Written Answers Nos. 600 - 623
600. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the 2012 targets set for his Department for implementation of the Jobs Action Plan; if he will report on the attainment or otherwise of these targets; the reason targets were not met; the steps he is taking within his Department to create new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1278/13]
View answerThe Action Plan for Jobs was launched by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on 13 February 2012. The plan, which contains over 270 actions in total, sets out to improve supports for job-creating businesses and remove barriers to employment-creation across the economy.
While the Annual Report on the Action Plan has not yet been published by the Department of the Taoiseach, I can confirm that my Department has completed the actions set out for it in the Plan for 2012. In the Telecommunications area, these include publication of a National Broadband Plan, the delivery of Phase I of the 100Mbps to second level schools programme, and ongoing support for the digital sector through the Digital Hub Development Agency and the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC). In the Energy area, these include continuation of the Better Energy efficiency programmes while work continues on the development of a Pay As You Save Scheme (PAYS). Phase 2 of the National Smart Meter Programme has commenced and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) continue to expand the range of energy support services to SMEs and large energy users. Energy research programmes support the International Energy Research Centre in Cork and development of the Maritime and Energy Research Centre at UCC.
My Department continues to play an important role in supporting economic growth and job creation. Ongoing investment in energy programmes delivered by the SEAI are sustaining up to 3,000 construction-related jobs and energy research programmes are aimed at stimulating investment in new energy technologies and new enterprise opportunities. In the communications area, the National Broadband Plan which was published in 2012, aims to deliver a minimum of 30Mbps broadband connectivity to all parts of Ireland and to support industry in delivering significantly higher speeds in some areas, thereby underpinning economic growth and job opportunities. Ongoing support for the Digital Hub Development Agency and the NDRC also aims to foster innovation and the development of indigenous digital enterprises.
The national rollout of the 100Mbps to all post-primary schools project is continuing and all schools will be connected by the end of 2014. This is a key investment in the future workforce as the use of high speed broadband in schools can facilitate better learning outcomes and sharing of critical resources. The Department also continues to fund the Digital Hub and the NDRC. In 2012, 78% of the companies based at the Digital Hub expanded their business operations, with 44% hiring additional staff and two-thirds planning to expand their workforce in 2013. Over 70% of the companies at the Hub export their products and services. In addition to enterprise development at the Digital Hub, NDRC start-ups and companies have created 155 full-time jobs and 66 part-time jobs by the end of 2012 as a direct result of the projects NDRC has supported.
I am also very conscious of the impact of Energy and Telecommunications infrastructure on competitiveness. This is primarily a function of the quality of the infrastructure and the price of the services. The Department engages intensively in an ongoing way on these issues and works with the Energy and Communications regulators in this regard. The main policy objectives are to promote investment, quality service and competition. There have been significant improvements in both quality of service and competition in both Energy and Telecommunications in recent years.
In the case of Energy, the major investment by the State Companies in the key electricity and gas networks has delivered a modern and reliable infrastructure. This has been complemented by significant private sector involvement especially in electricity generation and supply which has transformed the competitive landscape from the State monopoly situation of previous years. As a result, and notwithstanding the small size of the Irish market, there are now seven suppliers in the electricity market and eight in the gas market. These developments have led to the growth of a very competitive market. This is evidenced by the very high degree of switching of supplier in both the domestic and business sectors. This competition is crucial given Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation, by far the major contributor to the price of electricity, and a factor over which we have no control.
601. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is any claw-back provision for the State in place in the event of wind farms which have been financially supported by the State subsequently being sold on for a profit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1300/13]
View answerSupport schemes for windfarms are funded through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) on all electricity consumers. The current scheme is known as REFIT (Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff) and the previous scheme was AER (Alternative Energy Requirement). The manner in which REFIT works is that it provides a guaranteed floor price for renewable generation exported to the electricity grid over a 15-year period. By doing so, it provides sufficient certainty to developers to finance windfarms.
Generators who have applied for acceptance into the REFIT Scheme and who fulfil the Terms and Conditions receive a REFIT Letter of Offer. On the basis of this, they enter into a privately negotiated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a licensed supplier. The supplier is entitled to compensation according to the REFIT Terms and Conditions and compensates the generator according to the terms of the PPA they negotiated. The generators in REFIT are commercial entities. There is no clause in the REFIT scheme preventing the sale of windfarms or requiring “claw-back”. In the event of a sale, generators would notify relevant parties, and the sale should be done in accordance with any conditions relating to the sale that are contained in the PPA the original owner had entered into.
603. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans to upgrade the broadband network in Howth, County Dublin, in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1432/13]
View answerBroadband connectivity, as an enabling infrastructure for economic and social development, is a critical element of future sustainable economic growth and a priority for Government. In terms of telecommunications policy, my Department plays a key role in providing a supportive legislative and regulatory environment within which competition can flourish and private sector investment can take place.
The provision of electronic communications services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland’s fully liberalised telecommunications market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Broadband services are provided by a number of private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite.
With basic broadband services widely available across Ireland, the focus is now on accelerating the roll out of high speed services. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August last, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services of at least 30Mbps are available to all of our citizens and businesses, well in advance of the EU’s target date of 2020, and that significantly higher speeds are available to as many homes and businesses as possible. During the preparation of the National Broadband Plan, the commercial market operators indicated that they expect to provide 70Mbps to 100Mbps services to 50% of the population by 2015. The areas to be provided with those services will be determined by the commercial market operators.
One of the first steps in delivering on the commitments in the National Broadband Plan will be the completion of a formal national mapping exercise to determine the exact position in relation to commercial service providers’ existing and planned broadband services throughout the country. It will also identify where the market is expected to succeed and fail in the delivery of high speed broadband over the coming years. Until that process is complete, the precise areas of the country which will require State intervention, subject to EU State aid rules, will not be known. I would reiterate however, that the Government remains committed to the delivery of the speeds referred to above, to ensure that all parts of Ireland, including areas such as Howth, County Dublin, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity.
604. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current financial return to the Irish Exchequer from oil and gas exploration; the return in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of companies in each of those years that have contributed to that return and the names of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1441/13]
View answerThere have been four commercial natural gas discoveries since exploration began offshore Ireland in the early 1970s, namely the Kinsale, Ballycotton and Seven Heads (Kinsale area) producing gas fields off the coast of Cork and the Corrib gas field off the coast of Mayo. There have been no commercial discoveries of oil to date. The three Kinsale area gas fields are nearing depletion and currently provide approximately 5% of Ireland’s annual gas requirements. The Corrib field gas is under development and first gas is not anticipated until early 2015.
In terms of the direct financial contribution to the State, profits from the Kinsale area gas fields are taxed at a rate of 25%. In addition royalties from the Kinsale and Ballycotton fields are payable to the State at a rate of 12.5% of the fair market value of the gas at the well head. While the amount paid in tax is a matter between the operators of the gas fields and the Revenue Commissioners, I can advise that the amount received in royalties since 2007 amounted to just under €27 million. Full details are set out in the table.
Royalties are not payable on production from the Seven Heads gas field as Ireland moved away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system in 1987. Profits from future production from the Corrib gas field will be taxed at a rate of 25%. A comprehensive review of Ireland’s licensing terms was carried out in 2007 by independent economic consultants, following which both the fiscal and non-fiscal licensing terms were revised. The revised terms apply to all exploration licences issued since 1 January 2007 and provide for a new profit resource rent tax of up to 15% in addition to the 25% corporate tax rate already applying. The revised terms ensure that the return to the State would be up to 40% in the case of very profitable fields.
Details of all petroleum authorisations are contained in the quarterly acreage report published on the Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie and in the six-monthly report on petroleum licensing laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
Royalty Payments for the period 1 st January 2007 to 31 st December 2012
|
Year |
Company |
Royalties received |
|
2007 |
PSE Kinsale Energy Limited |
€6,247,633 |
|
2008 |
PSE Kinsale Energy Limited. |
€8,153,045 |
|
2009 |
PSE Kinsale Energy Limited |
€2,114,020 |
|
2010 |
PSE Kinsale Energy Limited. |
€2,571,624 |
|
2011 |
PSE Kinsale Energy Limited. |
€3,904,321 |
|
2012 |
PSE Kinsale Energy Limited. |
€3,955,353 |
|
Total |
€26,945,996 |
605. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on plans to bring high voltage electricity transmission systems under EirGrid's grid 25 programme, to the north midlands in view of the fact that this is vital to the economic development of the region, particularly counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1475/13]
View answerEirGrid’s Grid25 is a strategy to develop the transmission networks to put in place safe, secure and affordable electricity supplies throughout Ireland supporting economic growth, renewable and sustainable energy. The Government endorses this major investment underway in the high voltage electricity transmission system. Grid25 is the most important investment in Ireland’s transmission system for several generations and will position our energy system for decades to come.
The Government, in its ‘Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure’ (published in July 2012) underlined the need and urgency for new energy infrastructure in the national interest and from a European perspective. In addition to the interests of individual consumers, the Policy Statement was equally conscious that public acceptability of such infrastructure is a major challenge. Social acceptance and understanding of the need for new infrastructure is critical. Public acceptability requires public confidence that projects and programmes adhere to the highest international standards of safety, health and environmental and visual impact, and technology choice.
The Government affirmed that EirGrid and ESB Networks and Bord Gáis are obliged to adhere to all relevant guidelines and standards and they act in the national interest, and on behalf of all electricity consumers. The Government has confidence that the forward process from the national planning framework of the National Spatial Strategy, to Regional Planning Guidelines and local development planning and the Strategic Infrastructure Act, provides the necessary framework for ensuring that all necessary standards are met and that extensive statutory and non-statutory consultation are key to creating public confidence to this effect.
Grid 25 and other essential energy infrastructure will have positive impacts for all local communities in underpinning regional and economic development and jobs. Specifically with regard to the North Midlands, EirGrid has recently secured planning permission for a new 110 kV line between Kinnegad and Mullingar. This will help secure supplies of electricity to these areas and facilitate inward investment projects being attracted to the area. EirGrid would be happy to offer the Deputy a detailed briefing in the matter, should he so wish.
606. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to his announcement of the appointment of a person (details supplied) to the position of Digital Champion for Ireland, if he will provide a description of the scope and objectives of the role; the term of the appointment; the cost of the appointment, including the remuneration paid to a person; if there will be additional support and expenses provided to the role and, if so, the estimate of cost by year of the term of the appointment. [1546/13]
View answerIn December 2012, I announced the appointment of David Puttnam as Digital Champion for Ireland. The overarching objective of the role of Digital Champion is to promote more digital adoption. This is likely to entail working with and inspiring key stakeholders communicating the benefits and possibilities of digital more widely – so that people whether at home, in business or in education will achieve more and benefit more from what digital has to offer. This initiative is in line with similar developments in other EU Member States and is a key aspect of a new National Digital Strategy (NDS) which will be published shortly.
It is envisaged that the role of the Digital Champion will evolve over time and I intend to work closely with David Puttnam to define the role further in light of the forthcoming National Digital Strategy, and other emerging National and EU priorities. His priorities will be highlighted along with those of other digital champions on the Digital Champions website at:
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/digital-champions.
David Puttnam has agreed to undertake his current role as Digital Champion on a pro-bono basis. His time, expertise and the widely acknowledged talent he brings to this role is being contributed free. The only costs incurred will be reimbursement of expenses incurred in his official role as Digital Champion for Ireland. These will be handled in accordance with the normal travel and subsistence arrangements operating in the Civil Service. By agreement, his term of appointment is currently open-ended and as such it can be concluded by mutual agreement. Support for the role of Digital Champion is currently being provided by officials in my Department as part of their normal duties in assisting with the promotion of digital engagement.
607. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 335 of 25 October 2011, if he will direct that agencies under his remit (details supplied) provide the information required, inclusive of the year 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1692/13]
View answerI wish to advise that following the Deputy’s previous Parliamentary Question No. 335 of 25 October 2011, I had requested the bodies under the aegis of my Department to provide the information sought in relation to details of Junior and Senior Counsel engaged over the period 2006-2011, directly to the Deputy. I have now requested the bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy with the information for the year 2012. In light of the Deputy’s further question, I have also asked for confirmation that the information requested previously was provided.
608. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has any plans to introduce a communications charge and if so when he proposes to introduce such a charge; the level at which the charge will be levied initially; if the charge will be levied on the occupier, or the owner of the property; if all properties will be liable to pay such a charge; if there will be any avenue to appeal the levying of the charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1807/13]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services. In line with this commitment, my Department is involved in the ongoing analyses and policy development work that is necessary in advance of the implementation of any changes that may be required.
Although subject to a degree of evasion, the existing TV licence fee system has provided a stable funding base for our public service broadcasters. The rationale for providing State funding for public service broadcasting is to provide an independent and reliable income flow that allows these corporations to attain their public service objects while ensuring they can maintain editorial independence. This is especially important in the context of news and current affairs. The overall aim of Public Service Broadcasting is to provide services and content which cater for all interests in society, while ensuring that the varied elements of Irish culture and its intrinsic values are protected. Through the obligations placed on the Public Service Broadcasters, which are established in legislation passed by the Oireachtas, and the criteria set for the funding of content through the Sound & Vision Scheme, the production of quality indigenous programming and the production of minority interest programming is strongly promoted.
Whatever the system of funding, the rationale for providing funding will continue to apply and any changes that may be implemented must continue to provide a secure funding base for public service broadcasting and content. It is also important, of course, that any changes to the system of funding should take account of the reality of new mechanisms to access such content and services and the pervasiveness of such content in today’s society.
Publicly-funded public service broadcasting and content are now available to everyone on an ever-increasing range of platforms and devices (radio, television, smart phone, pc, laptop and many other devices) and, in fact, access is not dependent on the ownership of a device. In short, everyone benefits from the availability of these services, regardless of how content is accessed or relayed to the public, and, therefore, it is my view that the cost should be borne by society as a whole.
The principle underlying the proposal for the introduction of a Public Broadcasting Charge on eligible households and applicable businesses is that publicly-funded public service broadcasting is a public good and, as such, is of benefit to society in general. The replacement of the existing funding system based on the collection of television licence fees with one based on the imposition of device-independent charge on eligible households and businesses is a complex process and much of the detail has yet to be worked out. This includes identifying the most appropriate method for collecting the charge and the manner in which issues such as exemptions and enforcement should be dealt with. In this regard, my Department is currently carrying out a Value for Money Policy Review conducted by an independently chaired group on the proposed policy. I would expect to receive a copy of the group’s recommendations and report for my consideration by the end of quarter 1 2013.
At this point, however, I can state that the charge, which will be device independent, will replace the current licence fee and all households and businesses will be subject to the charge, except for those that are specifically exempted. In regard to the issue of exemptions under any new system, this will have to be given detailed consideration when the type of model to be developed is agreed. That said, it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefit Package will continue to apply. The specific questions raised by the Deputy on the proposal are being considered as part of the above review.
609. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total revenue raised by way of the television licence fee in each of the years 2010, 2011, and 2012; the rate of compliance as regards TV licences in each of the years 2010, 2011, and 2012; the number of people prosecuted for failure to comply in each of the years 2010, 2011, and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1808/13]
View answer610. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total cost to the State of producing and printing or broadcasting advertisements for payment of the television licence fee if advertised by way of television, radio or in the print media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1809/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 610 together.
The total revenue raised by way of the television licence fee and the number of prosecutions in each of the years 2010 and 2011 is set out in the table. In 2011, evasion was estimated to be over 15%. My Department is currently examining the 2012 figures with a view to providing a revised estimate of evasion. While this work has yet to be completed, it is my understanding, however, that it is unlikely to show any decrease in what is already an unacceptably high level of TV licence evasion.
In tackling evasion, every effort is made by An Post to bring evaders into the licensed pool and a considerable amount of its time and resources are spent in dealing with evasion. As a first step, An Post concentrate their efforts on getting people to buy the licence when due. A series of reminder notices are sent out urging people to pay their TV Licence. Payment has been made easier with the introduction over the last couple of years of a dedicated website (www.tvlicence.ie), 24 hour automated call centre (1890-228528) and the option to pay by direct debit instalments. In addition, the older traditional methods of payment at the counter in a post office and with the TV licence stamps remain available.
Every effort is taken to identify unlicensed premises, from people whose licence has lapsed to people who have moved premises, through additional reminders, inspector visits and eventually by court summons. Prosecutions are only pursued after allowing people the appropriate time to purchase a TV licence. The Deputy may wish to note that figures in the table below relating to the number of persons prosecuted are provided by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and are not yet available for 2012.
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
|
Licence Fee Receipts (Gross) |
€222.38m |
€217.77m |
€215.03m |
|
Numbers Prosecuted |
9,556 |
10,593 |
Figures not yet available* |
In relation to the total cost to the State of producing advertisements for the television licence fee, the total average annual spend by An Post is in the region of €120,000. This figure does not include any expenditure incurred by RTÉ in this area. This is a day-to-day matter for RTÉ and not one in which I have a function.
611. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will request all mobile telephone suppliers to standardise the type of telephone charger they supply, all suppliers to supply the plug end to suit the same type of electrical socket and it should be possible to standardise the telephone end also, as this would make telephones cheaper to buy as a charger would not have to be included and would reduce the number of chargers that have to be disposed of and the effect this is having on the environment. [1810/13]
View answerIn June 2009, following an approach by the EU Commission, the major producers of mobile phones, responsible for the production of 90% or so of mobile phones placed on the EU market, agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to harmonise chargers for new data-enabled mobile phones. The MoU specifies that "all new mobile phone models and new chargers models on the market produced by the signatories shall offer this common charging capability one year after the related standards have become available". The MoU also permits compliance to be achieved by making a suitable adaptor available to customers.
The European Standard was agreed at the end 2010 and the provision became applicable one year thereafter at the end of 2011. The EU Commission estimates that the universal charger should therefore be dominant in the market at the end of this year having regard to the rate at which the majority of mobile phones are replaced, every two years, in a market, which now favours data enabled phones. The MoU is nevertheless a voluntary code. The EU Commission has recently presented a proposal to the Council and the European Parliament for a “Directive on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment”, which includes a proposal on the harmonisation of chargers. The Commission’s proposal if adopted will provide a legal basis to require that all mobile phone chargers for data enabled phones placed on the market within the EU meet a harmonised standard.
612. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the bodies, other than statutory bodies, that were fully funded by his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1901/13]
View answer614. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the bodies, other than statutory bodies, that were partially funded by his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2032/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 614 together.
The only non-statutory bodies, i.e. a body not established or operating under a parent statute, funded directly from my Department’s Vote during 2012 were the National Digital Research Centre and ‘The Wheel’, an umbrella group for voluntary bodies that was established as a once off project to assist older people around the country to get ready for the switchover to digital television. My Department provided €4.2m in capital funding to the National Digital Research Centre in 2012 and €1.2m to ‘The Wheel’.
613. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the unreliable broadband service by 3 mobile in the Portmagee and greater Portmagee area in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1975/13]
View answerThe provision of electronic communications services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland’s fully liberalised telecommunications market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Broadband services are provided by a number of private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available on a county-by-county basis can be found on ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie.
The State only becomes involved in the provision of services in instances of clear market failure, such as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). My Department entered into a contract in late 2008 with Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd (“3”) for the delivery of the NBS. The Scheme offers a basic broadband service, in line with EU State aid clearance, to fixed residences and businesses located within certain designated rural areas. The area of Portmagee was excluded from the NBS as it was deemed, at the time of the comprehensive mapping exercise carried out prior to the launch of the Scheme, to be already served by at least one private operator. The NBS is prohibited, under EU State Aids rules, from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.
You refer to the provision of broadband services in Portmagee and the surrounding area by “3 mobile”. Since this service provision is by “3”, in its private operator capacity, I do not have a role in relation to the level of service provided to its customers. However, should customers be experiencing service performance problems, they are advised, in the first instance, to contact their service provider to seek resolution. In cases where customers have exhausted the service provider’s complaint handling procedures, they can contact ComReg, by phone at 1890 229 668, online at http://www.askcomreg.ie/ or by email Consumerline@comreg.ie, for further assistance and guidance.
With basic broadband services widely available across Ireland, the focus is now on accelerating the roll out of high speed services. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August last, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services of at least 30Mbps are available to all of our citizens and businesses, well in advance of the EU’s target date of 2020, and that significantly higher speeds are available to as many homes and businesses as possible. During the preparation of the National Broadband Plan, the commercial market operators indicated that they expect to provide 70Mbps to 100Mbps services to 50% of the population by 2015. The areas to be provided with those services will be determined by the commercial market operators.
One of the first steps in delivering on the commitments in the National Broadband Plan will be the completion of a formal national mapping exercise to determine the exact position in relation to commercial service providers’ existing and planned broadband services throughout the country. It will also identify where the market is expected to succeed and fail in the delivery of high speed broadband over the coming years. Until that process is complete, the precise areas of the country which will require State intervention will not be known. I would reiterate however, that the Government remains committed to the delivery of the speeds referred to above, to ensure that all parts of Ireland, including areas such as Portmagee, in County Kerry, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity.
615. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will investigate the damage caused to human health by industries namely the ESB and a multi national alumina industry named in the European Environmental Agency report in November 2011, revealing the cost of air pollution from industrial facilities in Europe [57847/12]
View answerIndustrial installations operating in Ireland such as those mentioned in the question are subject to the licensing, monitoring and enforcement requirements of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regime. The activities of companies operating with an IPPC licence are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that the terms of their licences are respected, including in relation to emissions. Under the EPA Acts 1992 to 2011, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA of its licensing functions in specific cases.
In addition to the requirements of IPPC, Ireland developed a national emissions reduction plan (NERP) under Article 4 (6) of the Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) 2001/80/EC to further reduce emissions from power plants. The NERP is a mechanism that allows “existing plant”, as defined in the Directive, to achieve the environmental objectives of the Directive in a cost-effective manner through the installation of abatement measures at selected qualifying plants. The NERP option was chosen because it provided both an environmentally ambitious and a cost-effective compliance route for Ireland. The ESB and other national operators made a commitment to achieve emission limits for SO2 and NOx from existing plants that were significantly more ambitious than the minimum requirements of the LCPD: in the period from 2008 to 2016, emission reductions are 27% more ambitious for SO2 and 46% more ambitious for NOx emissions.
The EEA study referenced in the question did not assess whether the emissions of a given installation are consistent with its legal requirements. Monitoring undertaken by the EPA has shown that total emissions from IPPC licenced installations are consistently below the levels prescribed to ensure adequate protection of human health and the environment.
616. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a proposal for pop-up shops as a way of helping villages deal with empty premises and young entrepreneurs get their business ideas established (details supplied). [58205/12]
View answerLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. Under current legislation the person liable for payment of rates is the person in occupation of a rateable property at the date of the making of the rate. The owner rather than the occupier may be liable for commercial rates if the property in question is unoccupied on the date of the making of the rate. Should a person’s occupancy commence after the date of the making of the rate then that person is not primarily liable for rates for that year.
Under the provisions of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970, a rating authority may make and carry out a scheme providing for the waiver by the authority of all or a portion of commercial rates due by ratepayers in respect of a specified class or classes of property. The making of such a scheme is subject to my consent as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. No rate waiver schemes have been consented to in respect of commercial property. hile matters relating to rates are kept under regular consideration in my Department, I have no immediate plans to bring forward legislative amendment in this area.
617. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person who owns one property but who is living elsewhere in rented accommodation has to pay the non-principal private residence tax for the house which they own. [1016/13]
View answerThe Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The Charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. It is a matter for an owner, whether resident in Ireland or elsewhere, to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the Charge. A residential property not in use by an owner as his or her sole or main residence is liable for the Charge. This may not necessarily be a second home; a person may have vacated a property and be living in rented accommodation elsewhere for work or other reasons and in such a case, the property that the owner is no longer living in is liable for the Charge, even if it is the only residential property that person owns.
618. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends introducing compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in view of the damage being caused by dogs worrying sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1589/13]
View answer619. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the introduction of compulsory microchipping of all dogs in view of a number of dog attacks on sheep in several parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1750/13]
View answer681. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce compulsory microchipping for all dogs, in view of a number of dog attacks on sheep in several parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1539/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 618, 619 and 681 together.
While it is not proposed at this point to introduce compulsory microchipping of all dogs, there have been a number of recent developments that have increased microchipping usage. The regulations I introduced in early 2012 under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 stipulate that all dogs held in such establishments be microchipped once they reach 8 weeks of age or when a dog is moved from the establishment. This initiative will result in more and more dogs being microchipped over time. In addition, many dogs that are seized by dog wardens are microchipped prior to being returned to their owners, or given to new owners.
To be properly effective, the compulsory microchipping of dogs should be supported by the development of a central registration system for all dogs. It would also be necessary to have the co-operation of the dog-owning public in updating of a central registration system where the ownership of a dog changes. These are large projects which would involve a significant investment in terms of time and funding, but they are under consideration by local authorities and my Department. Mandatory microchipping of all dogs will not necessarily eliminate the problem of sheep worrying. The key to tackling this issue is responsible dog ownership. Dog owners must recognise the issues involved and their responsibilities in ensuring that their dogs are controlled at all times, especially at night time and, most especially, before and during the lambing season. My Department has been in contact with farming representatives regarding the promotion of such behaviour by dog owners and I expect that these discussions will be useful and fruitful.
620. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of regulatory impact assessments that have been carried out by his Department in the past twelve months and the list of regulatory impact assessments carried out within his Department in the past twelve months. [57759/12]
View answerMy Department carried out Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) during the past twelve months, relating to the following legislation/policy proposals:
1. Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Bill 2012;
2. Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2011;
3. Household Waste Collection;
4. Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU);
5. Non Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013;
6. Proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012; and
7. Proposed Amendment to Part J (Heat Producing Appliances) of the Building Regulations.
621. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to have all local authority accounts audited in relation to the multiplicity of allowances available therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57769/12]
View answerAll local authorities are required to prepare and publish a financial statement in respect of each financial year. These financial statements are audited by the Local Government Audit Service which provides an independent and professional public sector audit service for the Local Government sector.
622. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the installation of solar photovoltaic cells on residential housing units; his plans to amend current planning guidelines and-or introduce legislative measures to allow for additional PV cells to be installed at households greater than the current restrictions allow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57773/12]
View answerStatutory Instrument No. 83 of 2007 (Planning and Development Regulations 2007) introduced an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission for solar panels on a house or on any building within the curtilage of a house. The exemption is subject to certain conditions and limitations, as set out in the table below. The exemption was introduced following public consultation. While I have no plans to change the Regulations at the present time, the matter will be kept under review.
Table
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Column 1:Exemption |
Column 2: Conditions and limitations |
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The installation or erection of a solar panel on or within the curtilage of a house or any buildings within the curtilage of house. |
1. The total aperture area of any such panel, taken together with any other such panel previously placed on or within the said curtilage shall not exceed 12 square metres or 50% of the total roof area whichever is the lesser. |
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2. The distance between the plane of the wall or a pitched roof and the panel shall not exceed 15 centimetres. |
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3. The distance between the plane of a flat roof and the panel shall not exceed 50 centimetres. |
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4. The solar panel shall be a minimum of 50cm from any edge of the wall or roof on which it is mounted. |
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5. The height of a free-standing solar array shall not exceed 2 metres, at its highest point, above ground level. |
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6. A free-standing solar array shall not be placed on or forward of the front wall of a house. |
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7. The erection of any free standing solar array shall not reduce the area of private open space, reserved exclusively for the use of the occupants of the house, to the rear or to the side of the house to less than 25 square metres. |
623. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the installation of solar photovoltaic cells on commercial and industrial units; his plans to amend current planning guidelines and or introduce legislative measures to allow for additional PV cells to be installed at business premises greater than the current restrictions allow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57774/12]
View answerStatutory Instrument No. 235 of 2008 (Planning and Development Regulations 2008) introduced an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission for photo-voltaic solar panels on industrial buildings, light industrial buildings or business premises. The exemptions are subject to certain conditions and limitations, as set out in the table below. The exemptions were introduced following public consultation. While I have no plans to change the Regulations at the present time, the matter will be kept under review.
Table
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Column 1:Exemption |
Column 2: Conditions and limitations |
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The installation or erection on or within the curtilage of an industrial building, or any ancillary buildings within the curtilage of an industrial building, of solar panels (thermal collector or photo-voltaic). |
1. The distance between the plane of the wall or a pitched roof and the panel shall not exceed 1 metre. |
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2. The distance between the plane of a flat roof and the panel shall not exceed 2 metres. |
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3. The solar panel shall be a minimum of 50cm from the edge of the wall or roof on which it is mounted. |
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4. The total aperture area of any wall mounted panel, or free-standing solar array shall not exceed 50 square metres. |
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5. Any equipment associated with the panels, including water tanks, shall be located within the roof space of the building. |
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6. The height of a free-standing solar array shall not exceed 2 metres, at its highest point, above ground level. |
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7. No sign, advertisement or object, not required for the functioning or safety of the panel shall be attached to or exhibited on the panels. |
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The installation or erection on a business premises or light industrial building, or any ancillary buildings within the curtilage of such premises or building, of photo-voltaic solar panels. |
1. The total aperture area of any such panels, taken together with any other such panel previously placed on or within the said curtilage, shall not exceed 50 square metres or 50% of the total roof area, whichever is the lesser. |
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2. The distance between the plane of the wall and the panel shall not exceed 15cm. |
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3. The distance between the plane of a pitched roof and the panel shall not exceed: (a) 50cm in the case of a light industrial building. (b) 15cm in the case of a business premises. |
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4. The distance between the plane of a flat roof and the panel shall not exceed: (a) 2 metres in the case of a light industrial building. (b) 1 metre in the case of a business premises. |
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5. The solar panel shall be a minimum of 50cm from the edge of the wall or pitched roof on which it is mounted, or 2 metres in the case of a flat roof. |
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6. The total aperture area of any wall mounted panel, or free-standing solar array shall not exceed 25 square metres. 7. Any equipment associated with the panels, including water tanks, shall be located within the roof space of the building. |
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8. The height of a free-standing solar array shall not exceed 2 metres, at its highest point, above ground level. |
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9. A free-standing solar array shall not be located forward of the front wall of the building or premises. |
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10. No sign, advertisement or object, not required for the functioning or safety of the turbine shall be attached to or exhibited on the panels. |
