Written Answers Nos 1-30
10. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is considering enhancing the role of community owned wind farm projects in the State; the assistance the State can provide to try to encourage buy-in by local communities to help develop overall wind capacity in the State through a consent-based approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51627/13]
View answerThe transition to a sustainable, low carbon, energy system is central to Government energy policy. Implementation of this policy, as well as delivering substantial environmental benefits, is securing significant economic benefits for the State and our citizens. For example, the wind energy sector employs around 3,400 people in Ireland. In addition, the SEAI estimates that €255 million in gas imports was avoided by wind energy in 2012 alone. Wind energy accounts for the largest proportion of our renewable energy resource. The development of wind energy projects must take account of the concerns of local communities in relation to the potential impacts of such projects in their areas. A range of measures are being taken in this regard. The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is undertaking a targeted review of the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines to address key issues such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker. I understand draft revised guidelines will be issued for public consultation in the next week or so, with a view to revised guidelines being in place from mid-2014. I have clearly stated my view that renewable energy developers must ensure that they undertake effective and timely communication from the initiation of projects right through to commissioning and operation. It is essential that local communities are engaged and consulted on an on-going basis.
Such an approach is of course also necessary in the development of community wind farms. I agree with the Deputy that there is real potential for wind farms to be developed and owned by local communities which would make an important contribution to improving public acceptance of the technology, and to ensuring benefits are delivered directly to the community in which a wind generation facility is located.
SEAI has taken a number of initiatives aimed at fostering social acceptance of wind energy and the development of community wind farms. The report commissioned by the SEAI "To Catch the Wind: the potential for Community Ownership of Wind Farms in Ireland", provides a template for development of community wind farms. More recently, SEAI has commissioned research which will include guidance on the financial models for the execution of community wind energy projects. This research is nearing completion. All of this work develops the resource available to communities wishing to develop their own wind farms and avail of existing market supports such as the REFIT scheme and the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development, to which community wind farm project developers may apply through the regional Leadership Partnerships.
11. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the current situation regarding the sale of Bord Gáis Energy. [51566/13]
View answer13. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to sell Bord Gáis Energy in the future despite the final bids being lower than he expected; his views on whether extending the deadline would have any impact on the value of any bids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51688/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 13 together.
As I announced on 27 November, I have confirmed to Bord Gáis Éireann that none of the final bids received for the Bord Gáis Energy business are at an acceptable value at the present time. This decision was based on the advice I received that the current bids are not a fair reflection of the strength and potential of the Bord Gáis Energy business. As the Deputies may be aware, the Gas Regulation Bill recently completed its passage through the Oireachtas. The purpose of this Bill is to provide for the restructuring of Bord Gáis Éireann, including the sale of the Bord Gáis Energy business. In the course of the debates on this Bill, several Deputies questioned whether the State should proceed with the sale of the Bord Gáis Energy business and whether the sale would amount to a fire sale of assets. I have on several occasions reiterated to this House that there would be no fire sale and that disposals would be undertaken only when market conditions are right.
The decision not to proceed with the current bids for the Bord Gáis Energy business underlines my commitment and reflects my resolve to ensure that the State achieves value from the State asset disposal process.
The sale process was led by Bord Gáis Éireann and overseen by a Government Steering Group which included officials from my Department, the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance, and the NewERA unit of the NTMA. I am advised that the process was conducted in a professional, open and transparent manner. The sale process has been underway for over six months, with every effort made to achieve an acceptable value for the Bord Gáis Energy business. It was ensured that all bidders had ample time to submit their final offers.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I will now consider options for the the Bord Gáis Energy business. The enactment of the Gas Regulation Bill keeps all options open, including a future sale of the company which would require this enabling legislation. My Department, along with NewERA, will work with BGÉ to ensure continued investment in and development of Bord Gáis Energy, which is a growing and successful business, while also completing the separation of Bord Gáis Networks and Bord Gáis Energy as required by the EU Gas Market Directive.
12. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will define the consultation means in the context of overhead pylons, in view of the fact that the decision has been made in many instances. [51672/13]
View answer22. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in the face of massive public opposition, he will consider at least the partial undergrounding of the EirGrid cable network. [51690/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 22 together.
In the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure of July 2012, the imperative for the State companies, and all developers of energy projects, of early, transparent engagement and consultation with local communities and stakeholder was emphasised.
It is expected by Government that EirGrid will undertake objective and authoritative analysis, thorough impact assessments and wide ranging pre-planning consultation in arriving at optimal routes, technology choice, design and costings for the projects concerned.
I am aware that EirGrid have been engaging in a comprehensive process in regard to the Grid Link project. EirGrid's consultations have involved opening five regional information centres at Midleton, Carlow, New Ross, Carrick-on-Suir, and Kilcullen, a lo-call project information telephone line, local radio advertising, and national and local print advertising. I understand that thirty-three open days were held within the project area over the last 16 months and that since autumn 2012, the Grid Link Project team has visited marts, shopping centres and agricultural shows, attending over 120 events to date where thousands of stakeholders have engaged with the team.
I am also aware that EirGrid’s report on Stage 1 of Grid West identified a number of route corridor options for the new line. Eirgrid recently announced the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor following extensive consultation on 16 potential route corridors. EirGrid have held five open days in October in Moygownagh, Ballaghaderreen, Swinford, Foxford and Carrick on Shannon to discuss the preferred route. Residents from the project area were invited to view maps of the route corridor options, and to provide feedback on any constraints near or on the corridors. EirGrid has also taken observations and feedback at a project information centre in Linenhall Street, Castlebar. The preferred route will be the subject of further public consultation between now and spring 2014.
The current consultation process is a key opportunity for public input as no decisions have been made regarding the final routes of these electricity lines. EirGrid has stated that it will fully take on board information and views in relation to the projects which are still at an early stage. Ultimately, it will fall to An Bord Pleanála to determine whether the views expressed have been adequately taken into account in the final project design.
The Government does not seek to direct the energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies as was made clear in the 2012 Government Policy Statement. That Statement emphasises that these are matters for the developers and for the forward planning process through regional and local development plans and at project level through the development management process. The Government does, however, require EirGrid to take account of all relevant national and international standards, to follow best practice and ensure value for money.
EirGrid has confirmed that its planning applications will have to include a published formal assessment of the available alternatives as regards each project, for consideration by An Bord Pleanála.
Conventional overhead line is still the most common solution adopted both worldwide and in Europe. In excess of 95% of high voltage transmission lines are overhead in Europe and construction of 400kV overhead lines is continuing in all EU countries.
Question No. 13 answered with Question No. 11.
14. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on Irish wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46204/13]
View answerThe overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. Ireland is currently heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. While it is acknowledged that fossil fuels will remain part of the energy mix for some time to come, progress is being made towards increasing the share of renewable energy in our energy requirements. The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. Provisional figures for 2012 indicate that 19.6% of Ireland's electricity demand was met by renewables. 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, 15.3% of Ireland's electricity demand was met by wind generation. At the end of quarter three this year, the total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid was over 2,100 MW. It is estimated that a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target. Currently, approximately 3,000 MW of renewable generation has taken up connection offers under the Gate 3 grid connection programme. The primary support mechanisms for renewable electricity in Ireland are the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes. In order to facilitate the rate of build of renewable generation capacity required to meet the 2020 target, a number of changes to the REFIT 1 and 2 schemes were introduced in 2013. Ireland’s excellent renewable energy potential can also be developed for export. Expert advice and evidence shows that Ireland has the capability to achieve its national target for renewable electricity from onshore renewable generation alone, with capacity to spare. This means that there is potential for projects of scale, both onshore and offshore, that are aimed at the export market. Work is progressing well on negotiating an Inter-Governmental Agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom for the export of renewable energy from Ireland to Great Britain.
One of the key requirements for proposals of a significant scale for wind energy export will be the achievement of the necessary planning consents in Ireland. Planning permission for such projects, which will be determined by An Bord Pleanála, must await the putting in place of a clear national planning policy framework and I have asked my Department to prepare such a framework. The Renewable Energy Export Policy and Development framework, which will be developed over the next 12 to 15 months, will provide the opportunity to integrate relevant EU Directive requirements (including Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment), trans-boundary dimensions and stakeholder participation within the context of a national framework.
Separately and in order to progress the development of our wind energy resource, while at the same time ensuring that wind energy developments do not have a negative effect on local communities, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is undertaking a targeted review of the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines to address key issues of noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker. I understand draft revised guidelines will be issued for public consultation in the next week or so, with a view to a revised document being in place from mid-2014.
15. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to compel energy companies to introduce a mechanism of providing schools, small businesses and community or voluntary organisations with a credit on energy bills in recognition of the unused electricity generated by their domestic size wind turbines which is currently fed back to the national grid without any compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51676/13]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. I have no statutory function in the setting of electricity tariffs, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Prices in the electricity retail market are now fully deregulated. Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Electric Ireland has been offering a feed-in tariff to domestic microgenerators since February 2009. The scheme has now been extended to the end of 2014. Individual electricity supply companies remain free to make payment offerings in respect of surplus electricity supplied to the grid on a commercial basis. No other electricity supply company has chosen to enter the market and to offer a microgeneration feed-in-tariff, although the CER invited them to do so.
16. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to introduce Internet filters to help parents to protect children from inappropriate material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51576/13]
View answer25. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the role his Department can play in tackling cyberbullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51577/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 25 together.
I share the Deputy’s concern in relation the possibility that the proliferation of internet connectivity may well result in age inappropriate viewing of material by children, or expose them to bullying and harassment online. However in the first instance, it is critical to draw a distinction between matters that, while inappropriate, are not generally criminal, and outright criminal activity, such as the possession, production or distribution of images of child abuse. An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and the criminal justice system have an excellent record in rooting out those who would create, share or profit from this type of material, and while I will help in this in any way that I can, these matters are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice to deal with.
As the Deputy will be aware, I met with representatives of the main Internet Service Providers to discuss developments in the UK in July, Following on from that, last week I announced the formation of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group consisting of experts in the fields of child safety and online behaviour as well as technical experts and representatives from industry. This Group will consider the emerging issues around online content and its general impact on the lives of children and young people, including online bullying or harassment as well as the issues that arise from age inappropriate viewing of content.
This Group will take submissions from the public or interested groups, and will produce a report for by the end of May 2014. Their objective will be to to offer recommendations aimed at protecting children and young people without limiting unduly their opportunities and rights online.The Forum will have regard to international best practice, including recent European Commission Reports and Council Conclusions in this area, and will also be asked to comment specifically on the recent report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee titled ‘Addressing the Growth of Social Media and tackling Cyberbullying’.
17. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he signed off on ESB management's decision to redesignate the company’s defined benefit pension scheme to a defined contribution scheme. [51694/13]
View answer24. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he signed off on the ESB’s annual accounts for 2010, 2011 and 2012. [51692/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 24 together.
The manner in which the ESB accounts for the company’s Pensions Scheme is a matter for the company, bearing in mind the company’s legal obligations to the scheme and the applicable international accounting standards. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources each year asks the Government to note the Annual Report and Accounts of the ESB, pursuant to section 32 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, before laying the report and accounts before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
18. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the uptake in 2012 and 2013 of the better energy homes scheme and the better energy warmer homes scheme; and the steps being taken to encourage persons to avail of these positive efficiency schemes. [51691/13]
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 number of homes that have received grants under these programmes in 2012 and to date in 2013 are set out in the following table:
|
- |
Better Energy Homes - Number of Homes Delivered with Energy Efficiency Measures |
Better Energy Warmer Homes - Number of Homes Delivered with Energy Efficiency Measures |
|
2012 |
26,185 |
12,175 |
|
2013 (Jan to October) |
11,394 |
8,044 |
The SEAI is currently running an extensive targeted campaign promoting the continued availability of the grants, to coincide with the current winter heating season. A further marketing exercise will be undertaken in 2014 on foot of the Government’s commitment in Budget 2013 to provide additional Exchequer funding of €57 million for the Better Energy Programme. The funding is anticipated to support the delivery of energy efficiency upgrades to approximately 17,000 homes under the Better Energy Homes scheme and another 14,000 homes experiencing energy poverty under the Warmer Homes scheme.
The SEAI and my Department are open to new and innovative ways to promote and to ensure good homeowner awareness and engagement with both schemes. Currently, a variety of channels and media are used including print, radio and internet advertising, digital and social media, public relations and participation in national consumer exhibitions. The SEAI also collaborates with trade representative bodies and obligated energy suppliers under the Better Energy Programme in these promotions to increase their overall reach to homeowners.
Due in no small measures to the successful promotion of the schemes, the SEAI is on target to deliver fully on their commitment to address 10,000 homes experiencing energy poverty and 12,000 homes under the Better Energy Homes scheme by the end of 2013.
19. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the present State aid assistance regime in place for the development and operation of onshore wind capacity; if he proposes a differing regime in respect of onshore wind developed solely for export; if his attention has been drawn to any difficulty arising from the designation by some EU countries as offshore wind farms developed on land in neighbouring countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51628/13]
View answerThe primary support mechanisms for the domestic support of renewables are the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. These schemes were introduced to incentivise the development of renewable electricity generation capacity necessary to allow Ireland to meet its target of 40% of electricity demand from renewable generation by 2020. REFIT operates by providing a guaranteed minimum price for electricity exported to the grid over a 15 year period, thus giving the certainty project developers need to be able to finance their projects. REFIT is funded from the Public Service Obligation levy. The REFIT 1 scheme is now closed for applications. The REFIT 2 scheme was opened in March 2012 and will close for applications at the end of 2015.It is important to note that any project of a significant scale and specifically for renewable energy export, will require the signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement which would have to ensure no net cost or risk to the Irish State or consumer. A support scheme for export projects will not be developed by Ireland or supported by Irish consumers. Any support mechanism that is proposed for the export projects will be a matter for the UK authorities. It is also important to note that the amount of energy to be procured by the United Kingdom and the mechanisms for sharing the resultant economic benefits, including an appropriate return to the Exchequer, are matters to be addressed in any potential Inter-Governmental Agreement. In the process of formulation of Ireland’s renewable energy policy, my Department takes full account, as appropriate, of renewable energy policies in other member states.
20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the degree to which high speed broadband services are on target to bring the standard here up to the highest quality in terms of international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51674/13]
View answerThe Digital Agenda for Europe set out specific targets for the achievement of high speed broadband services across all Member States. Ireland’s National Broadband Plan which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services are available to all of our citizens and businesses. The Plan aims to deliver high speed broadband to all parts of Ireland through two principal means: (a) by providing a policy and regulatory framework that assists in accelerating and incentivising commercial investment, and (b) by providing 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, with speeds of up to 100Mbps, to 1.4m 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. Other operators continue to invest and ESB is currently considering the prospect of utilising its distirbution network to rollout fibre broadband services.
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.
In tandem with these developments, intensive work is underway in my Department to progress a State-led investment to secure the countrywide introduction of next generation broadband access. 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 over the coming years, the results of which will inform the 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.
It is the case, in Europe and elsewhere that all countries are seeking solutions to the challenge of rolling out quality broadband services. When making comparisons with other countries, care needs to be taken to compare like with like. In Ireland we have a highly dispersed low density population, in contrast to some other countries. Additionally, the manner in which broadband speeds are calculated is relevant. OECD publishes advertised speeds without reference to customer access. The speeds are the highest speeds marketed nationally. These comparisons do not necessary reflect universal public access to those speeds.
The availibility and uptake of higher speed offerings in the market place in Ireland is evident, with the largest growth in subscriptions taking place in the category of speeds greater than or equal to 30Mbps, at 29.9% at end Q2 2013.
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.
21. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the mapping process for the national broadband plan will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51574/13]
View answerThe objective of the national mapping exercise under the National Broadband Plan is to identify and map current and planned broadband services, both basic and next generation access (NGA). The process for participating in the mapping exercise has been published on my Department’s website (www.dcenr.ie/nbpmapping) and notified to all undertakings authorised by ComReg. Information has been sought from participating operators in respect of current coverage as well as investments planned up to July 2016 and beyond, where appropriate. Mapping data has been submitted to my Department by a total of 23 operators and the process of analysing the data and supporting information is now underway. The mapping data is being assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the EU State Aid Guidelines and engagement with participating operators is ongoing. When all of the information has been analysed, a clear picture should emerge of coverage throughout all of the country. It is my intention to publish the map showing existing and planned NGA broadband coverage in the early months of next year, along with the Government’s proposals for a State-led intervention to roll out high speed broadband across the country.
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.
23. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a health impact assessment will be included in the EPA-DCENR-NIEA research programme regarding the environmental impacts of unconventional gas exploration and extraction; if funds have been made available for this assessment; and if it will be concluded in advance of a decision to grant exploration licences. [51570/13]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency invited tenders on 22 November for a two-year research programme to further the understanding of the potential impacts on the environment and human health from Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction projects and operations, including construction, operation and aftercare. My Department will be contributing towards the cost of the research.
The wording “human\public health” as used in the tender document refers specifically and is limited to potential health impacts deriving from impacts on environmental media, for example, exposure to chemicals, vibration, light, noise, and pollution of environmental media (i.e. soils, air and water).
26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had recently with the US Administration and-or with members of Congress regarding the need to progress the immigration reform Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52145/13]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my response to PQs no. 99, 118, 132, 133 and 151 of 19 November 2013. The situation has not altered appreciably since I made that statement, although I note that on 20 November President Obama made some helpful public comment signalling his willingness to show flexibility on the form in which any deal might be struck between the Democratic and Republican parties on this important issue. For his part, House Speaker John Boehner said on 21 November that immigration reform is “absolutely not” a dead issue, but did not offer a timetable for when he might schedule a vote on legislation. Officials in the Embassy of Ireland in Washington have had a number of further meetings to outline our objectives in relation to relief for currently undocumented Irish migrants in the US and a facility for future flows of legal migration between Ireland and the US.
27. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the recent reports into the use of donations and proceeds from shops to top up the salaries of chief executive officers and other officials in sections 38 and 39 organisations funded by the Health Service Executive, if he will seek clarifications from the NGOs funded by his Department to determine if similar practices exist in those organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52163/13]
View answerThe Government’s international aid programme, Irish Aid, which is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is recognised internationally for its effectiveness in producing results for the poorest and most vulnerable communities. About a quarter of Ireland’s overseas development assistance is channelled through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). This reflects the strong contribution which Irish NGOs are making to the fight against world poverty and hunger, and the broad support which they continue to receive from the Irish public. Funding is provided to support the long-term development work carried out by NGOs in developing countries, as well as emergency humanitarian assistance and development education programmes. Given the level of Government funding for the NGO sector, the issue of their internal governance arrangements is a matter of legitimate public interest. It is important to note, however, that NGOs are independent organisations. The salary levels of their employees are determined by the Board of the NGO and are typically funded from a variety of income sources, including general donations from the public, bequests and official funding.
In relation to the funding provided through the Irish Aid programme, the Department appraises funding applications from the NGOs and assesses the cost efficiency and effectiveness of their projects and programmes and the basis of their expenditure decisions. Financing agreements between Irish Aid and NGO partners include clear parameters on certain cost categories, including administration costs. A limit of 6% of funding provided can be allocated to administration costs, with remuneration levels for senior executives being reviewed in the context of overall administration costs.
In 2012, Irish Aid entered into agreements for a new series of programme grants with the larger Irish development NGOs for their long term development work over a four year period. These agreements require the NGOs to follow best practice financial reporting standards for staff salaries as set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice in place in the UK. This British standard is currently used by Irish Aid, pending the regulation of the Charities Act 2009. In line with the standard, NGOs are required to set out in their published audited financial statements the number of staff receiving salaries above €70,000.
28. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter regarding carbon tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51989/13]
View answerSolid fuel carbon tax will be charged on all solid fuels supplied in the State, regardless of whether the fuel products are Irish made or imported. Solid fuel is defined under section 77 of the Finance Act 2010, as amended and means coal or peat. Coal is further defined to include coal and lignite, solid fuel manufactured from coal and lignite, and any other energy product within the meaning of Article 2.1 of Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 in solid form. Peat means peat falling within CN Code 2703 of the Combined Nomenclature of the European Communities referred to in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2658/87 of 23 July 1987, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2031/2001 of 6 August 2001 and includes any solid fuel manufactured from peat.
I am advised by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government that the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 326 of 2012), specifies the environmental standards for coal placed on the market and provides the regulatory framework in relation to the distribution and sale of coal in the State.
Under the Regulations, all coal bagging operators and certain solid fuel suppliers trading in bituminous coal must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Those who must register include all fuel wholesalers and distributors of bituminous coal but only those retailers for whom 50% or more of their total annual sales proceeds are from bituminous coal. However all retailers who trade in bituminous coal must ensure that their fuel wholesalers are registered with the EPA and must hold a record to this effect with their supplier's registration number. Furthermore, retailers who sell bituminous coal are required to hold a record setting out the registration number of the bagging operator who supplied the product. Retailers must also ensure that, where the unit of sale is a bag, then the bag must be sealed.
In particular, the Regulations also require that all bituminous coal sold outside smoky coal ban areas for residential use outside those areas must have a sulphur content of no more than 0.7% , which is lower than that in Northern Ireland and therefore bituminous coal supplied to Northern Ireland standards for sale on that market may not be sold in the State. Compliance with the Regulations will be enforced by the Local Authorities. A verification mechanism, SWiFT 7, has been developed by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) for the verification of sulphur content in coal. This provides for a robust mechanism to counter the sourcing of coal from Northern Ireland.
Suppliers who produce and supply solid fuels in contravention of these regulations are subject to investigation and prosecution by local authorities and other State Agencies charged with enforcing the regulations and preventing such supply.
The Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of carbon tax on solid fuels, also advise me that on commencement of the carbon tax provisions under the Finance Act 2010, any Northern Ireland-based wholesaler of solid fuels selling into the market in Ireland will be obliged to register as a supplier and comply with the same regulatory requirements as wholesalers based in the State. Such suppliers will be obliged to make returns on solid fuels supplied in the State in the accounting period concerned and pay the amount of carbon tax due in respect of that supply.
Therefore it is not my intention to defer the second phase of the carbon tax which is due for implementation in May 2014.
29. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if a person who has been in receipt of one-parent family payment for a period in excess of 15 months, and who is seeking to work full time in their own business, will be eligible to avail of the start your own business scheme which allows for a two-year exemption from income tax for certain persons who set up their own businesses. [52035/13]
View answerIn the recent Budget I announced the Start Your Own Business initiative, which provides an exemption from Income Tax for individuals who have been unemployed for a period of 12 months and who start a new, un-incorporated business between 25 October 2013 and 31 December 2016. I can confirm that one-parent family payment is a qualifying payment for the purposes of the initiative.
30. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to plans by AIB to outsource jobs over the next year; if a Project Orlon exists to facilitate this outsourcing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52042/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware under the Relationship Framework the State does not intervene in the day to day operations of the bank or their management decisions regarding commercial decisions. I have been informed that AIB has previously indicated that as part of its restructuring plan to reduce costs and increase efficiencies, outsourcing of certain functions would be considered in consultation with the IBOA and affected staff.
