Thursday, 11 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 126-133

National Gas Grid

Questions (126)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the on-going progress in the development of the Corrib Gas Field; when it is expected that product will become available to the national grid; the extent to which the natural gas pipeline network has been upgraded in anticipation; when he expects gas from the Corrib Gas Field to become available to the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44024/12]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

Completion of the Corrib gas field development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available.

It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5km tunnel, which began last year, will take in the region of three years. First gas cannot therefore reasonably be anticipated before 2014.

With regard to the extent to which the natural gas pipeline network has been upgraded in anticipation of Corrib gas coming on stream, I would like to advise the Deputy that Bord Gáis Networks completed a 149km pipeline from Bellanaboy in Mayo to Ballymoneen outside of Galway in October, 2006 to bring gas from the Corrib Field to the national grid.

Mobile Telephony

Questions (127, 128)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which unilaterally or in conjunction in the Regulator, any efforts can be made to improve the quality and availability of mobile telephone service with particular reference to the need to achieve a level of uniformity and good quality nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44025/12]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the extent, if any, to which the quality and extent of mobile telephone service compares with that available in other jurisdictions; if it is expected that any improvements can or will be made in this regard in the foreseeable future by way of reference to service providers or the regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44026/12]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

I propose to take Question Nos. 127 and 128 together.

The provision of mobile phone networks and services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Licences to provide mobile telephony services are granted by ComReg pursuant to the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926, as amended, and have been issued to the following Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Vodafone, O2, Meteor and H3GI.

These licences, among other things, require MNOs to provide a minimum level of national population coverage and quality of service. However, the design of the network is a matter entirely for the relevant operator. In practice in all cases networks exceed the minimum stipulated coverage and quality of service requirements for commercial reasons. Compliance with licence requirements is assessed by means of a bi-annual drive testing programme conducted by ComReg.

I am advised by ComReg that there are four MNOs providing commercial third generation (3G) mobile services in the Irish market. As well as the four MNOs currently offering services, Vodafone, O2, Meteor and H3GI, there are also a number of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Ireland who have entered into commercial wholesale network access arrangements with MNOs which permit them to offer their own branded 3G retail mobile services to customers such as Tesco Mobile Ireland, Postfone and Lycamobile. These 3G services compare favourably with the technology deployed in other markets, pending the wider future roll out internationally of the next generation, 4G, networks.

In Ireland, ComReg is currently in the process of awarding spectrum rights of use across three critical bands – the 800Mhz, 900Mhz and 1800Mhz bands – for the period 2013 to 2030. This award process is a vital step in allowing for the next generation of advanced mobile services to be made available for Irish consumers and businesses from next year.

It should be noted that the Universal Service Obligation (USO) to ensure nationwide access to basic standard telecommunications services relates to the provision of such services at fixed locations or premises only. This obligation is currently addressed to eircom using fixed lines or equivalent connections to connect premises at fixed locations where no other service provider will do so, on a commercial basis.

Cyber Security Policy

Questions (129)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has become aware of the existence of cyber bullying here; if the service providers can be approached with a view to combatting the problem nationally or through the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44027/12]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources I have overall responsibility for electronic communications policy, but I have no responsibility in relation to the actions of persons conducting bullying or intimidation activities over electronic communications networks.

Malevolent Internet activity falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality and I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the Office for Internet Safety established by that Department in 2008.

I would also refer the Deputy to www.webwise.ie. Webwise is the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, which is funded by the Department of Education and Skills and the EU Safer Internet Programme. This website provides information and resources to help ensure that children’s on-line activity is positive and safe.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality, the authorities in Northern Ireland and private sector companies, operates a recurring public awareness campaign called "Make IT Secure" to raise awareness of issues surrounding Internet access and security. The most recent campaign was launched in June this year.

Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, legislation is already in place to prosecute the issue of nuisance and criminal phone calls, and the sending of pornographic images by mobile phones.

- It is an offence under Section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act, 1951, as amended, to send by phone any message or other matter, which is grossly offensive, or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.

- Also it is an offence under Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 to harass a person by use of a telephone.

The investigation of these offences is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

Hydraulic Fracturing Policy

Questions (130)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has monitored the effects of fracking as a means of mining exploration; if he has examined all of the evidence available in other jurisdictions; if concerns have been expressed regarding possible subterranean damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44028/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Fergus O'Dowd)

In October of last year, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves.

In May 2012, the EPA published its preliminary research into the environmental aspects of shale gas extraction in the form of a small desk based study, which was carried out by the University of Aberdeen.

The study provides an introduction to the environmental aspects of fracking including a review of regulatory approaches used in other countries and areas for further investigation and research such as geological principles of relevance in fracking and shale gas extraction, potential environmental impacts and establishing best environmental practice.

While the study is a preliminary study it will inform the development of the terms of reference for a much more detailed research study to be commissioned by the EPA later this year. While the terms of reference for this more extensive research are currently being drawn up by a steering group including representatives from the EPA and my Department, the findings of relevant international studies on hydraulic fracturing will be considered.

The outcome of the further research to be commissioned by the EPA will assist in a robust scientific based assessment of any future application proposing the use of this technology. In the meantime, I can confirm, that until there has been time to consider the second stage of the EPA research, the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling will not be authorised.

Property Taxation Collection

Questions (131)

Finian McGrath

Question:

131. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding property tax [43885/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

An independently-chaired Inter-Departmental Expert Group was established to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable local property tax to replace the household charge.

The Group has submitted its report to me and proposals will be brought to Government as soon as possible. It will then be a matter for the Government to decide on the exact details of implementation taking into account all of the modalities involved. The Government has decided that the local property tax will be collected and administered by the Revenue Commissioners.

Register of Electors Administration

Questions (132)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

132. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that the supplementary register for future elections is made available to all concerned parties in a timely fashion and in a standard format by all local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43850/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

It is a matter for registration authorities – County and City Councils - to ensure that the supplement to the register is made available in accordance with the requirements of the Electoral Acts.

In guidance issued by my Department, registration authorities are reminded that a copy of the supplement should be circulated, in line with the requirements of Rule 13(4) of the Second Schedule to the Electoral Act 1992, as amended, as soon as possible after its publication. Authorities are also reminded that a copy should be provided free of charge and on request to the persons listed at Rule 14(4) of the Second Schedule to the Electoral Act 1992, as amended. A copy of the supplement should also be published by the registration authority and this can be done by making it available for public inspection in public offices such as the offices of the registration authority, post offices and garda stations.

Dormant Accounts Fund Management

Questions (133)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

133. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the position regarding the dormant accounts fund and the way community organisations can apply for funding through same. [43865/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Total funds as at end August 2012 in the Dormant Accounts Fund are €169.305 million as shown in the table below. Of that sum, €17.968 million is committed to projects, with €54.542 in the statutory reserve. The table provides a profile of the Fund showing yearly inflows, reclaims, disbursements, etc, from 2003 to the end of August 2012.

The process in place for disbursement from the Dormant Accounts Fund provides for consideration of applications received on foot of advertised measures. There are no funding measures open for applications under the Fund at present.

Inflows Outflows

Year	Banks/building societies	An Post products	Insurance products	Intestate Estates	interest earned	Gross inflows of funds	Reclaimed by account holders	Disbursed by NTMA	Expenses and Compliance Cost	Net Funds
2003	105,802,747	90,406,394	0	0	2,778,039	198,987,180	24,002,874	0	148,048	174,836,258
2004	18,387,604	14,642,260	22,994,803	0	3,802,846	59,827,513	21,080,853	14,000,000	1,055,958	198,526,960
2005	13,049,089	19,870,684	7,895,688	0	4,061,302	44,876,763	22,916,079	14,400,000	1,673,497	204,414,147
2006	20,535,464	52,513,242	7,100,575	0	6,375,902	86,525,183	44,736,631	33,250,000	1,608,356	211,344,343
2007	12,531,434	42,658,151	6,704,210	4,400,000	8,787,603	75,081,398	34,082,871	45,511,412	1,881,135	204,950,323
2008	19,644,431	6,239,735	7,149,521	0	7,561,873	40,595,560	19,500,791	73,050,705	1,999,776	150,994,611
2009	25,014,071	11,359,722	5,010,644	0	891,120	42,275,557	19,051,956	37,644,335	1,717,634	134,856,243
2010	20,970,740	12,304,426	6,009,518	0	472,958	39,757,642	20,302,633	20,267,035	1,618,257	132,425,960
2011	27,841,100	9,912,279	5,326,408	0	1,137,669	44,217,456	24,345,430	8,403,338	937,628	142,957,020
2012	18,976,039	10,889,787	7,674,387	0	829,782	38,369,995	11,742,513	278,845	0	169,305,657
Totals	282,752,719	270,796,680	75,865,754	4,400,000	36,699,094	670,514,247	241,762,631	246,805,670	12,640,289

Liabilities on the Fund:
Of which
1. Reserve for future reclaims by account holders				-54,542,744
2. Disbursements allocated to beneficiary projects by	Approved	Decommited	Net Approved
(a) Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursement Board	63,082,815	4,678,696	58,404,119
(b) Government (2006)	75,642,596	4,552,415	71,090,181
(c) Government (2007)	22,278,213	698,845	21,579,368
(d) Government (2008)	30,134,074	83,780	30,050,294
(e) Government – Early Childhood Initiative (2006)	18,000,000		18,000,000
(f) Government - Rural Social Scheme (2004-2008)	64,400,000		64,400,000
(g) Government – Catch Up Measure 5 new RAPID towns	1,250,000		1,250,000
Sub-totals	274,787,698	-10,013,736	264,773,962
3. Remaining funds to be disbursed by NTMA on foot of approvals				-17,968,292
Net Value of Dormant Accounts Fund (uncommitted funds)				€96,804,621

Under the Dormant Accounts Act 2001, the NTMA is required to maintain a Reserve Account to meet reclaims from account holders and operational expenses of the agency and the Dormant Accounts Board.