Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:64. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Ambassador of Ireland based in Riyadh has met formally with the Saudi Foreign Minister to date in 2024. [20167/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (64)
Freagraí scríofa
Ambassador Cunningham and the staff of the Irish Embassy in Riyadh maintain ongoing contact with the Saudi authorities at different levels on a range of different issues. These contacts would normally be with senior officials, as well as with Vice Ministers or Deputy Ministers as appropriate. Ireland's Ambassador in Saudi Arabia has also engaged with the Foreign Minister on a number of occasions at events and meetings chaired by the Minister, most recently last week as part of a European/Arab Contact Group meeting to discuss Palestine.
My own recent meetings with the Saudi Foreign Minister include engagement at the Union for the Mediterranean meeting in Spain in November 2023 and at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in January 2024.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (65)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:65. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person in County Galway (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport especially as the application was lodged online on 27 February 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20196/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (66)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:66. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason passport applications are being delayed following a check on a second occasion when the issue was not flagged during the original check; if he will have the Passport Office ensure that an application is fully checked on the first occasion rather than flagging separate issues at subsequent checks thereby significantly delaying the entire application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20263/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Service has issued over 430,000 passports to date this year. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or ahead of advertised turnaround times.
All passport applications require supporting documentation to some degree, whether it is a photo uploaded online for an adult's renewal application, or documents necessary to validate the identity and entitlement to Irish citizenship of a first time applicant. In the cases of children's applications, witnessed identity and consent forms are required to ensure that guardians have consented to the issuance of a passport for the child.In cases where insufficient or incorrect documents are received by the Passport Service, every effort is made to let the applicant know as soon as possible. Applications enter a queue and are checked in order of date received. It is Passport Service policy that all issues that may arise with a passport application are flagged to the customer following the initial check. On occasion, an additional issue may be identified on the second check and the Passport Service may have to contact the customer again. The Passport Service has a system whereby applications do not go to the back of the queue following a request for further documents. When the Passport Service receives the required additional documentation from the applicant, the application is prioritised for checking.Online applications for which additional photos are requested are processed within a maximum of 10 working days of the receipt of the new photo. All other requests for further documents are processed within 15 working days of receipt of the additional documents, for both paper and online application types.
Overall, a very small number of applicants experience issues which delay the application process. The vast majority of applicants who renew their passport online will receive a new passport in the post within two working days.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 2nd in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries. Accordingly, a rigorous analysis process is in place to verify the identity and citizenship of applicants.
Should assistance be required with an application, our Customer Service agents are available through phone and webchat services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. They can be contacted at +353 1 671 1633, or via the WebChat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/#webchat.
The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications.I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (67)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:67. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a child's first-time passport (details supplied) will be processed in time for travel on 5 May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20270/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the application, taken action as appropriate and contacted the applicant directly in relation to the application.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (68)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:68. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of employees within his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations; to outline, in tabular form, the length of time these employees have been under suspension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20315/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that one civil servant in my Department is suspended at present while a disciplinary process is underway. The person concerned has been suspended for 14 months.
There are no bodies under the aegis of the Department.
European Union
Ceisteanna (69)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:69. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the EU programmes or funds outside of the multiannual financial framework that Ireland has paid into from the year 2014 to date; any receipts from same, by programme or fund, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20356/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In view of the time period covered by the question, it will take some time to compile the information requested. I will revert soonest to the Deputy with details of any EU programmes or funds outside of the multiannual financial framework that the Department of Foreign Affairs has paid into or was in receipt of funds from since 2014.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (70)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:70. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will recognise the Armenian Genocide 1915-1917; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20482/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Government views the terrible events which resulted in the deaths of a large proportion of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire as a tragedy, and has expressed deepest sympathy for the enormous suffering of the Armenian people during this period.
The term ‘genocide’ has a particular meaning under international law. The Government has not taken a stance on whether those terrible events should be described as a genocide. To reach a conclusion that any event amounts to genocide involves the consideration and determination of a number of complex factual and legal issues, including an assessment of the actions and intentions of many parties.
Currently, there is no international consensus on whether these events amount to genocide. No Irish or international court has issued a final judgment recognising these terrible events as an act of genocide.
Ireland’s position on the description of these events does not diminish in any way our recognition of the terrible and shocking nature of what occurred to the Armenian people between 1915 and 1917.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (71)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:71. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 30 April 2024, if there are alternative documents that can be supplied in a case where a person is not in contact with their parent and cannot provide current identification for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Foreign Birth Registration applications are citizenship applications and, as in all jurisdictions, involve a complex and lengthy process. The Passport Service has a statutory responsibility to protect the integrity of this citizenship process. Accordingly, it has to assure very careful analysis takes place across its systems to verify both the identity of the applicant and their entitlement to Irish citizenship.
Each application for entry onto the Foreign Birth Register is assessed on a case by case basis. In a case where photographic ID is not available for the parent or grandparent through whom citizenship is being claimed, this must be explained by the applicant in writing. In the case where a parent or grandparent is incapacitated and does not have photo ID, this can be supported by a letter from a medical professional or by an official report (e.g. court order, report from social worker etc.).
The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received by the Passport Service. The FBR team will reach out to the applicant to advise them of what is required.
Diaspora Issues
Ceisteanna (72)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:72. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 30 April 2024, if he will revisit the question and itemise the 30 recommendations in the report, with a correlated update on what work has been undertaken to address and progress the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20593/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I want, first of all, to thank the Deputy for his ongoing interest in this important issue.
The report to which the Deputy refers, the 2018 Indecon Economic Report Addressing Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants, listed thirty recommendations to address challenges facing Irish emigrants returning to live in Ireland. These challenges ranged across matters related to housing, employment (qualifications) motor vehicles (licenses), welfare, healthcare, childcare, education (university fees, school places), immigration law, entrepreneurship, and general information for returnees.
However, although my Department has a coordinating role, the responsibility for the fulfilment of these recommendations spans multiple Government Departments and State Agencies. In order to reply as comprehensively as possible to the Deputy's question, we have asked the responsible entities for an update on the current position. The Deputy will appreciate that with multiple recommendations there are multiple respondents, and we are currently collating the responses as we get them. The issue is also on the agenda for a meeting this week of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, on 9 May, which I will chair.
Once we have he most up to date information from the responsible entities and have discussed the matter at this week’s committee meeting, we will then be in a position to furnish the Deputy with a comprehensive and complete update on the situation.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (73)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:73. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person in County Galway (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20657/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this is a paper application which was received on 3 April 2024. The turnaround time for paper applications is 8 weeks. This application is within the current turnaround times and has not yet reached its issue by date.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service. Applicants who have already submitted a Post Passport application can book an urgent appointment and visit the Passport Service office to apply for a passport. Once a passport has been issued, their original application will be cancelled and the fee will be refunded.
Further information on the Urgent Appointment service is available at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/urgent-appointment/.
I strongly encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (74)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 19 of 7 March 2024, the details of Ireland’s financial and in-kind assistance to Ukraine since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20855/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland's overall financial support to Ukraine since February 2022 amounts to some €340 million, comprised of over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian funding and commitments of approximately €250 million in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility (EPF).
Within these overall figures, funding for humanitarian assistance by the Department of Foreign Affairs amounted to €20 million in 2022 and €19 million in 2023 respectively.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided assistance for stabilisation and recovery efforts, including through the World Bank Trust Fund to support critical infrastructure and public services; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Small Business Impact Fund to support SMEs, and funding for UN agencies and NGOs for communities devastated by the war.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided funding to ensure accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine. This included €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court to support ongoing investigations, including with regard to Ukraine.
Further funding is being provided in support of reform governance efforts, including to the Council of Europe Development Bank’s Ukraine Solidarity Fund, and through the OSCE, OECD and NGOs.
The Department has also provided over €1 million in peace and stability funding to Ukraine across 2022 and 2023.
Other Government Departments have made contributions including in-kind and monetary supports to Ukraine, including €8.4 million in medical aid contributed by the HSE, approximately €1.2 million from the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers in Ukraine. To date, Ireland has disbursed €4.164 million from the Department of Defence’s Vote 36 under the EPF in relation to EUMAM Ukraine, to support the common costs of the Mission and the Mission’s non-lethal assistance measure.
Through EUMAM Ukraine, the Defence Forces have delivered training to over 400 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel in training modules which include tactical combat casualty care/combat lifesaver, demining/mine clearance, and drill instruction training. Ireland has also donated ready to eat meals and body armour from Defence Forces stocks as well as demining equipment to Ukraine (mine flails) and provided training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces on this equipment. The Defence Forces are currently planning other modules and identifying other opportunities for support. Ireland also provides a small number of staff positions in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Belgium and the Special Training Command (STC) in Germany.
Ireland is also supporting civilian security sector reform through the provision of eight civilian experts to the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), nearly all of whom are working in support of the Mission’s activities to facilitate Ukrainian authorities to investigate and prosecute international crimes.
In 2024, Ireland has allocated €35 million in support to Ukraine and its neighbours to address ongoing humanitarian needs, and progress towards its early recovery and eventual reconstruction.
Ireland has been a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. In December, we welcomed the European Council's decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. This sends an important signal of hope to the Ukrainian people.
In February, the European Council agreed a €50bn package of financial assistance to Ukraine. This package is designed to provide predictable funding in the coming years to help Ukraine meet its immediate needs as well as to assist with early recovery and reconstruction. Ireland welcomes agreement on this “Ukraine Facility”, which we have strongly supported, and on the additional €5 billion in military support for Ukraine under the new Ukraine Assistance Fund under the EPF.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (75)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 7 March 2024, for an update on Ireland’s plans to support South Africa’s case against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice; if Ireland’s Declaration of Intervention has been filed to date; if not, when it will be filed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20856/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I set out in response to previous Parliamentary Questions, most recently Question No. 131 of 18 April 2024, Ireland intends to file a Declaration of Intervention in the case initiated by South Africa against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice only after South Africa has filed its Memorial.
On 5 April, the ICJ made an Order setting time-limits for the filing of written pleadings by the parties in this case. It fixed 28 October 2024 for South Africa to file its Memorial, and 28 July 2025 for Israel to file its Counter-Memorial. It remains our intention to seek to intervene in this case under Article 63 of the Statute of the ICJ after South Africa has filed its Memorial, which we now know will be towards the end of 2024.
By making a declaration of intervention under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute states do not ‘join’ one side or another in the case; rather, they submit a statement that sets out their interpretation of one or more provisions of whatever Convention is at issue before the Court. This Declaration of Intervention must then be deemed admissible by the Court. Waiting until South Africa has filed its Memorial will ensure that we have a good understanding of what provisions of the Genocide Convention South Africa intends to rely on, which we can then in turn address, making it more likely that the Court will deem our intervention admissible.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (76)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 7 March 2024, the timeline for when Ireland will formally recognise the State of Palestine; the details of his engagement at EU level on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20857/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I stated in Dáil Éireann on 9 April, it is my intention to bring a formal proposal on recognition to Government following the completion of discussions with international partners.
These discussions are ongoing. The manner in which Ireland and likeminded partners could support regional efforts to return to a political pathway towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution of this conflict and a two-state solution was a central focus of my meetings with Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Jordan during my most recent visit to the region in April.
At a recent meeting convened in Riyadh by Saudi Arabia and Norway, which was attended by Ireland as well as several European and regional partners, the importance of taking concrete steps towards the realisation of a Palestinian State in the context of the two-State solution was emphasised.
This is a perspective that I have also shared in detail will all EU partners, including most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council in April. I also remain in frequent contact with key likeminded partners and most recently spoke with my Spanish counterpart on 1 May.
It is clear from these engagements, that both our European and regional partners support the need for early, credible and irreversible steps to implement a two-State solution. In this regard, it remains my firm view – and the view of our partners – that recognition is a step that should be carefully calibrated to best advance the peace process. I will be remaining in frequent contact with key partners on this issue in the coming period.
Local Authorities
Ceisteanna (77)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:77. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on a local authority matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20177/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. In 2023 €750,000 was provided under this Scheme and a similar amount is being made available in 2024.
Funding is also provided annually in support of a number of important anti-litter initiatives such as the National Spring Clean, Picker Pals, the PURE Project and Irish Business against Litter.
National Spring Clean, operated by An Taisce, operate nationwide clean ups every year. My Department is providing €225,000 in funding this year. Bags and litter picking equipment are provided free of charge to volunteers who take part. Now in it's 25th year, An Taisce estimate that the volunteers with the campaign have removed 47,500 tonnes of litter to date. In 2023 5,450 clean up events took place and an estimated 2,750 tonnes of litter was collected of which 35% was recycled. Local authorities facilitate the disposal of the refuse collected by registered groups. This is done in different ways by different councils. Some pick up the waste directly, some pay for pickups by private companies, and some provide free access to landfill/recycling depots. In addition, Local Authorities also actively participate in promoting the campaign in their own areas by distributing leaflets, advertising in the local media and by holding their own clean-up events running over a number of days in designated towns and villages. Many authorities also provide extra materials for local groups.
The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, which was enacted in mid 2022, advances several legislative provisions which will further support Local Authorities in their anti-litter efforts, including providing for the GDPR-compliant use of a range of technologies, such as CCTV for litter enforcement purposes.
The introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans, which went live in February 2024, is expected to have a significant impact on the amount of litter produced. More information is available on the DRS operator’s website: www.re-turn.ie.
Finally, my officials are also working towards the introduction of a levy on single-use hot beverage cups, also known as the "Latte Levy", which will incentivise people to choose to re-use and reduce single use waste. This measure is also expected to result in a significant reduction in the amount of litter throughout the country.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (78)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:78. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the types of funding that would be available to an association (details supplied) in County Tipperary in order to provide necessary insulation for the association’s properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20199/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners and Approved Housing Bodies (ABHs) to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. The schemes provide grant support for a range of energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings owned by private homeowners, private landlords and Approved Housing Bodies, including the installation of insulation, heat pump systems, solar PV (Photo-Voltaic) technology, as well as other energy upgrades.
The Better Energy Homes Scheme allows homeowners, including AHBs, to take a step-by-step approach and self-manage the project, while the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (One-Stop-Shop scheme) and the Community Energy Grant Scheme are aimed towards homeowners, including AHBs, wishing to undertake a whole home energy upgrade to achieve a BER of at least B2 with a minimum primary energy uplift of at least 100 kWh/m2/year. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) and the Community Energy Grant Scheme both offer a start-to-finish project management service through registered One Stop Shops or Project Co-ordinators respectively.
Further information on SEAI schemes is available on their website at: www.seai.ie/
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (79)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:79. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of employees within his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations; to outline, in tabular form, the length of time these employees have been under suspension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20313/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that the number of employees within my Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations is zero.
I have requested that the bodies under the aegis of my Department respond to the Deputy’s question directly.
EU Programmes
Ceisteanna (80)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:80. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the EU programmes or funds outside of the multiannual financial framework that Ireland has paid into from the year 2014 to date; any receipts from same, by programme or fund, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20354/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not pay directly to EU Funds but is a beneficiary of funding from a number of EU programmes outside of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework. The table below sets out details of this funding.
|
Programme/Scheme |
EU Fund/Facility |
Allocation |
|
EU Just Transition |
MFF and Next Generation EU |
€84.5m |
|
Bord na Mona Peatland Rehabilitation Scheme |
Next Generation EU (Recovery and Resilience Facility) |
€108.0m |
|
An Post - Brexit Adjustment Reserve |
Brexit Adjustment Reserve |
€23.896m |
Receipts from these funds are paid directly from the EU Commission to the Exchequer, and not channelled through my Department.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (81)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:81. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received correspondence dated 29 April 2024 in respect of the Gearagh; and if he can respond to the points raised. [20388/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have received the correspondence in relation to the Gearagh. ESB has indicated that the draft Management plan is now complete, and is under consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), who are the statutory agency charged with reviewing such plans.
ESB has advised that they are not yet in a position to share the draft report while they are engaging with the NPWS, however, they will be in a position to circulate it as part of a wider consultation once the process with the NPWS has concluded.
Recycling Policy
Ceisteanna (82)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:82. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement of having the deposit return logo on a can for recycling is really necessary if each item can be traced by the barcode alone; and if he will comment on the claim that this is an unnecessary restriction on trade. [20429/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) operate successfully in over 40 countries around the world, including 15 in Europe. The inclusion of mandatory, national labelling requirements is an essential design feature of these schemes. Clear labelling maximises understanding and minimises fraud. The DRS logo allows consumers, retailers and enforcement authorities readily identify which products are in the scope of the scheme.Not every drinks container is eligible in Ireland's DRS. Only drinks containers in PET plastic bottles, aluminium & steel cans from 150ml to 3 litres are included. All drinks containers included in the Scheme will feature the Re-turn logo. Items that are not included in the deposit return scheme include: • Any dairy drinks products in plastic containers or cartons e.g. milk, yogurt drinks• Steel and tin cans that contain foodstuffs
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (83, 84, 85, 86)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:83. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to the SEAI retrofitting schemes; to report to on the process through which a contractor is registered with the SEAI as part of their various retrofitting schemes; what the requirements are for contractors to become registered with the SEAI; what insurance and other documentation must they have; how often is this documentation rechecked; what responsibility does the SEAI take for works completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20553/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDarren O'Rourke
Ceist:84. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to the SEAI retrofitting schemes; to report on the process through which BERs are accessed pre-works per scheme; to report on the process through which BERs are assessed post-works per scheme; does the SEAI sign off on works completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20554/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDarren O'Rourke
Ceist:85. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to heat pump installations as part of the SEAI’s retrofitting scheme; if he is aware of instances where heat pumps are installed incorrectly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDarren O'Rourke
Ceist:86. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to heat pumps as part of the SEAI’s retrofitting scheme; the measures he is taking to ensure they are used correctly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20556/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
The Building Energy Rating (BER) system is administered by SEAI in compliance with S.I. 243 of 2012. SEAI operate a Quality Assurance System to continuously monitor the quality of BER assessments published by BER Assessors and to ensure widespread operational compliance with the BER Assessor's Code of Practice. Processes put in place by SEAI in this regard include pre-qualification requirements; mandatory training and induction; mentoring for new entrants; validation rules for published assessments; and feedback measures such as auditing.
Entities seeking to register as an SEAI contractor under any relevant scheme must agree to adhere to the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice, Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents including:
• NSAI S.R. 54:2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings
• Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents
• The System Supplier/Product Manufacturer Guidelines
• Irish Agrément certificates
• Irish, British or European Standards Guides
They are also required to demonstrate their tax compliance and insurance cover and cooperate with the scheme's Quality Assurance programme. Insurance and Tax compliance is checked against our Home Energy Grant system as part of a daily automated process. Where a Contractor is seeking to re-register after a period of absence from the programme, the full registration process must be undertaken. The full requirements are set out here: www.seai.ie/grants/supports-for-contractors/.
Heat pumps supported through SEAI grant programmes are required to meet minimum heat pump product performance standards, be designed and sized correctly to meet the heat loads for that specific home, that the home meets minimum energy performance. Where applicable a pre-works Technical Assessment, carried out by an SEAI registered Technical Assessor, includes a pre-works BER assessment and a study of the dwelling’s heat loss elements.
Heat pump systems must be installed by suitably qualified personnel - including those nominated to supervise and inspect the works, and to sign off the Declaration of Works form - competent in the different aspects of the works including design, sizing and installation of the whole heat pump system. The minimum qualification and training requirements that must be met by personnel nominated to sign off the Declaration of Works form for grant purposes are:
- Fetac/QQI Level 6 Advanced Craft in Plumbing, including a module on minor electrical works, or equivalent
- Certificate of competence from the specific manufacturer of the heat pumps installed, based on an adequate training programme
- Fetac/QQI Level 6 Heat Pump Systems (Course Code C30263) and supplemental Domestic Heat Pump Installation (Code 700606) or equivalent
A Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) is required to supervise and sign off the electrical installation of a heat pump system, in accordance with the definition of “Controlled Works and restricted Works” by the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities).
An F-Gas engineer is required to carry out and certify heat pump system installations involving refrigerant pipework and charging as per the F-Gas Regulation.
To avail of a grant, heat pumps must meet the requirements specified in SEAI’s Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications which include:
• Meeting national requirements for domestic heating and building services and wiring regulations
• Fully comply with the EU Energy Label and Eco-design regulations
• Provide the data required for the Domestic BER assessment based on EN14825 and EN16147 testing standards
• Be CE marked and have the EC declaration of conformity
• Be listed on the SEAI Triple E register
• Satisfy the minimum Seasonal Performance Factor (Main Space Heating Efficiency) calculated according to the dwelling energy assessment procedure methodology.
The SEAI Quality Assurance programme is also in place to ensure the maintenance of high standards of contractor workmanship; build consumer confidence; monitor health and safety; and ensure proper governance of the spending of public money. Regular inspections, which can take place at pre-payment or post-payment stage, of works are undertaken on a risk-based approach in accordance with international best practice. When sub-standard works are found, contractors are required to rectify the works to the satisfaction of the inspector, at no cost to the homeowner.
A Declaration of Works form must be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor certifying completion of works. Post-works Building Energy Ratings are also carried out by independent BER assessors.
Under the provisions of the SEAI Quality Assurance Programme, should a Contractor fail to reach the required standard when following direction on corrective action, then, in accordance with warnings issued, disciplinary action will follow in accordance with SEAI’s Quality Assurance and Disciplinary Procedures document, up to and including deregistration from the SEAI Contractor register.
Registration of Contractors and the quality assurance of individual registered contractors operating under the SEAI schemes, are operational matters for the SEAI. SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries as above can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (87)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:87. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or his officials have given consideration to using money collected through the carbon tax and through the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Act 2023 to help tackle energy poverty in Ireland through measures such as the EnergyCloud initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20625/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
From the proceeds of the carbon tax, a total of €788 million was allocated as part of Budget 2024 to climate action measures and to ensure the most vulnerable are protected from unintended impacts of the carbon tax increase. In my own Department, €388 million of this total was allocated towards a series of projects which are actively contributing to the alleviation of energy poverty such as the provision of free energy efficiency upgrades to households in, or at risk of, energy poverty through the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Budget 2024 also introduced a total €2.2 billion suite of once-off Cost-of-Living supports, to assist families, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities. This included a new Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme III through which €412.83 (exclusive of VAT) was credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €137.61 (exclusive of VAT) between December 2023 and April 2024. The Scheme was partly funded by the proceeds of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Act 2023 which was enacted in July 2023 and raised €167m for the exchequer in September 2023.
In relation to the proceeds of the cap on market revenues arising from the introduction of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Act 2023; these will be used to support final electricity consumers in line with Article 10 of Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854. My Department, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, are currently considering suitable measures.
Just Transition
Ceisteanna (88)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:88. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a timeline for when he will bring the Just Transition Taskforce's final report and recommendations forward for consideration by the Government; when the Just Transition Commission will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20680/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government approved the establishment of a Just Transition Commission at its meeting on 30 April.
The Just Transition Commission will support the Government in its responsibility to ensure, in line with our statutory climate objectives, that Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy is just, and that it endeavours, in so far as practicable, to maximise employment opportunities, and to support people and communities that may be negatively affected by the transition.
The functions of the Commission, as set out in its Terms of Reference approved by the Government, will be:
• To prepare and analyse strategic evidence-based research in relation to just transition: to anticipate and inform long-term climate policy and investment planning, including focusing on the potential impacts, risks and opportunities arising from the climate transition for different sectors of both the economy and society, including the social, economic and employment impacts of this change and the policy responses required.
• To evaluate, advise, and comment on policy planning and implementation and progress on the application of Ireland’s just transition principles into national and sectoral climate policies, based on high-quality, evidence-based analysis.
• To provide strategic advice and engagement on just transition: the Commission will support the National Dialogue on Climate Action, as well as any dialogues on climate/just transition matters within individual sectors, in engagement on the implementation of climate programmes agreed by Government.
• Sectoral or regional engagement and road-mapping: the Commission may, on its own initiative, or at the request of the Government, undertake proactive engagement with particular communities, sectors or regions facing specific acute or long-term challenges arising from the transition, and advise Government on strategic co-ordination by the agencies of the State, on any interventions or targeted supports which may be helpful to address the challenges being faced by that community, sector or region.
I will commence shortly a process to recruit a chairperson and members of the Just Transition Commission, and I will make appointments to the Commission on the approval of the Government. I intend that this process will be completed and that the Commission will be operational by Q3 of this year.
The Terms of Reference of the Just Transition Commission have been informed by the report and recommendations of the Just Transition Taskforce. Both the Taskforce's report and the approved Terms of Reference have been published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/e3666-just-transition-taskforce/.
Electricity Grid
Ceisteanna (89)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:89. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can intervene in the case of a person and award her the Government electricity credit (details supplied). [20688/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of Budget 2024 Government approved a new tranche of Emergency Electricity Credits which over 2.2 million households are benefitting from - worth €450 in total per household.
The payments are being applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2).
Under Scheme III, usage levels were assessed to ensure that payments were withheld in relation to low usage electricity accounts identified by the distribution system operator, to prevent the payment from being applied to vacant houses.
ESB Networks identified accounts which consumed less than 150 kilowatt hours of electricity per quarter for four consecutive quarters between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. Domestic electricity accounts flagged as low usage accounts, were not allocated a payment for that payment period. The payment was not withheld for accounts with a financial hardship meter, accounts held by registered vulnerable customers or accounts which have low usage due to the exporting of energy to the grid through microgeneration.
The Scheme allows for review by a customer’s electricity supplier, if contacted by a customer who has not received the payment. The customer can seek further review by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which has oversight of the Scheme, following the decision of the electricity supplier. I would encourage any customer who thinks that they should have received the credit to contact their supplier at the first instance, and then the CRU if they have still not received the credit.
CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
Wind Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (90)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:90. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the offshore renewable energy future framework policy statement; when he anticipates this will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20707/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Future Framework for offshore renewable energy (ORE) Policy Statement is the strategic long-term approach for Ireland’s plan-led offshore renewable energy. It maps out how Ireland can create an offshore renewable energy sector to achieve our climate and energy targets beyond 2030, while also bolstering the energy security and prosperity of the State.
The Future Framework sets out the key actions Ireland will take to deliver 20GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37GW by 2050.
The draft Future Framework was released for public consultation on 22 January 2024, to undergo a targeted, 4-week consultation period. After several meetings with industry representatives and various written feedback requesting an extension, the consultation period was lengthened by a further week and officially concluded on 26 February 2024, during which 81 responses were received.
The Future Framework was approved by Government on 30 April 2024, and was officially launched on 1 May. The Policy Statement and the accompanying reports can be accessed on the Government of Ireland at www.gov.ie/en/publication/0566b-future-framework-for-offshore-renewable-energy/.
The actions arising from the Future Framework will signal Ireland’s leadership in the offshore renewable energy sector to international governments and industry. Government will work alongside industry and key stakeholders to deliver the ambitions set out in the Future Framework.