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Wednesday, 18 Sep 2013

Written Answers Nos. 785 - 802

Better Energy Homes Scheme Expenditure

Questions (785)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

785. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the insulation installation scheme in terms of whether he plans to reduce funding or discontinue the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/13]

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Written answers

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the Programme for Government include a commitment to roll out a Better Energy Financing (also known as Pay-As-You-Save) retrofit scheme for domestic buildings. The Better Energy Financing (BEF) model proposes that the current suite of Exchequer-funded grants for energy efficiency measures would be replaced by a new financing scheme open to householders. The current programme, which includes Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes, will remain open for applications until the new BEF scheme is introduced. In the interim, I have no plans to reduce funding or discontinue the existing residential sector supports. I wish to stress, however, that it is my intention in the context of the introduction of a BEF scheme that the existing Warmer Homes scheme, aimed at those on low incomes, would remain in existence.My Department, with the assistance of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), has put in place a project team to design the BEF scheme under the direction of a Project Board representing key State and industry stakeholders. The design of the scheme is currently being developed and a public consultation process was undertaken during August. On foot of the outcome of this consultation and the recommendations of the Project Board, it is my intention to bring the matter to Government in the coming weeks outlining the detailed design of the BEF programme. The Better Energy Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to lower income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI-appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include: draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.

Just over 250,000 homes have been upgraded through the Better Energy schemes that are administered by the SEAI. The number of homes completed this year to end-August and the value of the grants, are listed in the table below.

No. of Homes Completed

Value of applications drawn down (€m)

Better Energy Homes

9,459

8.8

Better Energy Warmer Homes

7,192

8.8

Road Signage

Questions (786)

Robert Dowds

Question:

786. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that the road signs across the State refer to Derry City as Derry if he will clarify the policy of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland regarding the name of County Derry and the City of Derry in Northern Ireland when producing Irish Government maps; if he will clarify the policy of the Irish Government more generally on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37350/13]

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Written answers

The mapping of the six counties of Northern Ireland is carried out by Land & Property Services Northern Ireland and this data is protected by Crown Copyright. Ordnance Survey of Ireland receives the data from Land & Property Services for inclusion in All Ireland Tourism and Leisure maps on their behalf. Ordnance Survey of Ireland has no control over road signage; this would be a matter for the National Roads Authority or individual Local Councils.

Telecommunications Regulation Issues

Questions (787)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

787. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposal from the European Commission Directorate General for Competition under the direction of Joaquín Almunia to have a single pan-European watchdog to replace the existing 28 national telecoms regulators, as opposed to the single European telecoms market as set out by Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner for Digital Agenda from the Directorate General of the European Commission for Communications Networks, Content and Technology; the implications this would have for the Irish Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg); the option he believes would be the better option for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37363/13]

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Written answers

I am not aware of any proposal from DG Competition of the kind suggested in the Deputy’s Question. I can confirm, however, that the European Commission published a proposal last week from Commissioner Kroes for a Single Telecoms Market. While this proposal has implications for the current EU regulatory framework in the telecommunications area, it does not envisage the establishment of a single pan-European telecommunciations regulator to replace existing national regulators. These proposals will be the subject of detailed scrutiny and discussion over the coming months including consultation with ComReg and with industry and will require consideration by the Council and the European Parliament.

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Questions (788)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

788. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications of the recent decision of the European Commission to approve an extension to the backstop date for the renewable energy feed-in tariff scheme 2006 for an additional two year period up to the end of 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37366/13]

View answer

Written answers

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a binding target of 16% of our total energy requirements to come from renewable sources by 2020. In order to achieve this overall target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable generation by 2020. To date wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity, contributing most towards the achievement of the 2020 target. In 2012, 15.5% of Ireland’s electricity demand was met by wind generation. At the end of quarter one this year over 1,700 MW of wind generation capacity was connected to the grid. It is estimated that to deliver on our 40% target, a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of renewable generation capacity will be required. It is anticipated that onshore wind will provide the bulk of this capacity.While good progress has been made towards achieving our 2020 renewable electricity target, maintaining the required rate of wind energy build is presenting a challenge. Analysis shows that the target will not be achieved without an increase in build from an historic average of 180 MW per year to at least 250 MW per year. Non-achievement of our 2020 target would result in compliance costs and emissions permit purchases. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has estimated that these could amount to between €100 million and €150 million per annum for each percentage shortfall in renewable energy and a further €250m in emissions permit purchases. In recognition of (i) the absolute need to meet our 2020 targets, (ii) the obstacles faced by developers in bringing projects to fruition and (iii) the need for policy certainty, earlier this year I took a number decisions to allow for greater flexibility of the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff, or REFIT, support schemes. With regard to REFIT 1, approval to extend the backstop date to 2027 was received from the European Commission in early August and the scheme has now been amended accordingly. The extension of REFIT 1 to 2027 seeks to allow an adequate return on investment for developers whose investments facilitate Ireland in meeting the 2020 target. It also seeks to ensure the timely closing of this support scheme.

The extension of the REFIT 1 backstop date is part of a range of measures aimed at addressing the challenges of meeting our 2020 renewable electricity target. Acceptance of grid connection offers made by EirGrid under the Gate 3 process to developers of just under 4,000 MW of renewable generation is due to be completed in October. In light of the fact that a significant portion of Gate 3 projects is now likely to connect post 2015, I have also amended the terms and conditions of REFIT 2 to allow projects until 31 December 2017 to become operational. The progress of wind energy build will continue to be monitored closely by my Department and key State bodies.

Energy Prices

Questions (789)

Seán Fleming

Question:

789. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reduce the overall cost of electricity here especially for export companies where electricty is a high proportion of their cost base to make them more competitive on the international market; if he will consider a situation similar to that in Germany and other locations where large energy users do not have to pay the PSO levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37450/13]

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Written answers

Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Prices in the electricity retail market are fully deregulated. Customers can therefore avail of competitive offerings from electricity and gas suppliers. Prices are set by suppliers and are commercial and operational matters for them. I have no statutory function in the setting of electricity prices.Electricity and gas costs in Ireland are influenced by various drivers, including global gas and oil prices, the costs of capital, exchange rate fluctuations, the small size of the Irish market, geographical location and low population density. The most important factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland is the continuing upward trend in international gas prices. In Europe, wholesale natural gas prices have been on an upward curve since the second half of 2009. This is driven by events in the Middle East, North Africa, Japan and by the significant growth in demand from China and India. This feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as most of Ireland’s electricity is produced at gas-fired stations.

The trend of increasing gas prices in European wholesale markets, and the underlying dependence on gas in the electricity mix underline the need to maintain the focus on continuing to address controllable cost factors, to increase the penetration of indigenous secure renewables in the Irish electricity system and to take action on energy efficiency in homes and businesses.

At a national level, the competitive energy market in place helps put downward pressure on prices. In addition, we must focus on all possible additional actions to mitigate costs for business and domestic customers, including rigorous regulatory scrutiny of the network costs component of retail prices.

I am committed to working with enterprise and with the energy sector to ensure that the costs of energy are as competitive as possible. In this context, promotion of energy efficiency measures is an area within our control where action can be taken to reduce energy costs.

Increasing use of indigenous sustainable sources of energy in electricity generation will help offset the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices. The Government has a renewable electricity target of 40% by 2020. Good progress has been made in meeting this target and its realisation will introduce more certainty in the energy fuel mix as well as boosting security of supply.

The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy supports the security of our energy supplies and the development of renewable electricity in Ireland. Its legal basis and method of calculation are set out in the regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. The PSO is levied on all electricity customers. It is set at €1.54/kVA per month for medium and large customers for the period October 2013 to September 2014. I have no plans to alter the PSO schemes at this time.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (790, 797, 815, 817)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

790. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a progress report on the roll-out of broadband and high speed broadband in various areas (details supplied) of County Wicklow at affordable rates for residents; if he intends to engage with established, well placed firms already providing innovative ways of securing broadband for particular areas; if he intends to have a price goal for end users as part of the national broadband plan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that faster connections for home users at affordable broadband rates can reduce lower fuel imports and CO2 emissions with persons working from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37457/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

797. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if and when broadband service will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is experiencing problems being connected due to being located in Allenwood; his future plans to develop high-speed broadband service in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37570/13]

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Pat Breen

Question:

815. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 399 of 26 February 2013, if he will provide an update on the rural broadband scheme; the time frame for finalising digital mapping including an area (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/13]

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Simon Harris

Question:

817. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to bring a high-speed broadband to an area (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38250/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 790, 797, 815 and 817 together.

The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published last Autumn, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses, including those in Counties Clare, Kildare and Wicklow. This will be achieved by providing:

- a policy and regulatory framework that assists in accelerating and incentivising commercial investment, and

- a State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest.

Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are underway in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. In order to progress the State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest, a full procurement process must be designed and EU State Aids approval must be obtained.

My Department is engaged in a comprehensive mapping exercise of the current and anticipated investment by the commercial sector to identify where the market is expected to deliver high speed broadband services over the coming years. The results of this mapping exercise will inform the level of Government intervention that may be required and the precise areas that need to be targeted in the State-led investment as envisaged in the National Broadband Plan.

Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations, including stakeholder engagement, are ongoing. All relevant technical matters and issues related to pricing, will be considered. The procurement process for the approved intervention will be carried out in accordance with EU and Irish procurement rules and it is expected that it will be launched in 2014. Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, I am committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland have access to high speed broadband, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in a digitally enabled society.

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Questions (791)

Jim Daly

Question:

791. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total cost of all media advertising to his Department for each of the past five years; the efforts his Department is making to ensure that local media both print and radio are being supported as well as national media by his Department's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37474/13]

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Written answers

As with all areas of public expenditure, spending on media advertising is carefully controlled and limited to that necessary for the effective discharge of my Department’s functions. The principal reason for such expenditure is statutory notices that I am required to publish in the case of certain proposed authorisations, which require publication in a local newspaper circulating in the area where the proposed authorisation arises. Advertising by way of national and regional media is also required, in conjunction with press releases and conferences, to communicate the Department’s initiatives, schemes and services to the public. The largest level of expenditure arose in 2012 in the case of the Digital Switchover Campaign, which played a large part in the success of the switch from Analogue to digital broadcasting. I have set out below in tabular format the information which the Deputy requested for the years 2009 to 2013 year to date.

Year

Cost

2009

€53,145

2010

€46,417

2011

€71,155

2012

€805,380*

YEAR

COST

2013 (up to 12/09/2013)

€71,537

* This amount includes a sum of €735,490 which related to fees payable to an Advertising Agency in relation to the national Digital Switchover campaign.

Ministerial Appointments

Questions (792)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

792. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of all bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department to which ministerial appointments are made; the statutory provision providing for the making of such appointments in each case; the annual allowances or other payments made to the chairperson; the annual allowance or other payment made to an ordinary member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37489/13]

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Written answers

A total of 18 Commercial and Non-Commercial State bodies, including Regulators, are currently under the aegis of my Department. Ordnance Survey Ireland is part of a merger process with the Property Registration Office and the Valuation Office which will see it transfer in time to the Department of Justice and Equality. In addition, the Digital Hub Development Agency is being merged with Dublin City Council. I have set out in the table below the list of bodies/regulators under the aegis of my Department together with the principal legislative basis for appointments to the boards of these bodies and the fees ordinarily payable to both the Chairperson and Directors of the Boards.

Name of Body/Regulator

Section of Act relating to Appointments to Boards

Fee Band

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

Section 8 (1) & (b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 No. 18 of 2009

Category 4

Chair: €8,978

Director: €5,985

RTE

Section 81 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 No. 18 of 2009

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

TG4

Section 81 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 No. 18 of 2009

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

An Post

Section 16 & 50 of the Postal & Telecommunications Services Act 1983 No. 24 of 1983

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

ComReg (No Board – 3 Commissioners)

Section 14, 15 & 16 of the Communications Regulations Act 2002 No. 20 of 2002

Digital Hub Development Agency**

Section 15 of the Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003 No. 23 of 2003

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Bord Gáis Éireann

Section 7 & First Schedule of the Gas Act 1976 No. 30 of 1976 as amended by the First Schedule of the Gas (Amendment) Act 1987 No. 9 of 1987

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

Bord na Móna

Section 18 & 26 of the Turf Development Act 1998 No. 26 of 1998

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

Commission for Energy Regulation (No Board – 3 Commissioners)

Schedule – Section 8 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 No. 23 of 1999

Eirgrid

Section 50 & 53 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000 S.I. No. 445 of 2000 as amended by European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 S.I. No. 59 of 2009

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

ESB

Section 2 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927 No. 27 of 1927 and S.I. No. 186/1978

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA)**

Section 14 of the National Oil Reserve Agency Act 2007 No. 7 of 2007

Category 4

Chair: €8,978

Director: €5,985

Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC)**

n/a

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland**

Section 10 & 15 of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002 No. 2 of 2002

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Inland Fisheries Ireland

Section 12 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 No. 10 of 2010

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Loughs Agency

Schedule – Part 2 10.1-11.6 of the British Irish Agreement No. 1 of 1999

*Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Ordnance Survey of Ireland

Section 11 & 14(10) of the Ordnance Survey Ireland Act 2001 No. 43 of 2001

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Mining Board

Section 33 (3) of the Minerals Development Act 1940

Fee per day/sitting

*The Irish Exchequer pays half of the cost of Loughs Agency board fees

**Staff in my Department are on the Board and no fee is applicable to them

Ministerial Appointments

Questions (793, 794)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

793. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the boards, bodies or committees under the remit of his Department where there is currently a vacancy to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37504/13]

View answer

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

794. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department where there is anticipated to be a vacancy within the next six months to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the anticipated vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of anticipated vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37519/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 794 together.

There are currently 17 vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department. Six of these vacancies are on the Board of the Digital Hub Development Agency and, in light of the proposed merger of that agency with Dublin City Council, it is not proposed to make further appointments at this time. The 17 vacancies are for ordinary member positions.

Eight vacancies will arise on State Boards under the aegis of my Department within the next six months. One such vacancy will be at Chairperson level, three vacancies will be for ordinary member positions and there will be four ex-officio vacancies.

The following table provides a list of the boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department together with details of the current vacancies and those vacancies arising within the next six months:-

Vacancies for Boards under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Board

No. of Board positions

Number of current Vacancies

Additional upcoming vacancies

(to 31st March 2014)

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

9

Nil

Nil

RTE

12

Nil

1 (Ex officio)

TG4

12

1

1 (Ex officio)

An Post

15

2

Nil

ComReg (No Board – 3 Commissioners)

3

Nil

Nil

DHDA

14

6

4 Vacancies

2 Ex officio

1 ordinary member

1 Chairperson

Bord Gáis Éireann

9

Nil

1 ordinary member

Bord na Móna

12

1

Nil

CER (No Board – 3 Commissioners)

3

Nil

Nil

Eirgrid

10

Nil

Nil

ESB

12

Nil

Nil

National Oil Reserves Agency

6

2

Nil

INPC

4

2

Nil

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

12

1

Nil

Inland Fisheries Ireland

9

Nil

1 ordinary member

Loughs Agency

12

1

Nil

Ordnance Survey of Ireland

10

Nil

Nil

Mining Board

3

1

Nil

Renewable Energy Generation Issues

Questions (795, 796)

Finian McGrath

Question:

795. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of gigawatts of energy that come from renewable energy sources here; and if he will provide a breakdown of the number of gigawatts generated per renewable energy sector, that is, solar hydro, wind and so on. [37562/13]

View answer

Finian McGrath

Question:

796. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of gigawatts of renewable energy which need to be generated in order for Ireland to meet its targets under the Europe 2020 strategy. [37563/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 795 and 796 together.

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a binding target whereby 16% of our energy requirements should come from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet our overall 16% requirement, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources.

In 2012, 5,254.5 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity was produced from renewable sources. The breakdown by sector is as follows:

Technology Amount (GWh)

Hydropower 802.0

Windpower 4,010.0

Landfill gas 175.0

Wood 180.0

Biogas 24.0

Renewable waste and other 63.0

Solar (PV) 0.50

It is estimated that to deliver on our 40% target, a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of renewable generation capacity will be required. It is anticipated that onshore wind will provide the bulk of this capacity.

Question No. 797 answered with Question No. 790.

Public Broadcasting Charge Introduction

Questions (798)

Robert Troy

Question:

798. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a new media or television licence will mean that all houses will have to pay the licence fee; if the new legislation will ensure that the tenant in an apartment will be liable to pay the licence fee or if the the landlord will be liable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37702/13]

View answer

Written answers

The 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 analysis and policy development work that is necessary in advance of the implementation of any changes that may be required. The replacement of the existing funding system based on the collection of television licence fees with one based on the imposition of a device-independent charge on eligible households and businesses is a complex process and requires detailed consideration of issues such as identifying the most appropriate collection method, exemptions and enforcement.

No decision has been taken by Government in relation to the specific application or collection of the Charge, the level of the Charge or who will be liable to pay it. Decisions in respect of these matters will only be taken when I have had the opportunity to give due consideration to the outcome of the ongoing public consultation process which I recently launched. That said, the commitment in the Programme for Government refers to a liability on ‘households’ rather than property owners.

I should emphasise that the proposed charge would replace the existing TV licence system. Furthermore, it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefit Package would continue to apply.

Internet Safety

Questions (799, 826)

Denis Naughten

Question:

799. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that Internet service providers require customers to make an active choice regarding filtering adult content when they begin using services similar to UK plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37784/13]

View answer

Terence Flanagan

Question:

826. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure that children's access to adult internet sites is being restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38630/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 799 and 826 together.

The protection of children insofar as this issue is concerned is paramount and there are a number of initiatives already in place in this respect, notably through the Department of Education’s resources and support for parents and children as well as the various initiatives carried out by the Office for Internet Safety. It is also essential that children, young people and parents are educated as to the risks that can be found online, that parents and teachers are supported in explaining these issues to children and that the optimal technical solution to protect children is identified. In this regard, there are a range of tools available online to assist parents in managing internet access.

The industry also shares in the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to protect children and I have met the Internet Services providers (ISPs) to explore these issues in detail. The ISPs also have a variety of measures and resources already in place, with software and other tools available to help parents ensure online safety for their children.

I remain to be convinced that a blanket or ‘default on’ blocker such as that proposed in the UK would achieve the desired ends and whether, in fact, it is open to Governments to impose a blanket or general obligation of this nature on ISPs.

What we need to ensure is that the State responds appropriately and in a manner which is effective, workable and respects the rights of individuals. Work is continuing to identify measures which might prove effective. I have met with the ISPs earlier this Summer to discuss this issue and further meetings will be held by my Department with the ISPs in the near future. While there are a number of other difficulties with it, the UK approach may have lessons for us. The Government will keep a close eye on what happens but, for the moment, it seems that the solution will involve a multi-faceted effort by Government, industry, educators and, most importantly, parents.

Public Broadcasting Charge Introduction

Questions (800)

John Halligan

Question:

800. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that every household, business or institution here with a television or equipment capable of receiving a television signal must have a television licence which is a certificate that states that they have paid the appropriate fee to the Government and contributed to the cost of public service broadcasting in Ireland; if he will confirm what service is provided by public service broadcasting for this fee where the household also pays a monthly subscription to an independent television provider for satellite service; if the Government is receiving VAT on inter alia the initial television purchase, the television service provider subscription fee and the ESB usage associated with the television set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37845/13]

View answer

Written answers

The legislative provisions governing the Television Licence system in Ireland are set out in Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The current system stipulates that, except for certain classes of social welfare recipients, if you own a television set in Ireland you are liable to pay a television licence. Revenue derived from the licence fee is used to fund public service broadcasting in the State.Viewers who wish to do so may additionally subscribe to an independent commercial multichannel TV provider but no such subscription goes to fund public service broadcasting. Furthermore, no VAT receipts derived from the purchase of televisions, or ESB usage, for example, flow to the public service broadcasters. Part 7 of the 2009 Act provides for public service broadcasting and sets out the provisions relating to the public service broadcasting corporations, RTÉ and TG4, including their principal objects.

These objects provide for the companies’ statutory mandates and encapsulate national policy in terms of public service broadcasting. They include the specific objective of providing for national, free-to-air public service broadcasting services, as well as the provision of a broad range of other additional services that are seen as fundamental to the role of the public service broadcaster. In their pursuit of these objects, the provisions of the Act subject the public service broadcasting corporations to a range of additional regulatory obligations. These statutory objects and obligations set the State-owned public service broadcasters apart from their commercial counterparts.

The rationale for providing State funding for public service broadcasting is to ensure an independent and reliable income flow that allows both RTÉ and TG4 to attain their public service objects, while safeguarding their editorial independence. This is especially important in the context of news and current affairs.

In relation to the television licence fee monies, it should be noted that not all of these are allocated to the public service broadcasters and that a proportion is available to both public and independent broadcasters through the Broadcasting Funding Scheme.

The purpose of this Scheme is to encourage the inclusion of additional programming of a particular character in broadcasters programme schedules. The Scheme is open to independent producers and all ‘free to air’ broadcasters. It is funded by way of a payment of 7% of net licence fee receipts, which is paid to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in respect of this Scheme. This amount was increased from 5% to 7% under the Broadcasting Act 2009.

Post Office Network

Questions (801)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

801. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered the Irish Postmasters' Union 2012 Report on The Future of the Post Office Network in Ireland; the measures that can be taken at Government level to support the continuation of the post office network here; if he has consulted with the Board of An Post on potential service contracts that might be available to the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37909/13]

View answer

Written answers

Operational matters and the role of developing commercial strategies for the post office network are a matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. As shareholder, however, I have a strong interest in relation to the ongoing commercial position of the Company and I and my Department regularly liaise with the Company in this regard.

An Post has many strengths and has the largest retail presence in the country. I have impressed on the Company the need to further exploit its unique position in this regard and have been supportive of its attempts to diversify its income streams and to win a wider range of commercial contracts offering higher margins.

I have read and considered the Irish Postmasters' Union (IPU) 2012 Report on The Future of the Post Office Network in Ireland which I found to be both positive and ambitious. The report focuses on growing the business to make the network more sustainable.

In May this year, I addressed the annual conference of the Irish Postmasters’ Union and emphasised the intrinsic strengths of the network and the opportunities for new developments. Having invested in the computerisation of all post offices, An Post is well positioned to become the front office provider of choice for Government and the financial services sector.

An Post has made much progress towards diversification with its enhanced arrangement with AIB and its agreement with Aviva for the transfer of Aviva Ireland’s branch offices personal insurance business book to One Direct. More recently the opportunity to pay the local property tax via An Post outlets was secured. An Post has also been selected as the preferred bidder, following a competitive tender process, for the cash element of welfare payments which augurs well for the future of the network.

In the context of the public sector transformation agenda I will continue to engage with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to consideration, as appropriate, of the post office network for transactional elements of the business of Government Departments and Agencies and have stressed to my Government colleagues that the network is ideally configured for over the counter transactions.

Overall, it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide customer focussed network of post offices.

Oil Technicians Registration

Questions (802)

Niall Collins

Question:

802. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to establish a register for oil technicians carrying out work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37924/13]

View answer

Written answers

I assume that the Deputy is referring to proposals from the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) for a system of registration for oil technicians. My Department met with OFTEC to consider their proposals. Arising from this engagement, I am satisfied that the potential benefits of a recognised register of competent oil technicians merit further consideration by my Department. Various schemes under the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation assist industry trade associations to increase the professionalism of their members. I have asked my officials to consult the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to consider the appropriateness of a system of registration for oil technicians and I await the outcome of those consultations.

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