Written Answers Nos. 638-657
638. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the offshore/onshore licences, in the Shell Corrib development, finally expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48074/12]
View answer640. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the exploration or appraisal efforts that have been conducted in the geographical area known as the Corrib Gas field being developed by Shell; the proposals for further exploration in this area; if there are further finds or enhancements of oil or gas assets, will the Irish State find itself in the same revenue sharing position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48076/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 638 and 640 together.
The Corrib Gas Partners are in receipt of a Petroleum Lease issued on 15 November 2001 pursuant to section 13 of the Petroleum and other Minerals Development Act, 1960, as amended. The duration of the Lease is 25 years but this can be extended with the agreement of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources subject to terms and conditions, for example in circumstances such as where this were required in order to maximise production of the gas reserves.
The most recent appraisal activity carried out in the geographical area of the Corrib Gas Field is an Ocean Bottom Cable Seismic Survey to further refine the understanding of the Corrib Gas reservoir.
Profits from production of gas under the Corrib Petroleum Lease will be subject to corporate tax at a rate of 25%.
639. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expect the Irish State to begin to receive net revenue from the Shell Corrib development; the monetary value expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48075/12]
View answerThe principal direct financial return to the Exchequer from the Corrib gas field will be through the 25% tax that will apply to profits from the gas field. The level of profits will depend on a combination of factors including, the volume of recoverable gas, the cost of developing and operating the infrastructure, the price of gas over the life of the field, together with the timing and profile of production.
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 the second half of 2014 and revenues payable to the State will not commence until the development goes into profit.
641. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of exploration or appraisal or development work that has been done on the Irish shelf since the award of the last licensing round; the level of activity expected in the next 24 months and if this activity will include the establishment of on-shore infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48077/12]
View answerThirteen licensing options were awarded in November 2011 under the 2011 Licensing Round. There are currently eighteen exploration licences, seventeen licensing options and five petroleum prospecting licences extant in respect of exploration in the Irish offshore.
All authorisations granted are subject to the carrying out of agreed work programmes. While work programmes in respect of licensing options are mainly of a desk-study nature, work programmes in respect of exploration licences include seismic surveys and drilling operations.
Since November 2011 the Barryroe appraisal well in the Celtci Sea was the only well drilled in the Irish offshore.
While my Department has not yet received any applications for drilling operations in 2013 and 2014, I understood that plans are being advanced for in the order of three to five wells.
In relation to seismic surveys 130 kms² of 3D seismic was acquired since 1 November 2011 and while my Department has not yet received applications for the shooting of seismic surveys over the next two years it is anticipated that in the region of 800km² of 3D seismic and 1800km² of 2D seismic will be acquired.
Given that no new discovery has been declared as a “commercial discovery” since the Corrib Gas Field was discovered in 1996, there are no other plans for new onshore infrastructure at this point in time.
Works in relation to the development of the Corrib Gas Field is ongoing with the principal remaining element being the onshore pipeline. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5km tunnel, will take in the region of three years. First gas cannot therefore reasonably be anticipated before 2014.
642. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to develop an Irish knowledge base that can participate in the Irish oil or gas activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48079/12]
View answerI would like to advise the Deputy that my Department maintains an extensive national archive of definitive petroleum exploration and production data on industry activities carried out in Ireland.
All operators and contractors are required to submit all technical data and information relating to all authorisations, drilling activities and exploration surveys to my Department. In order to promote and assist effective exploration and production in Ireland, much of this data is made available to exploration companies for purchase through my Department’s data agents, contact details for which are available on my Department’s website.
The importance and value of this major assist is recognised by both the industry and the research community.
644. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 271 of the 25 September 2012, the way he plans to meet the targets for the production of bio fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48213/12]
View answerThe Renewable Energy Directive requires that by 2020 each Member State must ensure that 10% of energy in transport will be from renewable energy sources. Ireland will meet this target primarily through the use of biofuels. The Biofuel Obligation Scheme, by requiring that large suppliers of road transport fuels include a certain percentage of biofuel across their general fuel mix, creates a market and demand for biofuels. Biofuels are defined as liquid or gaseous transport fuels produced from biomass and would also include Dimethyl ether (DME) produced from biomass. I will shortly be increasing the biofuel obligation which will further increase the demand for biofuels in Ireland.
645. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that persons living in parts of County Kerry such as Annascaul, Bonane, Lauragh and East Kerry are now looking at blank screens since the switchover on the 24 October, his views on whether houses that are now unable to receive television coverage should be completely exempt from paying a television licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48225/12]
View answerAs I have explained to the Deputy in previous replies to Parliamentary Questions, RTÉ has built, owns and controls the SAORVIEW TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ.
The SAORVIEW network is complete and provides c. 98% population coverage. It must be understood that it is simply not possible to provide 100% coverage by terrestrial means. Reasons for this include, for example, local topography.
In addition to SAORVIEW, RTÉ has developed SAORSAT, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. SAORSAT launched in March 2012. SAORVIEW and SAORSAT coverage and reception information is available on www.saorview.ie and www.rtenl.ie.
Specifically in relation to Kerry, as I explained to the Deputy in a Parliamentary Question reply of October 10th, I have been informed by RTÉNL that SAORVIEW has delivered a significant improvement in terrestrial coverage in both geographical and population coverage in County Kerry as set out in the following tables:
Geographical
|
Channel |
Analogue Coverage |
SAORVIEW Coverage |
Increase |
|
RTÉ One |
75 % area |
87% |
12% |
|
RTÉ Two |
75% area |
87% |
12% |
|
TV3 |
40% area |
87% |
47% |
|
TG4 |
64% area |
87% |
23% |
Population
|
Channel |
Analogue Coverage |
SAORVIEW Coverage |
Increase |
|
RTÉ One |
90% population |
95% |
5% |
|
RTÉ Two |
90% population |
95% |
5% |
|
TV3 |
44% population |
95% |
51% |
|
TG4 |
75% population |
95% |
20% |
In relation to SAORSAT in Co. Kerry, RTÉNL has organised training for installers. On October 1st ten installers attended a training course in Kerry. The course was open to any installer and the ones that attended were from areas such as Firies, Killorglin, Kenmare, Killarney, Caherciveen, Beaufort, Waterville and Castleisland. It was demonstrated how SAORSAT works, the best dish type to use, how to fix the dish correctly and how to point it in the correct direction. On 22 October RTÉNL provided a demonstration of SAORSAT to about 60 attendees in Annascaul, County Kerry. Initial feedback from the meeting was positive.
Should installers in Kerry have any difficulties installing SAORSAT, they should contact RTÉNL directly and RTÉNL will arrange the necessary training. Further information on SAORSAT is available on www.saorview.ie and www.rtenl.ie.
In relation to the requirement to have a television licence, section 142(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that “….a person shall not keep or have in his possession anywhere in the territory of the state a television set save in so far as such keeping or possession is authorised by a television licence for the time being in force”.
The 2009 Act defines a television set as “any electronic apparatus capable of receiving and exhibiting television broadcasting services broadcast for general reception (whether or not its use for that purpose is dependent on the use of anything else in conjunction with it) and any software or assembly comprising such apparatus and other apparatus”.
In effect, this means that, if you own a television set in Ireland, you must have a current television licence for that set. The requirement to have a TV licence is applied equally to all households in possession of a television set in the State.
646. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the fracking planned for Ireland (details supplied) and the concerns raised in relation to the awarding of petroleum licensing options to three companies in areas in the north-west and mid-west of the country, which gives the companies, Tamboran, Langco and Enegi, the right to apply for an exclusive exploration license over the areas concerned in an industry that is not regulated and also the points raised re Northern Ireland who have just awarded a large contract to a state body in the Republic of Ireland to develop wave energy to meet a large percentage of energy needs over the next years, while a different form of energy, it still speaks to a demonstrated commitment to using natural resources in a sustainable way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48446/12]
View answerIn February of last year, following an open competition, onshore petroleum licensing options were awarded by the then Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to: Tamboran Resources PTY Ltd over parts of counties Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo; Lough Allen Natural Gas Company Ltd over parts of counties Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo; and Enegi Oil plc over parts of County Clare. The Licensing Options are for a two-year period from 1st March 2011 to 28th February 2013 and specifically exclude exploration drilling.
I would like to advise the Deputy that Tamboran Resources Pty Ltd was also awarded a five-year exploration licence by the Northern Ireland authorities over adjacent acreage in Country Fermanagh.
With regard to the regulatory process for the use of this technology, I can advise that the European Commission has confirmed that the exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons has to comply with the requirements of EU legislation. A comprehensive legislative framework on environmental protection and access to hydrocarbon resources is already in place and applies to all hydrocarbons, conventional and unconventional from planning to the aftercare of sites following exploitation. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive plays a central role in the assessment of such applications as it ensures that the environmental implications of projects are taken into account in the permitting process, before decisions are made, and it involves the public in the decision–making process, making it more transparent.
Notwithstanding the existing statutory framework, 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. 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 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 and 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.
With regard to the issues raised by the Deputy with respect to plans for the development of wave energy, I should make clear that there is no contradiction in pursuing a policy of seeking to exploit our indigenous natural gas resources, while at the same time working towards achieving a significant increase in the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources. As natural gas will continue to be important to electricity generation in Ireland going forward, clearly Ireland would benefit if that natural gas was not imported, but instead came form our own indigenous natural resources.
647. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the type and frequency of North South engagement his Department undertakes; the current priorities in this area; the number of whole time equivalent staff assigned to these matters; the grades involved and the amount of time each grade spends on North South activities as a proportion of their WTE employment; the co-ordination arrangements that have been put in place; if there are any current vacancies in North South Co-operation unites; the duration of this vacancy and the steps being taken to fill the vacancy. [48541/12]
View answerI would draw the Deputy’s attention to the reply I gave in this house on 24 October.
There is extensive North/South cooperation on a range of issues in the areas of Energy, Communications and Broadcasting, which are under the remit of my Department. Staff discharge this work in addition to other functions in the relevant areas.
The extensive co-operation under the Joint Steering Group on Energy established between the departments North and South has yielded significant results to date, including the establishment of a Single Electricity Market (SEM) for the island of Ireland which has been operational for several years. In addition to cooperation on that front, the multi-million euro investment in Project Kelvin, involving North-South Direct International Telecoms Connectivity and a coordinated approach to the Digital TV switch-over process on the island of Ireland have been particular highlights. My department has also contributed to the very successful collaborative INTERREG projects across the sectors in recent years.
The priority areas going forward include:
- offshore renewable energy projects
- establishing common arrangements for gas on the island
- A €180 million investment on a cross-border electricity link to double the existing cross-border transfer capacity
- A cooperative approach to security of energy supply on the island of Ireland
- Continued interaction between the Communications Regulators: ComReg and Ofcom.
- Continued Geological cooperation on cross border geo-environmental mapping and hydrographic surveys to support exploration
In addition there is significant cooperation with Northern Ireland as part of the British-Irish Council (BIC) given the mutual interest among BIC Members in energy security
The North-South Coordination is a function of the Corporate Support area in my Department. This includes co-ordination of inputs to the NSMC plenary sessions and representation at Principal level on the Interdepartmental North-South Co-ordination Group chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Unit involves Officials at Principal, Higher executive Officer and Executive Officer level who carry out this work in addition to other co-ordination and cross cutting functions.
Finally, the North/South Body, the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission is under the co-sponsorship of my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, and staff in the Natural Resources areas of my Department service this work in addition to their other duties.
648. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to address the issue of cyber bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48565/12]
View answerThe Office of Internet Safety has been established by the Government to take lead responsibility for Internet safety in Ireland particularly as it relates to children. This Office operates under the aegis of the Minister for Justice and Equality The Office also aims at building linkages and cohesion between all Departments and Agencies to ensure that the State provides the best possible protection for the community and promotes Internet safety.
I also understand the Department of Education and Skills have recently set up an anti bullying working group to address this issue and to make recommendations on how to tackle the challenges associated with cyber bullying.
My Department has developed a web site called www.makeITsecure.ie to promote best practice in relation to many issues arising from the use of the Internet. This campaign, which was developed with industry, does provide some information in relation to use of ICT by children.
While my Department does not lead on the specific issue of cyber bullying, it is available to assist in any initiative taken forward by the other Departments and continues to engage across all Departments in issues relating to the use of the Internet and ICT generally.
649. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Bord na Móna is eligible or entitled to claim a rebate in respect of losses incurred from the burning of biomass materials, specifically miscanthus, under existing Public Service Obligation arrangements that are in place for the burning of peat; if they are eligible for the rebate; the date from which they are in receipt of it; for how many tons was a rebate paid and the net amount paid in respect of miscanthus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48619/12]
View answerSection 39 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (‘the Act’) sets out the legal basis for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy.
It is designed to support the use of indigenous fuels (i.e. peat) and the use of renewable energy sources in electricity generation with the proceeds of the levy used to defray, inter alia, the additional costs incurred by electricity suppliers in sourcing, and ESB Power Generation producing, a proportion of their electricity from such generators.
The Bord na Móna Edenderry electricity generation station is powered by a combination of peat and biomass co-firing. Up to earlier this year the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy operated in respect of the peat component of power generation only. No PSO levy was payable in respect of the biomass element. The agreement between the ESB and Bord na Móna provides for a separate flat rate payment for biomass irrespective of the biomass used and the price paid for that biomass.
Earlier this year I opened REFIT 3 to support electricity generation from biomass. This will be funded under the PSO. One of the technology categories supported is co-firing of biomass, including energy crops such as miscanthus, with peat in existing peat powered plants including the Bord na Móna plant. It is anticipated that Bord na Móna will apply to participate in REFIT 3.
650. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to negotiations taking place regarding the sale of the E.S.B.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48626/12]
View answerAs part of the Government’s asset disposal programme agreed with the Troika, the Government has agreed the sale of some non-strategic power generation assets of the ESB.
This decision has been conveyed to the Board of ESB. The matter will now be progressed by the company. It will also be overseen by a Steering Group co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform working with the assistance of NewERA.
651. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will take action to stop wastage by ensuring that telephone directories are printed in much larger print that at present to cater for half the population that current cannot read the current directories (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48647/12]
View answerRegulation 4 (1) of the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users’ Rights) Regulations 2011 requires that “a comprehensive directory of subscribers is made available to all end-users in a form approved of by the Regulator, whether printed or electronic or both, and is updated at least once in each year”. ComReg undertook a public consultation earlier this year which concluded with the designation of Eircom as universal service provider (USP) for the provision of access to the public telephone network for a two-year period to 30 June 2014 (ComReg Document number 12/71 and ComReg Decision D07/12 refers). As designated USP Eircom must ensure that a comprehensive printed directory or directories of subscribers, is made available to all end-users and is updated at least once in each year. There is no specification in relation to the font size type or other characteristics to be used in the production of a telephone directory. However, I understand that ComReg will discuss this matter further at its Forum on Electronic Communications Services for People with Disabilities.
652. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of engagement regarding the development of a renewable energy European supergrid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48674/12]
View answer653. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of engagement of the European Investment Bank in the development of the renewable energy European supergrid and the way he is engaging with the European Investment Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48675/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 652 and 653 together.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is available to offer financing to Irish companies that are involved in developing renewable energy projects and infrastructure, e.g. some of the financing for the East West Interconnector was through a loan from the EIB. The EIB has also provided some loans to commercial developers of renewable energy projects in Ireland. The companies negotiate directly with the EIB themselves and I have no role in the process.
To develop the offshore grid sector, in December 2010, Ireland, along with 9 other countries, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the North Seas Offshore Grid Initiative (NSOGI). A copy of the Memorandum is available on the Department’s website. The parties agreed they would work towards facilitating strategic, coordinated development of the offshore and onshore grids in the Northern European Seas to ensure more cost effective and sustainable development.
Since then, the parties to the agreement have been actively working through a number of working groups on aspects to take forward the goals expressed in the Memorandum. Ireland has been represented on all 3 working groups and has been a co-chair along with the UK of the market and regulatory group. The Programme Board intends to put a report on the work of the groups to Ministers who are meeting on 3rd December.
In October 2011, the European Commission tabled a comprehensive package to enhance trans-European infrastructure development in the areas of transport, energy and information society. The trans-European energy infrastructure guidelines identify twelve priority corridors and thematic areas that must be implemented in the coming decade to help the EU meet its short and longer term energy and climate objectives. To translate these corridors and areas into concrete projects, the guidelines include a new way of identifying energy infrastructure projects that can receive the label of Projects of Common Interest (PCI), which are necessary to implement these priority corridors and areas.
The NSORI is among 10 priority corridors that have been identified as follows:
“Northern Seas offshore grid (“NSOG”): integrated offshore electricity grid in the North Sea, the Irish Sea, the English Channel, the Baltic Sea and neighbouring waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange.
Member States concerned: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom;”
The infrastructure package is currently being negotiated in the EU. Negotiations are expected to conclude by end year with a view to publication of the relevant legislative instruments in 2013. The final amount of funding available under the energy infrastructure package will be subject to budgetary negotiations and agreement in the context of the EU multi-annual financial framework for 2014-2020.
654. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department is engaging with the European Investment Bank and on what matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48676/12]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no engagement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Semi-State companies under the aegis of my Department may engage with the EIB as appropriate and this is an operational matter for the individual companies in the first instance.
655. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons that have availed of sustainable energy grants during 2012; the range of funding provided for these grants; the total sum awarded; the type of work covered by these grants; the breakdown by county of the grants awarded; his plans to continue the scheme next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48703/12]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme. Better Energy: Homes provides financial assistance to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying BER. The grants range from €200 for attic insulation to €3,600 for external wall insulation and the average grant value per household in 2012 is €1,100. Better Energy: Homes is a demand-led programme. From the start of 2012 to 31st October 2012, the scheme disbursed over €25.9m in grants and supported the installation of almost 64,000 measures in over 23,000 homes.
Better Energy: Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty and is 100% funded by the Exchequer. The measures include attic insulation, draught proofing, lower energy light bulbs, energy advice, and cavity wall insulation, when appropriate. The scheme is managed by the SEAI and delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage. From the start of 2012 to 31st October 2012, the scheme has disbursed over €9.3m in Exchequer funds and supported the delivery of energy efficiency upgrades to over 7,400 homes.
The following tables provide a breakdown of the number of homes, measures and geographical distribution of grants paid under Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes from January to October 2012.
Table 1
Number of homes and measures completed under Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes
(Jan - Oct 2012)
|
2012 (Jan – Oct) |
Better Energy: Homes |
Better Energy: Warmer Homes |
|
Homes Completed |
23,023 |
7,401 |
|
Measures Completed |
63,876 |
N/A |
|
Total Spend (€ M) |
€25.9 M |
€9.3 M |
Table 2
Breakdown of measures completed under Better Energy Homes (Jan - Oct 2012)
|
Table 2 |
Roof |
Walls |
Heating Systems |
Solar |
BER |
Total |
|
Measures Completed |
15,348 |
17,893 |
5,142 |
1,815 |
23,678 |
63,876 |
|
Total Spend (€ M) |
€3.103 |
€17.107 |
€2.829 |
€1.453 |
€1.501 |
€25.992 |
Table 3
Number of homes by County completed under Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes
(Jan - Oct 2012)
|
County |
Better Energy : Homes |
Better Energy : Warmer Homes |
|
Carlow |
220 |
110 |
|
Cavan |
398 |
161 |
|
Clare |
902 |
194 |
|
Cork |
3,856 |
854 |
|
Donegal |
538 |
384 |
|
Dublin |
4,387 |
1,146 |
|
Galway |
1,794 |
221 |
|
Kerry |
923 |
393 |
|
Kildare |
638 |
101 |
|
Kilkenny |
401 |
115 |
|
Laois |
331 |
61 |
|
Leitrim |
155 |
187 |
|
Limerick |
1,527 |
450 |
|
Longford |
155 |
106 |
|
Louth |
539 |
38 |
|
Mayo |
834 |
525 |
|
Meath |
592 |
128 |
|
Monaghan |
363 |
160 |
|
Offaly |
289 |
165 |
|
Roscommon |
315 |
201 |
|
Sligo |
314 |
185 |
|
Tipperary |
997 |
427 |
|
Waterford |
1,065 |
308 |
|
Westmeath |
335 |
166 |
|
Wexford |
717 |
510 |
|
Wicklow |
438 |
105 |
|
Total |
23,023 |
7,401 |
Future plans for the Better Energy Programme will be taken in the context of the Estimates provision for 2013 for my Department which will be decided in the context of Budget 2013.
656. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the sectors of the public sector that are currently employed on a roster basis and if there are any plans to remove employees from the rostering system. [49070/12]
View answerMy Department does not employ any staff on a roster basis.
Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy. I will, however, request the relevant Agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy in the matter.
657. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that all local authorities are applying the same regime in respect of planning levies associated with compliance with animal welfare regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47928/12]
View answerThe adoption of development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the elected members of local authorities. My Department provides a policy guidance framework for development contributions which is designed to draw the attention of planning authorities to their obligations under the legislation, and provide for consistency between planning authority areas in the drawing up of development contribution schemes, while also recognising that the adoption of the schemes remains a reserved function.
