Written Answers Nos. 803 - 821
803. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will detail by name, location and cost the number of capital projects funded by his Department for each of the past five years to date in tabular form in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37957/13]
View answerThe following table outlines capital expenditure by my Department in the areas and period concerned:
|
- |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Geological Survey Of Ireland INFOMAR Survey at Kinsale Grants under the Better Energy Home Schemes |
Nil |
Nil |
€75,000 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Bandon |
Nil |
€40,748 |
€10,750 |
€12,240 |
€27,880 |
|
Kinsale |
Nil |
€31,250 |
€8,054 |
€13,450 |
€23,710 |
|
Clonakilty |
Nil |
€23,350 |
€7,500 |
€28,980 |
€18,240 |
In addition, from 2009 to date, 12 Metropolitan Area Networks were constructed in Co Cork, at an approximate cost of €15.5 million, including one recently completed in Kinsale.
804. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm when TV signals turned digital, that persons were told the existing infrastructure and antenna would improve the bouncing of phone and broadband signals; if so, if this has materialised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37985/13]
View answerThe upgrade from analogue to digital TV allowed for the switch off of analogue TV networks, thereby making additional spectrum available for other services such as mobile services or broadband services. In Ireland, the analogue terrestrial TV network was switched off and replaced by SAORVIEW, the new national digital terrestrial TV network, on 24 October 2012. This was in line with the timetable set by the EU which had requested Member States to switch off analogue terrestrial TV by end 2012. The allocation of the additional spectrum that became available as a result of analogue switch off is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) as part of its statutory function in relation to the management of the radio spectrum under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended.
In November 2012, ComReg announced the results of its Multi-Band Spectrum Award (MBSA) process which resulted in a total licence yield of €855 million to be paid over the duration of the terms of the licences (from 2013 to 2020).
These spectrum bands are highly suitable for advanced mobile services due to their excellent propagation properties, which allow for wide area coverage and improved in-building reception.
It is a condition of a Liberalised Use Licence that a minimum 70% population coverage obligation is to be achieved by a licensee within 3 years of its licence commencement date. I am advised that ComReg considers that actual coverage levels are expected to exceed this obligation given the competitive nature of the market and the limited risk of roll-back of coverage from current higher levels.
While the four Liberalised Use Licences of the Mobile Network Operators commenced on 1 February 2013, the timing and extent of ‘4G’ (Long Term Evolution (LTE)) network rollout is, with the exception of the above coverage obligation, a matter for the operators themselves. I understand however that some operators have plans to commence services later this year.
805. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the increased use of smart phones and other such devices is placing additional pressures on mobile communications infrastructure and could this be contributing to poorer network coverage in some areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37986/13]
View answerThe terms and conditions of the required wireless telegraphy licences and the associated monitoring of compliance by licensed providers with those terms and conditions are matters for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which is responsible for regulating both the postal and telecommunications markets. ComReg, which is accountable to Committees of the Oireactas in accordance with s34 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, is independent in the exercise of these functions.The latest ComReg quarterly market report shows that mobile market penetration in Ireland is 118% and that the mobile market accounts for approximately 73.7% of all voice and internet subscriptions (fixed and mobile). Increasing demand for data services over fixed and mobile networks is a challenge for industry and Governments globally. The Government's National Broadband Plan, which I published last year, aims to address this challenge by facilitating investment by the commercial sector and committing to the State intervening where there is no commercial case for investment. Since the Plan was published, significant investments have been announced in both fixed and mobile networks in Ireland. In December 2012, ComReg announced the results of its multiband spectrum auction, in which the mobile industry is investing €855m in spectrum licences to rollout advanced 4G mobile services. Operators are now preparing to roll out these services. In addition, at least one operator has announced a significant upgrade to its 3G network.
These developments, together with commercial investments in fixed broadband services will result in an improvement in the overall quality of telephone and broadband services throughout the country. This will be augmented by a State investment in high speed broadband, under the National Broadband Plan, in those areas where commercial investments are not deemed to be feasible.
806. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered an awareness campaign to alert persons to the benefits of an App added to their telephones showing their exact location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37991/13]
View answerThe provision of accurate location information is important for the management of the response to an emergency call. At present the mobile phone operators provide the mobile base station location and the centre of the coverage area to the emergency call answering service. The location information received by the emergency call answering service is then passed on to the relevant emergency services. My Department is aware that there are a number of software applications that run on smart phones that will provide more accurate location information than is currently available from the operators. Given that not everybody uses a smartphone or has downloaded these applications it is considered that this solution has limited application at present. In addition, as the presentation of location information using these applications has not been standardised, the processing of this information by the Emergency Call Answering Service could be challenging at present.
My Department will, however, engage with the mobile telephone operators and ComReg in the next few months to explore technical ways to improve the location information available at a network level.
807. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied with the operation of the Office of the Energy Regulator and the reason the rationale for allowing price hikes in gas and electricity. [38027/13]
View answerThe Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is responsible for regulating the electricity and natural gas markets in Ireland. It was established under the Electricity Regulation Act of 1999 (ERA) as the statutory independent energy regulator. Responsibility for the regulation of these markets is a matter for the CER. Prices in the electricity retail market are fully deregulated since April 2011. Prices are set by suppliers, not the CER. It is important to highlight that electricity customers can avail of price and product offerings from a range of electricity suppliers in the competitive market. Up until 1 October 2011 the CER regulated the Bord Gáis Energy (BGE) tariffs for its residential and smaller business customers. CER's regulation of BGE's tariffs for the latter group ended at that point. The CER still regulates BGE tariffs for its residential customers. Prices charged to business gas customers are commercial matters for the suppliers concerned and the same is the case for non-BGE suppliers to residential customers. Both business and domestic customers can avail of the competitive offerings from suppliers including discounts.
In regard to the most recent decision by the CER to apply an increase of 2.04% in BGE’s regulated residential gas tariffs with effect from 1 October, this decision followed a review by the CER of BGE’s application for an increase. While BGE originally applied for a 7.22% increase in its residential tariff, a separate and subsequent decision by the CER, aimed at increasing bookings for larger customers, resulted in mitigating the level of the rise in the network charges component of prices. This decision, combined with a cut by the CER in BGE’s allowable supply costs, resulted in a lower increase than had been requested by BGE. It is also important to note that lower gas demand results in higher network charges as these costs are mostly fixed and need to be paid even when demand reduces. I understand that a marginal increase in wholesale international (sterling denominated) gas prices, which accounts for approximately 50% of Irish gas prices, did not impact on the tariff increase as much as upward pressure on gas network tariffs driven by lower gas demand, which accounts for 40% approximately of a typical gas bill.
In making its decisions on the tariffs, the CER takes account of the need to protect consumers from unnecessary price increases by ensuring that only reasonable, necessary and efficiently-incurred costs are recovered by BGE. The CER is concerned at the impact of electricity and gas price increases on vulnerable households and is working with energy suppliers to ensure that vulnerable customers are protected through, inter alia, the installation of Pay As You Go meters. As regards the operation of the CER, I am satisfied that the CER has the knowledge, skills, and expertise to carry out its functions in accordance with its statutory mandate. The Electricity Regulation Act provides that the CER shall be independent in the performance of its functions subject to the Act itself. Additionally, Schedule 1 of the Act provides that the CER shall account for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas and shall have regard to any recommendations of such Joint Committee relevant to its functions.
808. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on plans to roll out a national postcode system; the benefits of such a system; the anticipated cost of the introduction of postcodes; the timeline for the delivery of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38049/13]
View answer809. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to avail of the opportunity of the introduction of a new postcode system here to assist retailers selling goods online by allowing the postcode system be harnessed for the prevention of online fraud, as happens in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38050/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 808 and 809 together.
The process to select a postcode management licence holder to implement a National Postcode System is on-going. Intensive work has taken place on what is an complex national project and the procurement process has now entered the final stage. The final decision to proceed with implementation of a National Postcode System will be for decision by Government in due course and will be based on appropriate financial, technical and operational considerations. There has been widespread support from public and private business for the introduction of postcodes nationally. Following stakeholder consultations in 2010 the key general areas where benefits could be derived from a National Postcode System were identified as being:
- Improved efficiency and accuracy of internal business processes as a result of improved accuracy and consistency of databases across public and private sectors;
- Delivery of improved efficiencies with regards to logistics (including emergency service response);
- Better planning and analysis capabilities across public and private sectors;
- Providing a stimulus to mail volumes through improved direct marketing capabilities;
- Enabling organisations to improve existing services and/or develop new service offerings; and
- Facilitating improved efficiencies and quality improvements in the mails sector.
810. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of the €35 million of seed capital provided for energy efficiency projects in budget 2013 expended to date; and if he will outline the nature and number of projects the fund is supporting. [38092/13]
View answerThe Energy Efficiency Fund is being established with the aim of providing finance for energy efficiency initiatives in the public and private sectors. I secured €35m for this purpose, from the remaining monies in the Carbon Revenue Levy Fund in Budget 2013; the aim is to attract matching funding from the private sector, such that the overall amount available for investment would be at least €70 million.NewEra has been asked by the Government to coordinate establishment of the Fund and ensure it is appropriately managed. NewEra and my Department have completed an extensive process of engagement with potential investors and fund managers with experience in making and managing investments in the energy efficiency sector. The investors, through the Fund manager, will determine the Fund’s structure and operational priorities. The call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the appointment of the Fund manager was advertised on 7 August 2013, with a deadline for receipt of submissions by 17 September. It is expected that a preferred bidder will be selected in October.
I launched the first tranche of twenty-two exemplar energy efficiency projects under the Action Plan for Jobs on 19 June last. Collectively, the exemplar projects will see investment of up to €55m in energy saving measures, resulting in annual savings of €7m.
Exemplar projects are demonstration projects that are prepared to use, test and provide feedback on the approach, tools and structures provided under the National Energy Services Contracting Framework. The Framework has been developed to stimulate the market for energy efficiency measures in the non-residential sector. A key aim of the Framework is to develop robust projects that are investment-ready for financing entities (such as the Energy Efficiency Fund). This will facilitate the development of an Energy Services Company (ESCO) market, thereby supporting sustainable employment in construction and professional services. The Framework also aims to provide best-practice guidance to public and private sector client organisations when procuring energy services and engaging ESCOs.
Further information on the exemplar projects and the National Energy Services Framework can be found on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s website http://www.seai.ie/Your_Business/National_Energy_Services_Framework
The following table lists the organisations involved in the Exemplar projects.
|
Participating Organisations |
|
Boliden Tara Mines |
|
Carbery Group |
|
Carton Bros |
|
DIMPCO Ltd. |
|
Dublin City Council |
|
Dublin City University |
|
Fingal County Council |
|
GE Healthcare |
|
Health Service Executive (West) (Project 1 & Project 2) |
|
Institute of Technology Tralee |
|
Irish Prison Service |
|
Kerry County Council |
|
Kildare VEC |
|
Letterkenny Institute of Technology |
|
Liffey Meats |
|
Mayo County Council |
|
Roadstone |
|
St. John of God Hospital |
|
Tesco |
|
The Four Seasons Hotel |
|
University College Cork |
811. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the current stage of the development of a bioenergy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38093/13]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising a bioenergy strategy following intensive cross-Departmental and stakeholder engagement. The strategy will set out in detail the actions required to optimise the bioenergy sector’s contribution to the 2020 renewable energy targets, taking account of available financing mechanisms. It will be published later this year.
813. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons in County Limerick who availed of the free home energy upgrades through the better energy warmer home scheme; and the number of homes in County Limerick that have benefited from the better energy homes grants for heating upgrades and insulation. [38101/13]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes and the Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the Better Energy Programme.The Better Energy Homes scheme provides support to homeowners for 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 low 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.
Since commencement of the Better Energy Homes scheme in 2009, energy efficiency upgrades have been delivered to 10,691 homes in Limerick, of which 467 homes have been delivered from the start of this year to end-August. Since commencement of the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme in 2000, energy efficiency upgrades have been delivered to 4,494 Limerick homes, of which 1,198 were delivered from the start of this year to end-August.
814. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the role the Commission for Communications Regulation play in the regulation of levies placed on credit top ups for mobile service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38109/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 814 and 818 together.
Mobile companies are obliged under Regulation 14 of the Universal Service Regulation 2011 (S.I. 337 of 2011) to inform customers how they may top-up and if this involves any cost. I am advised by ComReg that the Office's role is limited to ensuring transparency of the terms and conditions relating to levies on top-ups but that it has no role in regulating the terms and conditions themselves.
819. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if persons who are presently exempt from payment of a current TV licence will be exempt from the future public service broadcast charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38278/13]
View answerThe public consultation on the introduction of the Public Service Broadcasting Charge, which I recently launched and which is ongoing, will inform the decisions 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. As I have previously stated publicly, it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefits Package would continue to apply. That said, however, as the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the Household Benefits Package falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. This includes issues relating to benefits that arise through the Household Benefits Package such as exemptions from the liability to pay the existing TV licence and the consequent right to a free licence.
820. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has taken on board the safety recommendation by the Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport following on from an incident in Newcastle, County Wicklow in July 2012 involving a Reims Cessna FRA150M, G-BDOW aircraft; if his Department will be engaging with the Emergency Call Answering Service service provider and the emergency services to consider putting procedures in place which ensure that emergency calls related to air accidents are notified immediately to all of the emergency services; when he expects his Department to revert back to the AAIU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38306/13]
View answerMy Department has regular meetings with all the emergency services to review procedures in relation to the handling of emergency calls. The agreed procedure with the emergency services is to request the caller to identify which of the four emergency services (Garda, Ambulance, Fire or Coastguard) is required and to connect the caller to that emergency service. The procedures in place also require that where the emergency services operator becomes aware that the call relates to an aviation incident to make Shannon Air Traffic Control aware of the call or to put the call through to Shannon Air Traffic Control.
Following the air accident at Newcastle Co Wicklow on the 12th July 2012 the procedures were re-examined and all the emergency call operators were advised to forward any call that relates to an air incident to Shannon Air Traffic Control via its Duty Watch Manager. In the event that Shannon Air Traffic Control is not able to take the call, the procedure in place requires the emergency call answering service to put the call through to Dublin Air Traffic Control's Duty Watch Manager.
The management of such an incident and the responsibility for contacting the appropriate emergency services is then a matter for the relevant Air Traffic Control service.
The procedures in place address the recommendations made by the Air Investigation Unit in their report.
821. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that consultants and inspectors hired by his Department have access to gas tunnels as part of their inspections; that certification for access to such tunnels is only provided to gas industry personnel as opposed to inspectors; that only contractors with sufficient access to all areas are required to produce a full report as required by the compliance procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38319/13]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is asking this question in the context of the Corrib gas project. I can confirm that the team of consultants engaged by my Department to assist it in monitoring compliance with the conditions of the consents granted by my Department in respect of this project have the necessary expertise, experience and competence to carry out this work. I can also confirm that the consultants have adequate access to all areas of the project to enable them to carry out their role in an effective manner. As regards the visit undertaken by the Environ tunnelling specialist on 2/3 July, the specific scope of that visit was to:
- Review the points raised during the previous visit by the tunnelling specialist;
- Assess the possible reasons behind the “depressions” that had been recently reported in Sruwaddacon Bay; and
- Examine what lessons have been learned from the above incidents.
The site visit involved discussions with SEPIL and its tunnelling contractors, document reviews and a visit to the tunnelling compound. Entry inside the tunnel itself was not undertaken and this would have required specific confined space training. However, entry to the tunnel was not required to complete the scope of work and hence this did not materially affect the conclusions of the site visit report.
