From the outset, I would like to clarify that the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but neither the Minister nor his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally rests with the …

That is not what I said.

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. First, I accept and I said here that the service is not right. I have also said I and the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, are not responsible for the day-to-day running of the service - we are responsible for providing the funding. If there are issues with the service we will get to the bottom of it. I know there have been issues with getting drivers and I appreciate the Deputy's frustration and that of the people in Cork. There is no point in having a public bus service if we are not…

Sorry-----

A Chathaoirligh.

With due respect, Deputy, you had your time and-----

If you could have the manners to let me talk, please. It is just common courtesy. I gave that to you. What I would say to you is I meet Bus Éireann on a regular basis where issues arise and I can meet it on this, but I will not be goaded into it or bullied into it by you.

What do you want?

No, I would say he can have the time. Sure he knows it all.

There is no point in talking when he shouts over me.

I thank the Deputy for the question. Commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing, CVRT, in Ireland is largely based on the EU roadworthiness directive, which is Directive 2014/45/EU. Although the directive has not set specific standards, it requires the provision of modern, up-to-date testing facilities to ensure all tests are carried out in accordance with the directive. While as Minister of State I have responsibility for the legislation governing commercial vehicle testing, the Road Safety Authority has statutory …

There are currently 147 authorised commercial vehicle roadworthiness test operators. I will list the expiry dates for their authorisations. Sixty will expire on or after 18 March 2034 and seven will expire between 18 March 2027 and 18 March 2034. Their premises will also comply. Sixty-nine expire on 18 March 2027 and 11 operators have informed the RSA that they will not continue to operate after that date. Of the 69 companies whose authorisations are expiring, 51 are at different stages of completing their upgrades…

I thank the Deputy very much for raising this matter. I will give her the reply that I have been given, but, basically, my understanding is that in the context of the role of the Minister, this is a planning issue. I believe there is planning going on at the moment. I do not know the exact detail. While there is a planning application in the system, the role of the Minister is primarily to provide a policy and legislative framework under which the planning authorities, An Coimisiún Pleanála and the Office of the Pl…