Written Answers Nos 487-506
487. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 28 November 2012, if he will provide information on the cost of each of the various turf compensation schemes he references from 2000 to 2010 in tabular form. [4140/13]
View answerMy Department has operated a number of compensation schemes applicable to those who have been cutting turf on raised bog special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas for domestic and commercial purposes. Details are set out in the table below of the expenditure on these schemes between 2000 and 2010.
|
Compensation Scheme |
No. of Approved Applications |
Expenditure 2000-2010 |
|
Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme |
814 |
€23,439,811 |
|
Commercial Turf Cutters Compensation |
11 |
€4,044,512 |
|
Interim Compensation Scheme |
171 |
€171,000 |
488. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way the moneys outlined under the following EU Funds were allocated and spent, €3.5 million Euro for the implementation of Natura 2000 through the ERDF Structural Funds and €11.8 million under the Life and Nature and Biodiversity Fund part of which also relates to projects in Natura 2000 sites [4141/13]
View answerUnder the Priority Axis 2 (Environment and Risk Prevention) of the Border Midlands West Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013, there was provision of ERDF Structural Funds for a natural and cultural heritage intervention. This funding supported the construction of visitor centres for Ballycroy National Park in Co. Mayo and at the Clara Bog Nature Reserve in Co. Offaly. In regard to the Life, Nature and Biodiversity Fund, I assume the Deputy is referring to the current funding cycle (2007-13) known as LIFE+. The allocation of funding for projects under the LIFE programme is a matter for the European Commission and I am advised that applications from Ireland are co-ordinated by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
489. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with reference to the public service reform document published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4281/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Public Service Reform Plan published by the Government on 17th November 2011 outlined a series of rationalisation measures and some of those measures related to a certain number of the bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group. In this regard, my Department conducted a critical examination of the structure and operation of the institutions included in the Public Service Reform Plan and developed a comprehensive and practical approach to the implementation of the various Government Decisions in this area. This was endorsed by the Minister for Public Expenditure. Summary documents which outline the main outcomes of this examination in relation to the relevant bodies and institutions have been published on my Department's web-site.
My Department is working closely with the Directors of the relevant Institutions and bodies to progress the reform programme and real progress is being made across all the bodies concerned. Draft Heads of Bill are currently being prepared to address any possible changes in legislation and are expected to be finalised shortly. However, progress is being made across all bodies on an administrative basis pending enactment of legislation. The Deputy should note that savings of €20 million in enhanced service efficiencies and value-for-money were targeted in the Public Service Reform Plan. In this context, it is expected that savings in the region of approximately €1m will be made initially across the institutions involved in the reform programme which are funded from my Department's Vote Group, with further savings to be identified as the various cost saving measures are implemented.
In the immediate term, savings are being made primarily in three key ways:
One: through the ending of payments to Chairpersons and members of boards or advisory councils;
Two: through a programme of shared services between institutions, including, for example, in retail, security, marketing, procurement and storage; and,
Three: through the provision of services by my Department to some institutions - including human resources services and financial services - relieving those institutions of the need to incur a cost in accessing these services.
490. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to ensure, while acknowledging the need for the State to secure savings, the continued existence of An Comisinéir Teanga and the effective performance of the functions ascribed to this position as set out in the Official Languages Act 2003. [4524/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a decision was taken to merge the functions of the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga with the Office of the Ombudsman in the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan , published on 17 November 2011. Following a review in October 2012 of progress achieved to date, the Government agreed the following key reform actions to be progressed:
- The Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga is to merge with the Office of the Ombudsman.
- The statutory powers and functions of An Coimisinéir Teanga under the Official Languages Act 2003 will transfer to the Ombudsman and will be delegated to An Coimisinéir Teanga under the amending legislation.
- A statutorily appointed Coimisinéir Teanga will continue to independently exercise existing powers under the Official Languages Act and will continue to be Gaeltacht-based.
My Department is working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to implement these reforms. I am satisfied that, as a result of the Government decision of October last, a statutorily appointed Coimisinéir Teanga will continue to perform the functions assigned to that office holder, as set out in the Official Languages Act 2003.
491. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered the provision of out of season fishing of identified rainbow trout stocked lakes (details supplied) in County Cork which come under the control of Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4174/13]
View answerI am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), which manages the Lough Aderra fishery, that the fishery there is a “put and take” fishery and reared rainbow trout are stocked periodically throughout the year. The fishery operates throughout the regular angling season up to the end of September each year when most trout fishing ceases. Put and take rainbow trout fisheries are among the few types of fishery with potential to operate through the winter. However, while the Aderra Fishery was previously operated through the winter, IFI advises that the use of the facility was limited. On that basis, extending opening beyond the traditional season was not economically viable due to the significant maintenance and stocking requirements and the lake is currently closed to angling.
492. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when will gate four offers be forthcoming; if it is necessary for all gate three offers to be determined prior to this offer; the grid connection price, if any, that will be charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3783/13]
View answer493. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the CER is making their decision with regard to Gate three offers, the grid connection fee, if any, that will be charged per megawatt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3784/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.
Supervision of the grid connection process is vested in the Commission for Energy Regulation. The Gate 3 Direction to System Operators (CER/08/260) published in December 2008 set out the list of projects to receive grid connection offers. As explained in the Direction, Gate 3 was designed to ensure the 40% target for renewable electricity (RES-E) by 2020 could be achieved and this was based on an assumption that 5800MW of renewable generation would be required. Gate 3 followed Gate 1 and Gate 2 and provided for additional grid connection offers totalling almost 4000MW. Since then, due to changes in economic conditions, SEAI estimated for the First Progress Report on the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) that the amount of MW needed to meet 40% RES-E has fallen to approximately 4000MW.
Gate 3 grid connection offers were issued between December 2009 and mid-2011. All offers have now issued and to date, there has been approximately 10% take up. The low take-up to date is primarily due to a delay in technical market decisions from the All Island SEM Committee. I am concerned about this delay and its potential impact on meeting our renewable energy targets. I understand that the key decisions will be made shortly by the SEM committee. This should bring clarity to the situation in relation to the take up rate of Gate 3 connection offers and which projects intend to proceed to build. I expect that the outcome will be that there is still sufficient capacity in Gate 3 to ensure that our 40% RES-E target can be met. The matter will, however, be kept under ongoing review.
The implementation of Gate 3 requires a significant amount of grid build and grid upgrade, which will be challenging to achieve in the period to 2020. EirGrid’s Grid 25 implementation plans are designed around building the necessary grid and upgrading the grid as necessary, in order to build the necessary grid to underpin the Gate 3 grid connection offers and to deliver on our 2020 targets. Any decision on a potential future Gate will have to be considered in the context of the SEM committee processes already underway.
In terms of the cost of grid connections, costs will vary by project connecting, in line with the “shallow connection” principle. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) available on my Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie explains the processes that are in place. The rules outlining cost sharing and bearing of network technical adaptations are published by EirGrid and approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER.) The capital costs of connection and technical adaptation are divided between producers, transmission and distribution system operators using a methodology based on a version of the “shallow connection” principle. This means that the costs of the immediate connection assets to the network are borne by the connecting producer while the costs of additional reinforcement of the surrounding base network are recovered through a tariff imposed on all users of the system. This costing mechanism has evolved from a number of CER decisions over a number of years. The relevant rules outlined are based on objective, transparent and non-discriminatory criteria. The DSO (ESB Network) document ‘Standard Prices for Generators 2010’ provides details and descriptions of standard connection building blocks and may be viewed at:
http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/en/commercial-downloads/Standard-Prices-for-Generator-Connections.pdf
494. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding options available to support community radio stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3810/13]
View answerCommunity radio stations in Ireland receive funding from various sources, including funds derived from donations, advertising and sponsorship. In terms of public funding, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme is a significant source of support. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is assigned responsibility under Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 for the administration of the Scheme which aims, inter alia, to develop local and community broadcasting by providing funding for the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by community broadcasters. In addition, the BAI operates the Community Broadcasting Support Scheme, a development fund, which allows community radio stations to conduct evaluations of their activities. The scheme provides funding for stations to carry out key review work to assist with their overall performance and to build capacity. Further information is available on the BAI website: www.bai.ie
495. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will comment on Údarás na Gaeltachta's annual report, which notes that access to high-speed broadband is still a challenge for companies in some Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3856/13]
View answer496. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with reference to Údarás na Gaeltachta's annual report, which notes that access to high-speed broadband is still a challenge for companies in some Gaeltacht areas, if he will indicate his strategy for addressing this electronic infrastructure issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3857/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 496 together.
Broadband 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 telecommunications market in Ireland has been fully liberalised since 1999 and, since then, has seen the steady growth and development of vibrant well-regulated competition in the provision of the full range of telecommunications products and services. The Government is not a player in this market and can only intervene in cases of clear market failure. It has, in the past, undertaken, following EU State aid clearance, a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. State investment in the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) are examples of such interventions.
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, including those located in Gaeltacht areas. 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.
My Department is making preparations to commence a formal national mapping exercise to determine the exact position in relation to commercial service providers’ existing and planned broadband services throughout the country. This exercise will identify where the market is expected to succeed and fail in the delivery of high speed broadband over the coming years and will therefore inform the level of Government interaction that may be required and the areas that need to be targeted.
It will also form a critical input to an EU State Aids application in respect of any intervention. I would reiterate that the Government remains committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland, including Gaeltacht areas, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity, through public or private sector investment as outlined in the National Broadband Plan. In specific regard to Údarás na Gaeltachta, my Department had had no request on this issue from the agency but would be happy to meet Údarás officials to discuss its concerns. Contact will be made to set up such a meeting.
497. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the incentives available for the development of wind energy in Ireland. [3861/13]
View answerIn terms of supporting renewable energy, Ireland is legally obliged under Directive 2009/28/EC to increase consumption of renewables to 16% by 2020. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan sets out the planned trajectory for achieving the target across the electricity, heat and transport sectors with 40% needed in electricity, 10% in transport and 12% in heat to meet Ireland’s overall 16% commitment.
Renewable energy is being supported by a variety of policy initiatives. Renewable electricity is now the largest contributor to renewable energy consumption and is expected to contribute most to our 2020 target. The largest contribution in the electricity sector is expected to be made through generation from wind technologies, followed by biomass technologies. For the support of commercial renewable generation, my Department administers a renewable energy support mechanism known as the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT). The terms and conditions of REFIT are available on the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources’ website.
The feed in tariff or REFIT scheme underpins investment in renewable energy to meet Ireland’s legally binding renewable target, by providing sufficient certainty to developers to finance projects through guarantee of a minimum price for wind exported to the grid over a 15 year period. Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), shows that wind acts as a hedge against high fossil fuel prices.
498. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reduce the cost of imported oil. [3862/13]
View answer499. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reduce the amount of oil imported into Ireland. [3863/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 499 together.
I have no statutory function in the setting of oil prices. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. Increases in oil prices arise primarily from increases in the international commodity prices over which Ireland has no control. For example, the spot price of a barrel of Brent Crude Oil has risen from a low of US$90 in June 2012 to US$111 in January 2013. This has inevitably resulted in an increase in retail oil prices. Upward trends in global oil prices underscores the Government’s commitment to delivering national energy efficiency and renewable energy objectives, which are aimed at moving the economy away from reliance on imported, carbon intensive fossil fuels such as oil.
The electrification of transport offers huge potential for Ireland, not just in terms of energy efficiency but also because of the ability to use cheaper electricity, an increasing amount of which will be sourced from renewable resources as we progressively deliver on our ambitious target of 40% renewable generation by 2020. In addition, the Biofuel Obligation Scheme incentivises and enables the sustainable growth of an Irish biofuels market affording opportunities for indigenous biofuel producers and allowing for the displacement of traditional oil products in the transport sector. The Statutory Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 and currently requires that the amount of biofuel brought to the market is not less than 4.166% of the relevant disposal of petroleum road transport fuels. The scheme ensured that 144.5 million litres of biofuel were brought to the Irish market in 2011.
I am very aware that many households are experiencing financial hardship due to the current economic difficulties. As such, the Government is taking a range of actions to address the challenge of affordable energy for vulnerable households. Over the last ten years €2 billion has been distributed in energy supports under the National Fuel Scheme and the Household Benefits Package administered by the Department of Social Protection. In addition, €100 million has been spent, from my own Department’s Vote, on energy efficiency improvements in vulnerable homes. Permanent improvements to the thermal efficiency of houses are the most cost-effective means of addressing energy poverty.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers on behalf of my Department, the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, which is free-of-charge to eligible applicants. With over 93,000 homes refurbished to date, 2013 will see approximately 10,000 low-income households benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. I have allocated approximately €20 million to the Warmer Homes Scheme in 2013.
More generally, the Government’s Strategy for Affordable Energy in Ireland was launched by me in November 2011. The Strategy sets out our plans for enhancing the affordability of energy for low-income households. The strategy includes 48 actions that will be implemented over the life of the Strategy. Delivery on these commitments will progressively reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels such as oil, while supporting energy competitiveness and security.
500. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with reference to the public service reform document published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4283/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that following the review undertaken on rationalisation of State agencies, insofar as Bodies under the aegis of my Department are concerned, it was determined that the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) will be merged with Dublin City Council (DCC). A transition team has been established to give effect to the transfer of the DHDA to DCC and administrative arrangements are being put in place, pending legislation being completed. This merger is expected to yield short term savings of approximately €400k, which amounts to over 20% of the Exchequer current subvention.
In addition, the Government also announced further proposed mergers, which include provision for the Ordnance Survey of Ireland, which is also under the aegis of my Department, to merge with the Valuation Office and Property Registration Authority. The lead Department in relation to this rationalisation is the Department of Justice and Equality. The merger potentially provides an opportunity for more efficient and cost-effective delivery of land and property administration services. Savings are likely to be achievable in the areas of common back office functions such as HR, conventional (non-specialised) IT systems, Financial Management and Corporate Services. There may also be potential savings in the areas of accommodation and software licences. There is also provision for the back-office administrative functions of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) to be merged with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). I would advise the Deputy that neither BAI nor ComReg is Exchequer funded and as a result any savings achieved would not directly impact on the Exchequer.
501. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons currently employed by the Commission for Energy Regulation; the number of staff who received performance related payments for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012; the overall amount paid out each year; the average amount paid to each employee; his policy on such payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4335/13]
View answerThe Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is a statutory independent regulator, established under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999. I have no function in the day to day operational matters of the CER in line with its statutory regulatory independence. The scheme of performance related payments referred to by the Deputy dates from when the CER was set up in 1999, and was subject to the approval of the then Department of Public Enterprise and the Department of Finance at that time.
The reduction in the pay of civil servants in December 2009, introduced as part of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009, included the termination of the scheme of performance-related awards previously applicable to Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary grades. Accordingly, the scheme of performance-related awards was terminated in the CER for similar grades at Director level in 2010. CER Commissioners never received performance related payments. Staff of CER have been subject to reductions in pay in accordance with the FEMPI No 2 Act.
CER has continued to operate a performance related pay scheme for staff below the level of Director. The responsibility for conditions of employment of staff other than Chief Executives, is a matter for senior management and Boards (or in this case the Commissioners) of the State Company or organisation concerned. I would expect that their decisions in this regard would take into account general government policy on pay determination. I have requested the Commission to reply directly to you on the matters raised in your question with particular reference to the specific categories of information you have requested. I am also aware that this matter was raised at the recent meeting of the Public Accounts Committee with the CER and that the CER is in the process of providing further detail to the Committee, in line with its request.
502. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national broadband roll-out programme; the date on which an area (details supplied) in County Wicklow is likely to be covered by the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4355/13]
View answerThe Government’s National Broadband Plan 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.
My Department is making preparations to commence 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 and will therefore inform the level of Government intervention that may be required. It will also form a critical input to an EU State Aids application in respect of any intervention. Until that process is complete, the precise areas of the country which will require State intervention to deliver on the commitments in the Plan will not be known. I would reiterate however, that the Government remains committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland, including Kilcoole, County Wicklow, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity.
503. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for the review of 23,000 applications for exemptions to paying the household charge; the reasons for this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3795/13]
View answer505. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households that claimed a waiver for the household charge who have now been informed that they did not qualify for a waiver and must make payment of this charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4203/13]
View answer506. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households who having made an initial payment of the household charge by direct debit did not subsequently make all further instalments as they fell due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4204/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 503, 505 and 506 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the Household Charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date was liable to pay the Household Charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. It is a matter for an owner of a residential property to determine liability and pay the Charge. The Local Government Management Agency is administering the Household Charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils.
A liable person is entitled to a waiver from payment of the Household Charge in two circumstances. If a person is entitled to receipt of mortgage interest supplement towards the amount of mortgage interest payable by him or her in respect of that property, he or she is entitled to a waiver. A person who owns a property situated in a category 3 or category 4 unfinished housing estate, listed in the schedule to the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012, is also entitled to a waiver in respect of that property.
I am advised by the Agency that, as of 25 January 2013, 22,954 properties have been registered by applicants seeking a waiver. Each application for a Household Charge waiver is checked and verified by the Agency. I am advised by the Agency that, as of 25 January 2013, there have been 1,394 unfinished housing estate waiver applications and 1,340 mortgage interest supplement waiver applications which have not qualified. Such applicants are informed that they do not qualify for a waiver, and therefore must make payment of the Charge. I am also advised by the Agency that a total of 386 households have made partial direct debit payments and therefore have an outstanding amount due in respect of the Household Charge.
504. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding tax on vintage/classic cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4145/13]
View answerTo qualify for the vintage rate a vehicle must be constructed more than 30 years prior to the commencement of the period in relation to which the licence is sought. I have no plans to change this. A concessionary rate of motor tax was introduced on 1 July 1991 for vintage vehicles. The rates of motor tax were initially set at £10 (€13) for motorcycles and £25 (€32) for all other vehicles. The current annual rates are €26 for motorcycles and €56 for all other vehicles, which must be regarded as favourable rates of tax.
