Written Answers Nos. 1-23
1. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the amount paid in late payment interest payments for goods and services provided to his Department in each of the years from 2016 to date in 2023; and separately, the top five highest late interest payments made in each of those years, and the service and goods supplier that received the payments, in tabular form. [52655/23]
View answerThe following table details the amount of Prompt Payment Interest and compensation paid by the Department of the Taoiseach from January 2016 to the end of October 2023, which are the latest available figures.
These figures are published on the Department's website on a quarterly basis and reported to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in compliance with the Late Payments in Commercial Transactions Regulations 2012.
|
Year |
Compensation € |
Interest amount € |
Total PPI € |
|
2016 |
€770 |
€44.39 |
€814.39 |
|
2017 |
€330 |
€326.84 |
€656.84 |
|
2018 |
€900 |
€80.43 |
€980.43 |
|
2019 |
€780 |
€271.74 |
€1,051.74 |
|
2020 |
€506.28 |
€155.74 |
€662.02 |
|
2021 |
€260 |
€197.53 |
€457.53 |
|
2022 |
€1,130 |
€185.95 |
€1,315.95 |
|
2023 |
€390 |
€1,109.79 |
€1,499.79 |
The top five highest late interest payments made to suppliers in each year from 2016 to the end of October 2023 are laid out in the table below.
|
Year |
Compensation € |
Interest amount € |
Total PPI € |
Supplier |
|
€70 |
€12.66 |
€82.66 |
Berman & Wallace |
|
|
€70 |
€8.32 |
€78.32 |
Carr Communications Limited |
|
|
€70 |
€1.50 |
€71.50 |
Dell Ireland |
|
|
€40 |
€11.51 |
€51.51 |
AVC Ltd |
|
|
2016 |
€40 |
€3.67 |
€43.67 |
Office Depot (Ireland) Ltd |
|
€100 |
€312.28 |
€412.28 |
Brambles Deli Cafe |
|
|
€40 |
€33.35 |
€73.35 |
BA & Associated |
|
|
€40 |
€4.35 |
€44.35 |
De Búrca Rare Books |
|
|
€40 |
€2.85 |
€42.85 |
Office Depot |
|
|
2017 |
€40 |
€2.16 |
€42.16 |
Office Depot |
|
€70 |
€30.19 |
€100.19 |
Domino People |
|
|
€70 |
€18.99 |
€88.99 |
Reads Print & Design Bureau |
|
|
€40 |
€7.19 |
€47.19 |
Musgraves |
|
|
€40 |
€5.21 |
€45.21 |
pTools |
|
|
2018 |
€40 |
€3.53 |
€43.53 |
Musgraves |
|
€100 |
€79.55 |
€179.55 |
Zero G |
|
|
€100 |
€48.97 |
€148.97 |
Zero G |
|
|
€70 |
€65.27 |
€135.27 |
Denis Cremins |
|
|
€100 |
€31.21 |
€131.21 |
Apogee Corporation |
|
|
2019 |
€70 |
€14.07 |
€84.07 |
Action Point |
|
€70 |
€64.18 |
€134.18 |
Bébhinn Murphy |
|
|
€70 |
€31.05 |
€101.05 |
Bridge Interpreting |
|
|
€70 |
€17.53 |
€87.53 |
Bridge Interpreting |
|
|
€70 |
€6.60 |
€76.60 |
Eir |
|
|
2020 |
€40 |
€5.98 |
€75.95 |
Eir |
|
€70 |
€107.61 |
€177.61 |
Flextime Limited |
|
|
€70 |
€86.14 |
€156.14 |
Institute of Public Administration |
|
|
€40 |
€2.68 |
€42.68 |
Public Relations Institute of Ireland |
|
|
€40 |
€1.09 |
€41.09 |
Cead Mile Focal |
|
|
2021 |
€40 |
€0.01 |
€40.01 |
Waterlogic |
|
€100 |
€25.39 |
€125.39 |
Stuart Brady |
|
|
€100 |
€24.12 |
€124.12 |
Stuart Brady |
|
|
€100 |
€19.52 |
€119.52 |
CT Ireland |
|
|
€70 |
€28.42 |
€98.42 |
Print Post |
|
|
2022 |
€70 |
€21.46 |
€91.46 |
Print Post |
|
€70 |
€718.82 |
€788.82 |
Pi Communications |
|
|
€70 |
€352.28 |
€442.28 |
Pi Communications |
|
|
€70 |
€20.55 |
€90.55 |
Vinehall Ltd |
|
|
€70 |
€7.53 |
€77.53 |
Vinehall Ltd |
|
|
2023 |
€70 |
€6.43 |
€76.43 |
Kevin Rafter |
2. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite passport applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52585/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for the applications have been received. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
These applications are within their turnaround time and have not yet reached their issue-by date.
3. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite a passport application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52617/23]
View answerWith regard the specific application referred to by the Deputy, the Passport Service has been in direct contact with the applicant.
4. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount paid in late payment interest payments for goods and services provided to his Department in each of the years from 2016 to date in 2023; and separately, the top five highest late interest payments made in each of those years, and the service and goods supplier that received the payments, in tabular form. [52647/23]
View answerThe Department is committed to making every effort to pay our suppliers promptly. Where this does not happen within the prescribed timeframe, the creditor is entitled to late payment interest and automatic compensation.
The amount paid in late payment interest and compensation in respect of late payments for good and services provided to the Department for each of the years 2016 to 2023 is provided in the table below.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2016 |
2,206.87 |
|
2017 |
3,685.66 |
|
2018 |
6,014.10 |
|
2019 |
11,649.19 |
|
2020 |
13,322.95 |
|
2021 |
13,680.21 |
|
2022 |
13,836.14 |
|
2023 (to date) |
13,048.28 |
The top five highest late interest/compensation payments made in each of these years and the corresponding supplier is provided in the following table.
|
Late Interest & Compensation Paid |
Supplier Name |
Year |
|
€213.98 |
KILMARTINS |
2016 |
|
€205.55 |
KILMARTINS |
2016 |
|
€205.10 |
KILMARTINS |
2016 |
|
€104.08 |
SHAMROCK LODGE |
2016 |
|
€95.97 |
GERALDINE GARLAND |
2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
€283.32 |
CCL LABEL IRELAND LTD |
2017 |
|
€163.82 |
KNIGHTS CATERING |
2017 |
|
€146.04 |
JUST-PRINT.IE |
2017 |
|
€144.82 |
School Of Oriental & African Studies |
2017 |
|
€137.86 |
ACTION POINT INNOVATION LTD |
2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
€1,107.02 |
International Community School Of Addis Ababa |
2018 |
|
€713.66 |
DAON |
2018 |
|
€315.45 |
DAON |
2018 |
|
€193.82 |
YCVERMILLIONDES |
2018 |
|
€157.10 |
CROWN RELOCATIONS IRELAND |
2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
€1,490.51 |
Vodafone Ireland ltd |
2019 |
|
€855.57 |
OPTIMUM CHAUFFEUR DRIVE |
2019 |
|
€825.90 |
MANGUARD PLUS |
2019 |
|
€410.04 |
OPTIMUM CHAUFFEUR DRIVE |
2019 |
|
€401.16 |
DUBLIN AIRPORT AUTHORITY PLC. |
2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
€979.02 |
ORACLE EMEA LTD |
2020 |
|
€549.81 |
KICK COMMUNICATIONS |
2020 |
|
€528.28 |
AMIDEAST |
2020 |
|
€441.03 |
ADVENTURE PUBLISHING LTD |
2020 |
|
€430.66 |
ECOM SOLUTIONS LTD |
2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
€1,723.52 |
GLEESON'S SPAR HENRY ST |
2021 |
|
€823.08 |
INTEGRITY SOLUTIONS LTD |
2021 |
|
€739.78 |
VODAFONECIRCU |
2021 |
|
€531.76 |
TETRA IRELAND COMMUNICATIONS LTD |
2021 |
|
€489.46 |
DELL COMPUTER |
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
€1,242.92 |
ADVENTURE PUBLISHING LTD |
2022 |
|
€1,134.41 |
INTEGRITY SOLUTIONS LTD |
2022 |
|
€699.62 |
FUNSHOG OFFICE FIT LTD |
2022 |
|
€518.05 |
STORM TECHNOLOGY LTD |
2022 |
|
€495.50 |
BT IRELAND |
2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
€1,346.13 |
BEARING POINT |
2023 |
|
€783.38 |
CONTEXT |
2023 |
|
€528.07 |
ADVENTURE PUBLISHING LTD |
2023 |
|
€409.89 |
BEARING POINT |
2023 |
|
€399.09 |
MANGUARD PLUS |
2023 |
5. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a list of all EU Directives which have not yet been ratified within his Department; the estimated date of ratification of each Directive; and the deadline set by the EU for ratifying each Directive, in tabular form. [52707/23]
View answerMy Department has not been required to transpose any EU Directives over the past 5 years.
6. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52600/23]
View answerMy Department and the European Investment Bank Group recently reached an agreement that paves the way for Government-backed, low-interest home energy upgrade loans. The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund.
The €500 million scheme is the first of its kind for Ireland and the European Investment Bank and will encourage homeowners and non corporate landlords, to invest in the energy efficiency of properties currently used as residential properties, thereby improving the comfort of homes, reducing energy costs and lowering harmful emissions. Those applying for the loan will be able to borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to 10 years. The interest rates will be significantly lower than those currently available in the market as a result of the combination of the EIB Group loan guarantee and a Government-funded interest rate subsidy.
The loans can be used for comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades where those works are also being grant-aided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The loans will help reduce the financial challenges for homeowners and non- corporate landlords, making home energy upgrades more accessible and affordable. It is anticipated that the Home Energy Upgrade Loan will be available through participating retail lenders in Q1 next year and the full eligibility criteria will be published at that point.
7. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the data relating to the funded NDRC accelerator and unfunded pre-accelerators between 2017 and 2023; the breakdown of number of company applicants for each programme to the funded NDRC accelerator and unfunded pre-accelerators from women-only founder companies, men-only founder companies and mixed founders men and women companies. [52797/23]
View answer8. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of founder participants applicants for each programme to the funded NDRC accelerator and unfunded pre-accelerators from women-only founder companies, men-only founder companies and mixed founders men and women companies. [52798/23]
View answer9. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of number of successful companies to the funded NDRC accelerator and unfunded pre-accelerators from women-only founder companies, men-only founder companies and mixed founders men and women. [52799/23]
View answer10. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total monetary value awarded to companies on the funded NDRC accelerator programme based on the gender make up of founders. [52800/23]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together.
NDRC is one of the State’s supports for early-stage enterprises operating in the pre-seed investment funding gap between entrepreneurs/researchers and the commercial investment sector offering accelerator and pre-seed support for enterprises in the digital sector.
NDRC was initially established in 2006 under a Concession Agreement. The initial value of the concession agreement was €5m per annum and was €3.5m annually since 2013.
Following a procurement process a contract was awarded in November of 2020 to Dogpatch Labs to continue the NDRC supported by its regional partners in Kerry, Cork and Galway. This contract expires in 2025 and has a value of €3.5million per annum. The principal services, provided under the NDRC name include:
1. Accelerator Programmes and capital investments in early-stage digital enterprises
2. Regional services: a variety of pre-accelerator programmes and “training the trainer” services
3. Investment portfolio management.
The nature of concession agreement and reporting thereunder means that my Department does not have access to the information relating to applicants prior to the current services contract for the then NDRC programmes.
11. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on Ireland’s climate finance to developing countries; how much was provided in 2020, 2021, 2022 and in 2023, in tabular form; how much is planned to be spent in 2024 and in 2025, in tabular form; if there is an overall target to 2030; if this climate finance will be separate to loss and damage fund to be discussed at COP 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52605/23]
View answerInternational climate finance is a key priority for Government. At COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 Ireland committed to delivering at least €225 million per year in climate finance to developing countries by 2025. Ireland has not yet set a target beyond 2025.
Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap, published in 2022, sets out Ireland’s pathway to achieve this commitment and outlines a long-term vision for international climate finance as one where the poorest and most vulnerable people, especially those living in the least developed countries, small island developing states, and fragile states and communities, are supported and empowered to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
Recognising the devastating impact that the climate crisis can have on a country’s ability to pay back debt, Ireland understands that access to climate finance is key and, therefore, our climate finance is primarily grant-based and is channelled through numerous bilateral and civil society mechanisms, as well as multilateral funds such as the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility.
Ireland's climate finance is delivered by my Department; the Department of Foreign Affairs; the Department of Finance; and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Reporting of climate finance delivered in any given year is conducted in the following year. In September 2023 Ireland conducted reporting on its 2022 climate finance delivery.
Ireland’s support for loss and damage initiatives forms part of our commitment to deliver at least €225 million per year in climate finance to developing countries by 2025. This comprises a more than doubling of our support since 2020.
To date, we have demonstrated our commitment to loss and damage by pledging to initiatives such as the Santiago Network, which, once fully established, will provide technical assistance on loss and damage, and the Global Shield, which provides social protection support and insurance for disaster affected communities.
Ireland is working with our EU partners to coordinate pledging to a new Loss and Damage Fund, pending formal agreement on a satisfactory text at COP28.
Ireland’s International Climate Finance
|
Year |
Amount |
Comment |
|
2020 |
€88,300,000 |
|
|
2021 |
€99,600,000 |
|
|
2022 |
At least €115,000,000 |
This figure is currently undergoing verification by the OECD and therefore is subject to change. |
|
2023 |
€147,000,000 |
Estimated figure based on best available information to date. Subject to change. |
|
2024 |
€172,000,000 |
Estimated figure based on Budget 2024 allocations. Subject to change. |
|
2025 |
|
Ireland’s climate finance delivery is subject to annual budgetary negotiations. Estimated spend for 2025 is therefore currently unavailable. |
12. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are any continuous supports for elderly people who are dependent on electric-powered medical devices with regard to constant increased and unaffordable energy bills (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52625/23]
View answerBudget 2024 introduced a total €2.2 billion suite of once-off Cost of Living supports, to assist families, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.
The Budget package includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €412.83 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €137.61 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - December 2023, January/February 2024 and March/April 2024. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.007 billion.
Through the Submeter Support Scheme, three payments of €137.61 (exclusive of VAT) will also be paid to supplier submeter accounts, identified by suppliers, which cannot receive payments under Scheme III.
Under the Solar PV for medically vulnerable Scheme, grant support will be provided to approximately 4,000 customers on the priority services register to install solar PV systems at their homes.
In addition, vulnerable customers who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, cannot be disconnected for non-payment of account at any time. It is important that people who are in such situations contact their energy supplier to register with them as a vulnerable customer. Their energy supplier will then notify ESB Networks, which maintains a Vulnerable Customer Register.
Suppliers are also required to ensure that all registered vulnerable customers are on the most economic tariff available for their chosen payment method and billing format.
In recent weeks, price reductions between 9 and 30% have been announced by SSE Airtricity, Energia, Pinergy, Electric Ireland, Prepay Power, Flogas and Bord Gáis Energy who share approximately 98% of both the retail electricity market and the retail gas market in Ireland.
Customers can expect to see this reflected in retail bills (for households and businesses) received from this month.
13. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the doubling of the cost recently of alternative heating materials, for example, wood pellet stoves (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52626/23]
View answerAs Minister, I have no role or function in determining the retail price of wood pellets or other solid fuels. However, my Department will continue to examine the need for policies to increase the use of wood and wood products in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
In order to reduce the carbon footprint of domestic heating, the National Heat Study, published in February 2022, found that heat pumps are the optimal decarbonisation path for domestic heating systems, with district heating also identified as a competitive option that can be widely deployed. These approaches are being prioritised by Government.
To facilitate the use of these technologies in the decarbonisation and overall energy use needs of our building stock, the Government has established a Heat and Built Environment Delivery Taskforce and will publish a new Heat Policy Statement to guide the Government’s overall response to the National Heat Study across all sectors.
14. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount paid in late payment interest payments for goods and services provided to his Department in each of the years from 2016 to date in 2023; and separately, the top five highest late interest payments made in each of those years, and the service and goods supplier that received the payments, in tabular form. [52645/23]
View answerAll central Government Departments are required to pay their suppliers within 15 calendar days of receipt of a valid invoice. Late payment interest falls due after 30 days has elapsed, provided that the invoice is not subject to query. Where late payment interest falls due, the supplier is also entitled to the automatic payment of compensation costs.
My Department makes every effort to ensure that payments are paid promptly although there are exceptions that arise.
The attached detail outlines the amount paid in late payment interest payments for goods and services provided to my Department in each of the years from 2016 to date in 2023 as well as the top five highest late interest payments made in each of those years and the service and goods supplier that received the payments.
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Total Late Interest Paid |
€3,102.74 |
€6,604.50 |
€10,484.92 |
€12,565.60 |
€11,259.92 |
€19,667.39 |
€36,406.67 |
€42,608.75 |
|
2016 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
Doyle Kent Planning Partnership Ltd |
€745.86 |
|
BT Business Direct Ireland |
€217.73 |
|
BMF Business Services E & P Ltd |
€101.42 |
|
Marina Marketing & Management T/A Dun Laoghaire Marina |
€99.12 |
|
News Access Ltd |
€83.22 |
|
2017 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
Malvern Panalytical Ltd |
€648.83 |
|
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
€466.90 |
|
Griffith College Dublin |
€289.99 |
|
UCD Bursar´s Office |
€319.18 |
|
Sord Data Systems Ltd T/A Sord Data Systems |
€133.18 |
|
2018 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
Margaret O´Keeffe |
€572.81 |
|
United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) |
€330.57 |
|
United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) |
€254.85 |
|
Storm Technology Ltd |
€215.30 |
|
53 Degrees Design Ltd |
€192.90 |
|
2019 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
McKinsey & Co Inc Ireland |
€1,340.11 |
|
Oracle |
€972.78 |
|
Applanix Corporation |
€489.14 |
|
Codaoctopus |
€364.75 |
|
McKinsey & Co Inc Ireland |
€289.79 |
|
2020 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
Vodafone Ireland PLC |
€627.72 |
|
Shane Carey |
€389.02 |
|
Vodafone Ireland PLC |
€363.86 |
|
McKinsey & Co Inc Ireland |
€362.85 |
|
Pc Peripherals T/A P N S Ltd |
€305.93 |
|
2021 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
Matheson |
€830.74 |
|
MJ Flood Ireland Ltd |
€504.79 |
|
Byrne Wallace |
€500.57 |
|
Byrne Wallace |
€354.14 |
|
Reveal Data Corporation Limited |
€298.74 |
|
2022 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
Mediavest T/A Spark Foundry |
€1,847.77 |
|
PHD Media (Ireland) Ltd |
€1,561.97 |
|
Dullea Well Drilling Ltd. |
€1,525.06 |
|
Arthur Cox Solicitor |
€1,138.50 |
|
Mediavest T/A Spark Foundry |
€1,090.51 |
|
2023 |
|
|
Supplier |
Total LPI |
|
Aurum Exploration Ltd |
€2,134.55 |
|
Mazars |
€1,893.02 |
|
Institute Of Public Administration |
€1,878.29 |
|
Arthur Cox Solicitor |
€1,659.07 |
|
Rappel Enterprises Ltd T/A Arklow Marine Services |
€1,355.46 |
15. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide the latest financial modelling of the total cost of implementing all actions set out in the 2021 Climate Action Plan to achieve net-zero targets by 2030, and also targets between 2030 and 2050, including a detailed breakdown of the costings, along with details of how these broad ranges of measures will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52672/23]
View answer16. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide details of all cost-benefit analysis studies that have been carried out on the total cost of implementing all actions set out in the 2021 climate action plan to achieve net-zero targets by 2030, and also targets between 2030 and 2050, incorporating the impact on living standards and on inflation, and to provide a detailed breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52674/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 set out legally-binding emissions reduction targets for Ireland to reach by 2030 and 2050. Ireland is now required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, relative to 2008 levels, and to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. The 2021 Act also introduced a strengthened climate governance framework with requirements to prepare and implement carbon budgets and sectoral emission ceilings. The adoption of these 5-year budgets and ceilings in 2022 has provided for more urgent emissions reduction targets, disaggregated on a sectoral-basis, that provide an emissions reduction pathway to our 2030 and 2050 targets.
The underlying analysis within Climate Action Plan 2021, which was published in November 2021, included a modelled estimate, based on available information at the time of writing CAP21, that suggested the delivery of CAP21 for the period 2021 to 2030 could require approximately €125 billion to be mobilised in key technology areas, and that this investment would need to come from both public and private sources.
Following the enactment of 2021 Climate Act and the adoption of the carbon budgets and sectoral emission ceilings in 2022, Climate Action Plan 2023 included a revised estimate of approximately €119 billion in incremental and redirected capital investment in low-carbon technologies and infrastructure for the period 2022 to 2030 to support the achievement of our emission reduction targets. Again, this funding comprises both private and public sources of investment. It must be noted that the total costs will be dependent upon the various policy pathways selected as we further develop and implement our climate action plans and long-term strategies.
Both Climate Action Plans also include an overview of the various potential benefits and costs relating to Ireland’s transition to a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient society. Further assessment and appraisal of climate policies, measures and actions will be required at a sectoral-level and must be in line with the Government’s value-for-money guidelines, as set out in the Public Spending Code.
Work will continue to further determine and assess the potential costs and benefits of our transition to carbon-neutrality. This work will require inter-Departmental engagement and collaboration, as well as contributions from State Agencies and research organisations with expertise in the relevant policy areas.
17. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the ground transport, heat and electrical sector generation, transmission, and distribution have been fully factored into both the 2030 and 2050 climate action targets; if so, to provide detailed financial assumptions for each, including how they will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52676/23]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 set out legally-binding emissions reduction targets for Ireland to reach by 2030 and 2050. Ireland is now required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, relative to 2018 levels, and to reach net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The Climate Act also introduced a strengthened climate governance framework with requirements to prepare and implement carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings. The adoption of these 5-year budgets and the sectoral emissions ceilings gives greater clarity on the need for ambitious emission reduction pathways, disaggregated on a sectoral-basis to meet our 2030 and 2050 targets. In line with the Climate Act, the sectors listed by the Deputy are included in the carbon budgeting process.
The underlying analysis within Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP 23) included an estimate of circa €119 billion in incremental and redirected capital investment in low-carbon technologies and infrastructure for the period 2022 to 2030 to support the achievement of our emissions reduction targets. However, the total costs will be dependent upon the various policy pathways selected as we further develop and implement our climate action plans and long term strategies. CAP 23 does not set out investment requirements for each sector, this is a matter for detailed policy design in each sector.
The required investment for 2050 is not yet defined and will depend, inter alia, on technological developments, and carbon budgets in place by the Oireachtas over time.
18. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline in detail the projected size requirement of the Irish electricity grid to power all the heating required for buildings, both domestic and commercial, as set out in the climate action plan using joule heat (heat pumps), in comparison to today's grid size; the financial costs of doing so; how this investment will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52679/23]
View answerThe Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the regulation of the distribution and transmission system operators. The Deputy is reminded that the CRU is an independent regulator accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister.
Eirgrid, the Transmission System Operator, in July 2023 published an updated version of “Shaping Our Electricity Future”, which is a plan led approach to deliver an electricity system to meet Ireland’s Climate Action targets and Carbon Budgets while allowing for electricity demand growth. Implementing the required changes at transmission level will see over 350 projects undertaken. ESB Networks, the Distribution System Operator, in January 2023 published their “Networks for Net Zero” Strategy which outlines its commitment to futureproofing Ireland’s electricity network, meeting our 2030 goals, and enabling Ireland’s goal of net zero by 2025.
In relation to electrical wiring within a home, each situation is unique and the need to upgrade domestic wiring would be a matter for the consumer, depending on the electrical appliances that they have, the existing condition of their electrical wiring and their future plans with respect to replacing their existing heating or transport solutions Therefore, the cost involved in making necessary improvements will depend on each household’s specific circumstances.
The cost of building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system is recovered by system operators through charges on customers, all of which is overseen and agreed with the CRU. System operator spending is agreed with the CRU in five-year cycles, referred to as Price Reviews. The current Price Review, PR5, spans the period 2021 to 2025 and will see a capital investment spend of €4 billion in the electricity network. PR5 will play an important role in enabling the transition to a low carbon system by 2030 by facilitating the integration of greater levels of renewable generation into the grid.
19. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the expected number of homes in Ireland that will have to be rewired (details supplied) including with a bigger mains fuse, other necessary rewiring, etc., to meet the needs of the new electrical distribution system (as set out in the climate action plan) being proposed to power EVs, heat pumps, and other energy efficiency measures; the average costs for each home; the existing proposals from the Government to fund such investment for both domestic and commercial buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52680/23]
View answerThe Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the regulation of the distribution and transmission system operators. The Deputy is reminded that the CRU is an independent regulator accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister.
Eirgrid, the Transmission System Operator, in July 2023 published an updated version of “Shaping Our Electricity Future”, which is a plan led approach to deliver an electricity system to meet Ireland’s Climate Action targets and Carbon Budgets while allowing for electricity demand growth. Implementing the required changes at transmission level will see over 350 projects undertaken. ESB Networks, the Distribution System Operator, in January 2023 published their “Networks for Net Zero” Strategy which outlines its commitment to futureproofing Ireland’s electricity network, meeting our 2030 goals, and enabling Ireland’s goal of net zero by 2025.
In relation to electrical wiring within a home, each situation is unique and the need to upgrade domestic wiring would be a matter for the consumer, depending on the electrical appliances that they have, the existing condition of their electrical wiring and their future plans with respect to replacing their existing heating or transport solutions Therefore, the cost involved in making necessary improvements will depend on each household’s specific circumstances.
The cost of building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system is recovered by system operators through charges on customers, all of which is overseen and agreed with the CRU. System operator spending is agreed with the CRU in five-year cycles, referred to as Price Reviews. The current Price Review, PR5, spans the period 2021 to 2025 and will see a capital investment spend of €4 billion in the electricity network. PR5 will play an important role in enabling the transition to a low carbon system by 2030 by facilitating the integration of greater levels of renewable generation into the grid.
20. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the analysis that has been carried out by his Department to determine if the Irish vehicle fleet were to go electric tomorrow, how many tonnes of cobalt, lithium carbonate and copper would be required; whether he agrees that this increase in metal mining via open-cast mining is unsustainable from an ecological perspective, and also from a human rights perspective due to the exploitation of workers, including child labour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52682/23]
View answerThe Department of the Environment; Climate and Communications has commissioned a report Green Metals: Demand Arising from Decarbonisation of Energy and Transport Sectors. The report estimates metal and material demand stemming from energy and transport sectoral targets to 2030 using knowledge of raw material usage in green technologies. The report is available at www.gov.ie
My Department’s Policy Statement on Mining and Mineral Exploration published in 2022 outlines a framework that supports environmentally sustainable mineral exploration and to maximise the contribution that exploration and mining can make to our society, economic development and the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions through the supply of the raw materials.
Securing a sustainable supply of raw materials has become an issue of importance for the EU. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has been leading negotiations for Ireland on the Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act. The proposal aims to strengthen the different stages of the European critical raw materials CRM value chain; diversify the EU's imports of CRMs to reduce strategic dependencies; improve the EU capacity to monitor and mitigate current and future risks of supply disruptions; and ensure the free movement of CRMs on the single market. All actions arising from these objectives will be based on socially and environmentally responsible practices and value chain development in mineral-producing countries. This is essential for the achievement of the EU’s Green Deal objectives and for green economic development in mineral-producing countries outside of Europe.
21. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he agrees with detailed scientific analysis on metal mining requirements for EVs carried out by scientists at the UK National History Museum (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52683/23]
View answer22. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a list of all EU Directives which have not yet been ratified within his Department; the estimated date of ratification of each Directive; and the deadline set by the EU for ratifying each Directive, in tabular form. [52705/23]
View answer23. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if schemes are available for persons living beside wind farms (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52723/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No 110 of 28 November 2023.
The project specified is part of the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) Scheme, which closed for new applicants in 2015; this scheme does not include a specific requirement to establish a Community Benefit Fund.
The current Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which commenced in 2020, and Offshore RESS (ORESS) projects are required to establish a Community Benefit Fund to be used for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. The contribution is set at €2 per Megawatt hour of generation of the RESS Project. This means real and quantifiable funds being made available annually by RESS projects for the benefit of local communities.
The Community Benefit Fund National Register, which is managed by the SEAI, is available on the SEAI website at cbfnationalregister.seai.ie.
Renewable energy industry bodies recommend the establishment of a local community fund by all new renewable energy projects as part of their best practice principles to community engagement.
Furthermore, my Department's Roadmap on Renewable Electricity Corporate Power Purchase Agreements recommends that parties engaged in CPPAs should include a level of community benefit, through contributions or investment in communities similar to those supported under RESS.
