Written Answers Nos 612-631
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Written Answers Nos 612-631
612. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the sale of Bord Gáis Energy; when the sale will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45768/13]
View answerBord Gáis Éireann is in the process of selling its energy business, Bord Gáis Energy. Bord Gáis Éireann and its advisors, working with NewERa, who are advising the Government in relation to the sale, are curently assessing the latest bids received for Bord Gáis Energy. The Deputy will understand that, as the process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further public comment on the transaction.
613. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of subsidies given by the Government to support all forms of renewable energy in the years 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46019/13]
View answerGrant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department, are the main subsidies available for renewable energy. The Better Energy Programme, which principally provides funding for energy efficiency measures, also provides grants for the installation of solar panels. The Renewable Heat Deployment Programme (ReHeat), Greener Homes Scheme and the CHP Deployment Programme, also provided grants but have since closed and residual payments were made in 2011. Since 2011, SEAI has administered the Electric Vehicles Grant scheme which provides grants of up to €5,000 towards the purchase of new electric vehicles. These grants are in addition to the VRT reliefs of up to €5,000 which apply to electric vehicles. My Department, through SEAI, also subsidises Renewable Energy Research, Demonstration and Development projects and Ocean Energy Development. My Department has also given grants towards the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) and the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC). The Department rit has also part-funded renewable energy projects approved under the INTERREG Programme.
Details of subsidies provided for renewable energy are set out in the table below:
|
- |
2011 (million euro) |
2012 (million euro) |
|
ReHeat Programme (residual expenditure) |
0.332 |
0 |
|
CHP Deployment (residual expenditure) |
0.376 |
0 |
|
Greener Homes (residual expenditure) |
4.590 |
0 |
|
Better Energy (Solar grants only) |
0.934 |
1.742 |
|
Electric Vehicles |
0.198 |
0.768 |
|
Ocean Energy Development |
3.996 |
2.045 |
|
Renewable Energy Research Development and Demonstration |
1.35 |
0.461 |
|
Interreg |
0.41 |
0.236 |
|
IMERC |
0 |
0.75 |
|
IERC |
0.422 |
0.79 |
The principal supports for renewable electricity generation are the current REFIT, and former AER, schemes which are not subsidised by the Government. These are funded through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy, which is paid for by all electricity consumers. The most recent PSO decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation is set out at http://www.cer.ie/en/renewables-current-consultations.aspx?article=d7f14086-df08-4efd-8561-ae0ba571f08d
614. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an independent and verifiable impact study on the environmental, economic, social and heritage effects of wind energy developments will be carried out prior to the publication of the national renewable energy export policy and planning framework, which will guide An Bord Pleanála when considering any proposals of a significant scale for wind energy export projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46057/13]
View answerAs part of our considerations of the mutual benefits from energy co-operation with the United Kingdom, an agreed programme of work, including a full technical and economic analysis, is underway with the aim of finalising an Inter-Governmental Agreement in early 2014. A key objective, from an Irish Government perspective, is to realise the potential for investment, jobs and growth. The amount of energy to be procured by the UK and the mechanisms for sharing the resultant economic benefits, including an appropriate return to the Exchequer, are among the matters to be addressed ahead of signing any Inter-Governmental Agreement.The Renewable Energy Export Policy and Development Framework will be underpinned by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which is a formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt the plan or programme. This will be accompanied by a Habitats Directive Assessment (i.e. an Appropriate Assessment (AA)) under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, which will be carried out by my Department based on the findings of a Natura Impact Statement. The first of three public consultations on the framework was launched in October, inviting all interested parties, including members of the public, to make written submissions or observations, to assist in the preparation of the policy and development framework. This initial period of consultation will remain open until 22 November.
Wind farm development in Ireland is subject to the Planning Acts, including the requirements for public consultation. In order to ensure that Ireland continues to meet its renewable energy targets, while at the same time ensuring that wind energy does not have negative impacts on local communities, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my own Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is undertaking a targeted review of certain aspects of the existing Wind Energy Planning Guidelines examining the manner in which the Guidelines address key issues such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker. It is expected that revised guidelines will be published for consultation by the end of November with a view to the finalisation of the new guidelines by mid-2014. This will apply to all wind farm development in Ireland.
615. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure transparency in the process of developing a national renewable energy export policy and planning framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46059/13]
View answerI launched an initial period of public consultation on the renewable energy export policy and development framework in October, inviting all interested parties, including members of the public, to make written submissions or observations on the framework and to assist in the preparation and scoping of the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and the Habitats Directive Natura Impact Statement. This initial period of consultation will remain open until 22 November and submissions can be made by either e-mail or by post. Two further consultations will be held at key points in the development of the framework. In addition, I have launched a new dedicated section on my Department’s website, which provides information on the consultation process and will also, on an ongoing basis, provide updates on the renewable energy export project. In addition to placing the consultation documentation online, it has also been made available to local authorities for display in their offices.
616. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the name, qualifications and current salary of each political staff member appointed by him. [46083/13]
View answerThe information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Name |
Position |
Current Salary / Salary Scale |
|
Simon Nugent |
Special Advisor to Minister |
€91,425 |
|
Finbarr O’Malley |
Special Advisor to Minister |
€75,647 - €87,258 |
|
Linda Brien |
Personal Assistant to Minister |
€43,715 - €56,060 |
|
Colm Lawless |
Personal Secretary to Minister |
€23,820 - €47,755 |
The appointment of each of the above staff was sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in accordance with that Department’s Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices.
617. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the ESB pension scheme with particular concern to the €1.8 billion deficit in the scheme; when the status of the scheme changed from defined benefit to defined contribution in the company's annual report; and the action being taken to address the current pension deficit. [46379/13]
View answerIn late 2008, the Trustees of the ESB Superannuation Scheme brought forward the tri-annual valuation of the Scheme by one year. That valuation showed an ongoing valuation deficit of €1.9 billion and a Minimum Funding Standard deficit of €1.8 billion. Consequently, the ESB and the ESB Group of Unions formed a working group to assess how best to address the reported deficit and to protect as far as was feasible the interest of ESB and the current members of the Scheme. ESB reached an agreement with staff in 2010 to resolve the pension deficit. Aside from the on-going actuarial position, the Pensions Board also requires the ESB Scheme to assess whether it could meet the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS). This effectively tests whether the Scheme could meet all its current obligations if it were wound up immediately. While neither the Government nor the ESB envisages the winding up of the Scheme, the Scheme is still required to meet the requirements of the MFS. I am informed that the Trustees of the ESB scheme, with the agreement of ESB, submitted a funding plan to the Pensions Board, which was approved in October 2012. I am advised that the ESB plan aims to eliminate the deficit by 2018 and that this plan remains on track. Regarding the manner in which ESB accounts for the Scheme in its financial statements, my Department has been advised by the ESB that, having taken expert legal and financial advice, the Company is satisfied that the current accounting treatment for the Scheme is correct and in accordance with applicable laws and international accounting standards.
618. 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, high-speed broadband and fibre broadband in an area (details supplied) of County Wicklow; if the State will intervene to ensure access to broadband service in the area, in view of the fact that the competitive market has failed to deliver such service for small businesses that are expanding; the way the national broadband plan will improve broadband speeds in this area, in view of the number of small and medium enterprises, new homes and proposed new developments in its environs; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that similar towns nearby have access to fibre broadband that is sufficient for essential business communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46381/13]
View answer620. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the roll-out of broadband in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46427/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 618 and 620 together.
The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. 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. ComReg has put in place a new regulatory regime for fixed line Next Generation Access and for service bundles, both of which are designed to incentivise the rollout of services by service providers. ComReg’s multiband spectrum auction, completed in 2012, is also enabling the rollout of advanced mobile broadband services.
The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market fails to deliver such 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 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. 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, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.
619. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reopen Lough Foyle to salmon fishermen for drift net fishing; if there will be a compensation package put in place for the drift net fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46395/13]
View answerLough Foyle is within the remit of the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, which is a North-South Body established under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.I am advised that under the Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010, intoduced by the Loughs Agency, the Agency is required to “suspend netting in the River Foyle, Lough Foyle and seaward of Lough Foyle”, unless the management target number of salmon set out in the regulations is exceeded in each of any two of the previous five calendar years. I am further advised that as the management targets have not been exceeded netting remains suspended under the 2010 regulations and in line with the conservation imperative. Any plans to reopen the Rivers and a prospective timeframe for same would be a matter for consideration by the Loughs Agency in the light of the provisions in the regulations. I am advised that the Agency keeps matters under ongoing review.
In 2007 payments under the Salmon Hardship Scheme, were offered to commercial fishermen, operating in interceptory fisheries, to voluntarily cease fishing in the commercial drift net and draft net sectors. 134 fishermen in the relevant area availed of the scheme and 28 did not apply in order to retain their licences. The scheme closed for applications in 2007.
621. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the name and location of every organisation in County Mayo that applied for a grant under the better energy areas scheme in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46701/13]
View answer622. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the name and location of every organisation in County Mayo that applied for a grant under the better energy communities scheme this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46702/13]
View answer623. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applicants in County Mayo that have received funding under the better energy warmer homes scheme and the better energy homes scheme; and the total amount of State funding that has been paid out to applicants in County Mayo under each of these schemes. [46709/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 621 to 623, inclusive, together.
The Better Energy Communities, Better Energy Areas, 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.
Exchequer funding of €6 million has been allocated to the Better Energy Areas scheme in 2013. The scheme, which is free of charge to the customer, primarily delivers energy upgrades to low income homeowners experiencing extreme energy poverty in all housing sectors including Local Authority houses, Housing Association houses and private homes. The measures include roof insulation, wall insulation, heating system installation, including Condensing oil Boilers & Heating Controls, windows & doors upgrades and energy efficient lighting.
The SEAI received 2 applications under the scheme in the Mayo region which are set out in the following table, one of which was not successful.
Applications in Mayo under the Better Energy Areas Scheme 2013
|
Name of Applicant |
Location |
|
Clar ICH Warmer Homes |
Claremorris, Co Mayo |
|
Ballina Town Council (not successful) |
Ballina, Co Mayo |
Exchequer funding of €7 million has been provided for the Better Energy Communites scheme in 2013. This funding will support sustainable energy upgrades and enhanced energy to existing buildings and services in the community sector. The scheme aims to support community groups to achieve on-going and lasting energy savings. Innovative and pioneering partnerships for the delivery of projects between the public and private sectors, domestic and non-domestic sectors, commercial and not-for profit organisations are encouraged around the country.
Details of the organisations and locations of applications received under the Better Energy Communities scheme in Mayo in 2013, including an application from the Sustainable Hub for Environment Design and Development (SHEDD) which was subsequently withdrawn, are set out in the following table.
Applications in Mayo under the Better Energy Communities scheme 2013:
|
Name of Applicant |
Location |
|
Moygownagh GAA Club through the Musgrave/GAA project |
Moygownagh, Co Mayo |
|
Dawn through EPS/Dawn Community Partnership |
Dawn, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo |
|
Sustainable Hub for the Environment Design and Development (SHEDD)(application withdrawn) |
Westport, Co Mayo |
Exchequer funding of €13 million has been allocated to the Better Energy Homes scheme in 2013. The 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.
Exchequer funding of €18 million has been allocated to the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme in 2013. The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are 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. The scheme is also delivered through a separate strand 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.
Completions in Mayo under Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes Schemes Jan – Oct 2013
|
Scheme |
Homes Completed (Jan – Oct 2013) |
Funding (Jan – Oct 2013) |
|
Better Energy Homes |
206 |
€236,000 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
518 |
€1,080,000 |
624. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has engaged with the ESB to ascertain the reason the pension levy is being charged on all ESB pensioners for life as opposed to the duration of the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46715/13]
View answerI understand that this is a matter for the Trustees of the Pension Scheme concerned and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role or function.
625. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 17 July 2013, in view of the fact that both the eel and salmon fisheries in Ireland were suspended without any form of compensation or diversification being offered which resulted in recent tragedies where affected fishermen were forced to take greater risks making a living at sea in inadequate boats in order to support their families, if he will consider putting in place a set aside payment package for those fishermen interested in continuing to fish and a buyout package for those fishermen who wish to exit the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46736/13]
View answer626. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his view's that traditional commercial fishing is an important part of the heritage of rural life and is a tradition which stretches back generations over hundreds of years; his views that it is essential that we retain and pass on this heritage which is vital to the conservation of the traditions in rural fishing communities here; if he will consider re-opening the eel commercial fisheries on a pilot scheme as has been done on salmon rivers as a means to preserve these traditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46737/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 625 and 626 together.
I understand that the tragic events referred to by the Deputy are under independent investigation by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and therefore comment or speculation, including in relation to the cause of the tragedy, from any party while that investigation is ongoing is not appropriate.
I refer to my reply to Question No. 771 of 18 September 2013 which outlined the availability of payments under the Salmon Hardship Scheme. I would also draw the Deputy's attention to my response to Question No. 373 of 24 September 2013 in relation to eels which dealt with matters comprehensively.
627. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost benefit analysis that has been carried out on behalf of his Department on wind energy, in particular on the wind farms planned for the midlands. [46789/13]
View answerIn January of this year the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Mr. Ed Davey MP and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation. That Memorandum sent a strong signal of our shared interest in developing the opportunity to export green electricity from Ireland to Britain and will result in completion of consideration of how Irish renewable energy resources, onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of both countries. A full cost benefit analysis is underway to determine if it is mutually beneficial for Ireland and the United Kingdom to enter an Inter-Governmental Agreement in early 2014 to facilitate trade in renewable energy. A key objective, from an Irish Government perspective, is to realise the potential for investment, jobs and growth.The amount of energy to be procured by the UK and the mechanisms for sharing the resultant economic benefits, including an appropriate return to the Exchequer, are among the matters to be addressed ahead of signing any Inter-Governmental Agreement.
628. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he will take to support and actively encourage the manufacturers of wind turbines to come here and to produce this type of equipment to utilise the opportunity to gain employment for persons here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46801/13]
View answerA key contributor to attracting manufacturing or assembly facilities to Ireland is the proposed pipeline of wind generation projects. In that regard, conscious of the need to meet our 2020 targets, and recognising the need for policy certainty on the part of developers, I implemented a number of changes to support scheme flexibility this year providing developers who are due to build post 2015 with the certainty they require on support scheme access. This has been a contributary factor in over 3,000 megawatts of wind generators accepting their Gate 3 offers to connect. This level of accepted offers and contracts being signed shows the commitment among generators to proceed with their projects, underpinned by the work of my Department. Separately, the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United Kingdom on energy cooperation sent a strong signal of our shared interest in developing the opportunity to export green electricity from Ireland to Britain. An agreed programme of work to this end is underway with the ambition to settle on an Inter-Governmental Agreement in early 2014. A key objective, from an Irish Government perspective, is to realise the potential for investment, jobs and growth. The shift towards renewable energy and related technologies presents opportunities to develop new products across the information technology, remote communications and software sectors. A recent survey of IWEA member companies shows that some 3,400 people are in full time employment in the wind energy sector which will grow further as we progress towards our legally binding 2020 targets.
With regards to projects of a significant scale and specifically for export, employment creation arising from a 3 Gigawatt project would be expected to be in the order of 3,000 to 6,000 job years in the construction phase, with the actual number dependent on the construction schedule to 2020. There would also be additional jobs created in the on-going maintenance of turbines over a 20-year operating life.
However the combination of our potential domestic and export pipeline, provides an important signal to those looking to site a manufacturing or assembly plant. To maximise the employment potential, including the attraction of manufacturing or assembly facilities, all relevant State agencies, particularly in the enterprise area, will have to co-ordinate their activities early in the process to ensure we maximise the employment potential from wind generation development. This opportunity has already been identified by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland in their clean technology growth strategies.
629. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the third tier broadband speed target, of a minimum of 30Mbps for every home and business, contained in the national broadband plan is still achievable within the lifetime of the Government; if he has received any new information to change his view; if he is working on the basis of a revised minimum target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47001/13]
View answer630. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with reference to written answers given recently concerning the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, what, in quantitative terms, he considers to be high speed broadband; if that refers to a minimum speed, a busy-hour speed, an average speed, an up-to speed or a contracted speed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47002/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 630 together.
The Digital Agenda for Europe sets a broadband target of 30Mbps for all Europeans by 2020, with at least 50% of EU households subscribing to broadband above 100Mbps by 2020. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. 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. The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market fails to deliver such 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.
The revised EU State Aid guidelines for next generation access envisage that any State intervention would:
- deliver services reliably at a very high speed per subscriber through optical (or equivalent technology) backhaul sufficiently close to user premises to guarantee the actual delivery of the very high speed;
- support a variety of advanced digital services; and
- have substantially higher upload speeds (compared to basic broadband networks).
These guidelines, which were published in January 2013, will critically inform the nature of the State intervention in the provision of high speed broadband as envisaged in the National Broadband Plan.
My Department is engaged in a comprehensive mapping exercise of the current and anticipated investment by the commercial sector, the results of which will inform the precise areas that need to be targeted in the State-led investment. In addition, intensive technical, financial and legal preparations, including stakeholder engagement, are ongoing. 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, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.
631. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No.160 of 26 September 2013, his views on whether the regulatory and policy framework currently in place will assist in delivering the goals of the national broadband plan; the changes he intends to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47003/13]
View answerThe Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. 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, there is evidence that industry is investing beyond the targets to which they committed in the Plan. eircom has extended its plans for the rollout of high speed services to 1.2m premises, UPC has increased its minimum and top speed products to 120Mbps and 200Mbps respectively, and mobile operators are rolling out enhanced product offerings, including 4G mobile. These developments have been facilitated through the implementation of measures in the National Broadband Plan, including the conclusion of ComReg's multiband spectrum auction, and the new regulatory regime for fixed line Next Generation Access and service bundles. Both of these measures are designed to incentivise the rollout of services by operators. Changes to planning and permitting regimes will also facilitate investment by the commercial sector, in line with the commitments in the National Broadband Plan. Furthermore, it is intended to commence a review of spectrum policy shortly with the intention to bring forward any necessary legislative changes.
The Government's National Digital Strategy complements the National Broadband Plan by seeking to stimulate demand for broadband. The initial phase is focussing on trading online and entrepreneurship, citizen engagement, and education and eLearning.
A trend towards the adoption of higher speeds is becoming evident, with 38% of customers subscribing to broadband speeds exceeding 10Mbps and 30% of customers contracting for speeds at or exceeding 30Mbps at end June 2013.
As regards the State-led intervention envisaged in the Plan, intensive technical, financial and legal preparations, including stakeholder engagement, are ongoing. 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, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.
