I welcome Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, to the House.
Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters
Natural Gas Imports
I welcome the Minister of State.
In 2021, Ireland banned the importation of fracked gas. The Cabinet decision on Monday, 3 March to procure a State-owned liquified natural gas, LNG, terminal coupled with the granting of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála last week for a 600 MW gas-powered power station indicates a reversal of this policy. Conventional natural gas is damaging to the environment. LNG or as we know it, fracked gas, is particularly and immediately damaging to the local environment. It is known around the world that fracking leads to the contamination of drinking and ground water by both the fracking chemicals and escaping gas. It has been linked to earthquakes, including at least one in Lancashire that contributed to the UK's Government decision to ban fracked gas in 2019. There are communities in parts of the US where fracking is allowed, such as Pennsylvania. This is a high-profile issue. Much higher instances of devastating diseases, such as childhood leukemia, lymphoma, heart, skin and respiratory issues, have been verified. Thanks in part of the tireless work of Country Leitrim-based campaigners and former Fine Gael Sligo-Leitrim TD, Tony McLoughlin, a ban on exploration for the fracking of gas on the Irish land on inshore waters was introduced in 2017.
The 2020 programme for Government, Our Shared Future, stated: "As Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality we do not believe that it makes sense to develop an LNG - gas import terminals importing fracked gas." A moratorium on the construction of any LNG infrastructure followed in 2021 and when the Planning and Development Act made its way through the Oireachtas last year, the Government repeatedly assured us that there were no plans to import fracked gas. In a Dáil debate on 15 October 2024, only less than six months ago, previous environment Minister, Deputy Ryan, said: "The Government policy has not changed ... the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas ... the Government does not support the commercial import of LNG as the development of the infrastructure for the commercial import of LNG would be inconsistent with the decarbonisation strategy". He went on to say that Ireland's natural gas supply and infrastructure were adequate. He also recognised that a terminal for LNG would theoretically be filled with non-fracked gas. He said there was no Trojan horse. It is not feasible, however, to expect shipments of LNG to not contain fracked gas. What other threats are concealed inside this particular Trojan horse? The two previous Governments from 2016 to 2024, both of which included Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, either directly or through confidence and supply, have clearly directed the State away from the increased use of fossil fuels and emphatically rejected the use of LNG obtained through fracking. This has appeared to have changed in recent weeks. The Minister for the environment brought a memorandum to Cabinet, which approved a plan to develop a State-led LNG terminal to be based at coastal location. This is quite near the Minister of State's own constituency. It was confirmed that the Minister believes that the legal position is that we cannot distinguish between fracked and non-fracked gas. If that is the case, is it not better to not accept any form of LNG? We cannot be part of a system that enriches fossil fuel exploitation co-operation at the expense of the health and lives of children in Pennsylvania.
The granting of planning permission to Shannon LNG for a 600 MW gas-fired power plant in County Kerry appears to confirm the Government's direction of travel. There is a meeting this afternoon in Buswells Hotel with many environmental groups at 12 p.m.. A total of 12 senior climate academics based in Irish universities wrote to the Taoiseach in February warning of the dangers of LNG. The Minister for the environment appears to be ignoring them and it seems that they are inconvenient voices. I would like the Minister of State to clearly state if in fact that the Government policy has changed towards the use of LNG, how this will impact on our commit to reduce our carbon footprint by 51% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050 and if we are to permit the importation of fracked gas, why has this policy changed. I also call for the release of all information, particularly any reports commissioned by the previous Minister, Deputy Ryan, relating to Ireland's future energy needs.
I thank the Senator for her question and for the opportunity to discuss this important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien.
As outlined in the programme for Government, the Government is committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The programme for Government also commits to achieving 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 and to take all necessary action to ensure and protect Ireland's energy security.
It is through delivering on this commitment that a secure and sustainable energy future will be delivered. I recently received Government approval to proceed with the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulations. The emergency reserve will be in the form of a floating storage and regasification unit, FSRU, to be owned on behalf of the State by the system operator, Gas Networks Ireland, GNI. This is a similar approach to that used for oil security by the National Oil Reserves Agency.
In identifying this as the optimal approach, my Department has built upon the extensive review of security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems, which was approved by Government in the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 plan in November 2023. The plan sets out Ireland’s ambition to transform our energy system and support our climate objectives. The plan includes 28 actions, under the pillars of sustainability, affordability and security. Under action 17 of that plan, GNI was tasked with reviewing and recommending the optimal approach. The extensive body of work that culminated in the publication of the energy security package has been complemented by the GNI report, a number of emergency exercises, and an updated projection regarding compliance with the EU infrastructure standard N-1, taking account of the most up-to-date data.
The strategic gas emergency reserve is a transitional measure that supports a secure transition of our energy system. The policy decision taken by the Government ensures the risk of stranded fossil fuel assets is reduced. The reserve will be used for emergency use and does not support increased gas demand. These provisions will be underpinned by policy and legislation that my Department is progressing as a matter of priority. The facility will be owned and operated by Gas Networks Ireland and public procurement processes will determine any future delivery partners. Gas Networks Ireland will now progress the project through the relevant planning and regulatory structures. Final costs to deliver this strategic gas emergency reserve and the cost recovery model will be assessed and considered to inform a final investment decision. The financial, operational, commercial and regulation details will be finalised as part of these processes. The approval of the State-led strategic reserve concludes the energy security review. Related reports will be considered for future publication.
On the specific point raised by the Senator, I will bring this back for the attention of the Minister. Some of it was not dealt with in the response given but I will bring those specific points back.
The Minister of State mentioned a temporary gas reserve, energy security and an emergency reserve. In the area I represent in Leitrim, people have been campaigning for this for years. I believe the evidence is very strong. Will the Minister of State ask the Minister what does he mean by "temporary"? How long will it take to build the terminal? It took five years to build a terminal in Poland. If we are actually supposed to reduce our emissions by 2050 how does it make sense? Do we really want to invest this money? We want to move away from fossil fuels but it will take five years to build it.
The Minister of State also talked about energy security, a term that is floated all the time. If we are under threat, I suppose from the Russians targeting our existing pipelines, then surely a floating LNG terminal would be the first thing someone would target. Would it not be better to use these resources to access, store and distribute the limitless and free natural resources we have in wind, solar and wave technology and to invest in the proper and smart electrification of these resources?
The Minister of State spoke about an energy reserve. This is where the research is coming in very clearly. It is not a matter of filling the terminal once. LNG needs to be fresh to maintain this. To maintain a seven-day strategic reserve requires six replenishments of the gas per year. I again call on the Minister of State to please try to push this back. This is such a concern. Is the Government totally reversing its policy, which was previously stated, to not choose fracked gas? Is that now null and void? Is this the way the condition is now?
I thank Senator Cosgrove for her contribution on this matter. I note the concern she has raised in her contributions, which will be brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. The State-led strategic gas emergency reserve, operating on a non-commercial basis and for use only in the event of an emergency, would provide resilience to the gas system, mitigate against major consequences for our society and our economy that would arise from limited gas supply or disruption in Ireland. The Department is developing the appropriate policy and administration measures to ensure a strategic reserve provides the resilience to energy in a manner that does not inadvertently increase gas demand but that means the gas supply available on the market is compatible with Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts.
The Government focus is on implementing the 28 actions of the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 plan, including action 17 for a very discrete and limited transitional role for LNG infrastructure in Ireland in the form of a strategic emergency gas reserve. This is central to enhancing the resilience of Ireland's energy system in the event of an emergency or foreign disruption to our subsea gas infrastructure. An application for fossil fuel infrastructure in Ireland is subject to planning consent and regulatory approvals by the relevant bodies. The provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 will apply.
Commercial Rates
I thank the Minister of State for taking this question today. I wish to address the significant importance of our local government and the equitable treatment of our elected representatives. Will the Minister of State clarify whether the exemptions from commercial rates which currently benefit TDs, Senators and MPs will be extended to the constituency offices of county councillors? As we are all aware, the exemption for commercial rates for the constituency office of TDs, Senators and MPs is a recognition of the essential public service they provide. It helps them to operate their offices, thereby enabling them to focus on servicing their constituents more effectively. County councillors, who are the backbone of our local government system, do not currently enjoy this exemption. These dedicated representatives work tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of the local communities. Of all elected representatives, they are the closest to our citizens and they are often the first point of contact for constituents seeking assistance on a wide range of issues from housing and planning to local infrastructure and community services.
It is only fair and just that county councillors receive the same support as our counterparts in the national and European parliaments. The financial burden of commercial rates on councillors' constituency offices can be significant, especially considering they receive the lowest pay of all elected representatives and that the majority of them have to work part time in addition to their council work.
A report in the Business Post in 2023 highlighted that Ireland has the weakest local government in the European Union. While broader reforms to strengthen local government are sorely needed, the extension of the commercial rates exemption is a good start and is readily achievable. The lack of this exemption is an unnecessary impediment to councillors' ability to serve the public effectively. I urge the Minister of State to consider the invaluable role county councillors play in our democratic system and to inform this House if the extension of the commercial rate exemption to the constituency offices has been discussed by his Minister. If so, what have they discussed and what plans and timelines have they formulated?
I thank Senator Keogan for the question and for the opportunity to discuss the rationale for the valuation of constituency offices. I will take this Commencement matter on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne.
Tailte Éireann is an independent government agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, a property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. As Minister of State, I have no function in decisions in this regard.
The Valuation Act 2001, as amended, provides that a property is rateable unless it is expressly exempted. Schedule 4 of the Act of 2001 lists the categories of property that are not liable for commercial rates. Paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 provides for an exemption for premises occupied by a Member of either House of the Oireachtas or a representative in the European Parliament and used exclusively by that Member or representative for the purpose of accommodating their constituency office. This exemption does not extend to constituency offices of city and county councillors or offices or premises occupied by political parties.
This provision in the Act was introduced to address an anomaly that existed prior to the passage of the legislation where a Deputy or Senator who located his or her constituency office in the Leinster House office complex was not liable for rates because the premises occupied by the Houses of the Oireachtas, being an office of State, would have been exempt from rates under section 15(3) of the Act, and now in Schedule 4, paragraph 12A. Whereas, up to 2 May 2002, the date of commencement of the Valuation Act 2001, if a Deputy’s constituency office were located outside Leinster House, he or she would be liable for rates in respect of that property. Therefore, in the interests of equity, any building or part of a building occupied by a Member of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament is now deemed to be exempt from rates under the 2001 Act if such property is occupied by the Member and used exclusively for the purposes of accommodating that Member’s constituency office. This is established in Schedule 4, paragraph 19, to the Valuation Act 2001.
Notwithstanding the dedication and time committed to the performance of the role and functions of county and city councillors, which we all accept, it is generally acknowledged that elected members of local authorities, while playing an important and pivotal part in the functioning of local government, fulfil their role in a part-time capacity where the vocational or voluntary aspect of public service is a long-standing and valued part of elected office. Consequently, very few, if any, locally elected members occupy rateable premises that are used exclusively for the purposes of accommodating their constituency office. We do, though, acknowledge the great work that councillors do and the vital role they play.
There are no plans at this time for the exemption contained in paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 to the Act to be extended to include constituency offices occupied by county or city councillors, for the reasons I outlined. Exempting any class or use of property, such as offices used exclusively by county and city councillors in the performance of their role, would require an amendment to the primary legislation, namely, the Valuation Act 2001.
I thank the Minister of State. This House might look to amending paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 to the Act in this regard. While I have the Minister of State here, he might comment on whether the Department has discussed changes to the vouched system of expenses for county councillors. Currently, councillors receive €4,200 in vouched expenses and €960 in unvouched expenses. However, after extensive experience of working with many councillors, it is clear the current remuneration is insufficient, especially considering the impact of inflation on operating costs. Councillors are too often restricted in serving their constituents, with the more fortunate ones having to reach into their pockets to make up the difference. Does the Minister for local government intend to reform or improve the current vouched system? These measures would not only provide financial relief but also acknowledge the critical work county councillors do in representing and advocating for their communities.
Will the Minister of State provide a clear and definite answer to this issue? Our county councillors deserve the same level of support and recognition as all our elected representatives. Extending the commercial rates exemption to constituency offices and improving the vouched system is a step forward, ensuring fairness and equity in our local governance system and a move towards strengthening our local democracy.
Once again, I thank Senator Keogan for her contribution on this matter. I note the concerns she has raised. More particularly, I refer to the point she raised concerning vouched and unvouched expenses. I have no doubt she will take it up with my party colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for local government, Deputy Cummins. I will also bring it to his attention.
To reiterate, Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and neither I nor the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has any function regarding decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act 2001, as amended, provides that a property is rateable unless it is expressly exempted. Schedule 4 to the Act of 2001 lists the categories of property not liable for commercial rates. Paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 provides for an exemption for premises occupied by a Member of either House of the Oireachtas or a representative in the European Parliament and used exclusively by that Member or representative for the purpose of accommodating their constituency office. This exemption does not extend to constituency offices of city and county councillors or offices or premises occupied by political parties. There are no plans at this time to amend the Valuation Act 2001 to change which properties are exempt from commercial rates. This would require primary legislation and a full review to encompass all potentially impacted properties, including the properties discussed in today's debate.
Defence Forces
I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Commencement matter. Last August, the then Minister of State with special responsibility for sport, Deputy Thomas Byrne, launched the national swimming strategy. This was the first such swimming strategy. Its purpose was to show the determination to make swimming a key focus in respect of giving everybody the opportunity to learn to swim and to be able to swim. Indeed, swimming is a very popular sport and we have seen this through our successes in the Olympic, Paralympic and Special Olympic games. Part of that strategy consisted of opening a process for submissions and almost 6,000 were received. This proved that people wanted everybody to have the opportunity to be able to swim.
Kildare is a growing county, as the Minister of State knows. It is divided into two Dáil constituencies. In the constituency of Kildare South, there is only one public swimming pool and that is based in Athy, which is some distance from Newbridge and Kildare town, where there are growing and developing populations. Prior to Covid-19, local schools and swimming clubs, as well as the families of serving and former members of the Defence Forces, were able to avail of the Curragh swimming pool. This was certainly a great asset and bonus while we await a public swimming pool. We all understand that the rules had to change during Covid, but there has been no sign of the pool reopening since then except to serving members.
I had several meetings with the then Minister for Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin, and it was agreed with the Defence Forces that money would be put into providing more access and into the changing rooms. When that was completed, along with the provision of new lifeguards, the swimming pool was to open to those who had had access prior to Covid. Those works were completed in September 2024, at a cost of almost €300,000. Several competitions have been held and advertisements issued to try to recruit lifeguards, but the Defence Forces have said they are finding it impossible to get them. One swimming club approached the Department of Defence and said it was willing to provide its own lifeguards and insurance.
It is shocking that taxpayers' money was spent to enable people to access what should be a major community asset, as well as one for the Defence Forces, without a result. There must be another way, including even by contracting out the matter. I say this because as it stands, while we have private swimming pools, it basically comes down to whether people can afford to be a member of a private gym or club with a swimming pool or whether they are going to be disenfranchised, as I believe they are being. My plea is to get an update and timeline on this matter. There must be a way for lifeguards to be recruited, with access then given to schools and school children, in particular. Only 28% of school children now are going to regular swimming lessons but it has been suggested that this should increase to 40%. I look forward to the response from the Minister of State.
I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I am responding on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Deputy Harris, who, unfortunately, cannot be present. He has asked me to pass on his apologies to the House.
On his behalf, I welcome the opportunity to respond on this matter and thank Senator O’Loughlin for her question. There is a long-standing policy of the Department and the Defence Forces to allow third-party access to Defence Forces facilities and properties to support local communities and raise the profile of the Defence Forces among the public. This policy extends to a wide number of groups and activities, including local schools, GAA clubs, soccer clubs and numerous community groups. In this regard, the Department issues a large number of annual licence agreements for the use of pitches and facilities.
All such requests are subject to approval by the Department and the Defence Forces and signed conditions being returned by applicant organisations, which include the provision of relevant insurance. These include requests from schools and clubs for ongoing use of the swimming pool at the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh Camp. While the Defence Forces use the swimming pool for their own activities, historically, third-party users, such as the military swimming club, schools in local communities surrounding the Curragh Camp and family members of serving Defence Forces personnel, were also afforded the opportunity to use the pool.
During the Covid pandemic, use of Defence Forces lands and properties by third parties, including the swimming pool in the Defence Forces training centre, was discontinued in accordance with the national restrictions then in place. Since then, most facilities previously used have now been opened up to external users on a licensed basis. In consideration of the reopening of the pool to other users, the Defence Forces undertook a review and assessment of what was required to reopen the facility. Having completed that review and in the context of existing resources and capacities, the pool was reopened for Defence Forces operational requirements only. The review also highlighted that pre the Covid pandemic, it was evident that the level of third-party usage was placing a strain on the Defence Forces in ensuring both the operational availability of the pool and the ability to properly maintain the facility.
Two areas of investment were identified before the pool can be opened in a limited capacity to third-party users, namely, an increase in civilian lifeguards and refurbishment works to the pool, changing facilities and access control. The Senator will be aware from her engagement with the Department on this issue across recent years that a refurbishment project was undertaken in January 2024, which was completed in July 2024. The outstanding issue remains the recruitment of civilian lifeguards, which she very much alluded to in her contribution. Recent recruitment campaigns have so far, unfortunately, proven fruitless. I am informed that two recruitment competitions have been run and no viable applications received. As such, there is currently insufficient lifeguards to facilitate the reopening of the pool to third parties at this time. Department officials are examining some possible workarounds but until a solution can be identified, it is regrettable that the pool must remain closed to third parties.
I assure the Senator that the Tánaiste is committed to ongoing positive engagement with local schools and clubs in allowing the use of military facilities, where possible, and that every effort is being made to progress the reopening of the pool on a limited basis. The Tánaiste has requested his officials to come forward with defined proposals to facilitate what she requested regarding third-party users for communities and local schools in the area.
I thank the Minister of State for his response, which I am disappointed with because I hoped for some new information. I raised this issue previously as a Commencement matter and, as outlined in the response, I have been in contact with Department officials on a regular basis. When we have such a good community asset in an area where there is no public swimming pool, it is regrettable and completely wrong that schools and other swim clubs cannot use this pool due to a situation where no lifeguards are there. I cannot understand why private swimming pools are able to recruit lifeguards. I have seen that and asked about it in private swimming pools around County Kildare. Those pools are able to recruit so I cannot understand how that is an issue. Even in the interim, if a swim club has its own lifeguards and insurance, it should be given access. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State would bring that back to the Tánaiste and the Department.
I again thank the Senator for her contribution on this important matter, which she is very much committed to. I appreciate that this pool is first and foremost a training facility for Defence Forces personnel but it is the firm intention of the Tánaiste that nearby schools be facilitated with access in due course. The Tánaiste has requested a concentrated body of work from the officials in his Department to bring forward proposals to find a pathway to facilitate the pool being made available to nearby schools and the community. As outlined previously in the House, following representations received on the reopening of the pool, the Defence Forces were instructed to undertake an examination of the usage of the Defence Forces training centre swimming pool. That examination identified the need for significant additional resources, including additional staff and minor works, to ensure appropriately child-friendly measures are put in place.
As I said, and very much reiterate to the Senator, it is the intention of the Tánaiste that nearby schools be facilitated with access as soon as possible. He has requested a specific, concentrated body of work from his Department to bring forward proposals to him as Minister of Defence to look at the various options to provide that lifeguard capability within the Defence Forces pool to enable it to be accessible to nearby schools in the community. I will bring back the Senator's specific request and concerns about this to the Tánaiste.
I welcome guests of Deputy John Lahart to the Chamber who are students and teachers from St. Pius X Girls' National School. I am aware a grand-niece of the Deputy is also here. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy the day and learn a lot. There might be some future politicians in the group. If they have not done so already, I instruct the teachers to give a day off homework today.
Cuireadh an Seanad ar fionraí ar 11.06 a.m. agus cuireadh tús leis arís ar 11.30 a.m.
Sitting suspended at 11.06 a.m. and resumed at 11.30 a.m.