Written Answers Nos. 524-541
524. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to test the technical specifications for gas oils, petrol and diesel to ensure fuel standards in view of recent incidences of the sale of contaminated petrol. [35870/14]
View answerMy Department’s responsibility for fuel quality standards arises from the perspective of ensuring that petrol and diesel sold in the State meet prescribed environmental specifications to reduce the polluting effect that certain substances have on the environment, when emitted to air as part of the fuel combustion process. My Department does not have a role in regulating fuel standards from a consumer perspective in terms of quality assurance or the operational performance of the fuel.
Directive 98/70/EC sets environmental specifications for petrol and diesel fuels and is transposed in Ireland by the European Communities Act 1972 (Environmental Specifications for Petrol, Diesel Fuels and Gas Oils for use by non-road mobile machinery, including inland waterway vessels, agricultural and forestry tractors, and recreational craft) Regulations 2011. Under the Directive, Member States are required to report annually to the European Commission the results of a sampling programme for both petrol and diesel, including any breaches of the environmental specifications of the fuel. The Commission collates the data received and publishes annual reports, which can be vie wed on the Commission’s website at the following weblink
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/fuel_quality_monitoring.htm
For Ireland’s national sampling programme, a total of 100 petrol samples and 100 diesel samples were collected from service stations in 2013 by Inspection Services Limited on behalf of my Department. The samples were analysed by the State Laboratory. The results found that the samples were broadly compliant with the Directive, with just 16 petrol samples and 3 diesel samples found to exceed environmental specifications. The results were submitted to the Commission on 30 June 2014.
In addition to the national sampling programme, the Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA) contracts an independent laboratory to sample and analyse fuel and the results of that analysis are also included in Ireland’s report to the Commission.
If a consumer suspects that fuel offered for sale has been laundered or that their vehicle has been damaged as a result of unintentionally using laundered fuel then this should be reported to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
525. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the remuneration package for each chief executive officer of State or semi-State organisations under the aegis of his Department; the changes made to such remuneration in the past two years; the remuneration package for each acting CEO if such exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35946/14]
View answerThe annual salary of the Chief Executive Officer of Irish Water, the only commercial State Company under the aegis of my Department, is €200,000.
In accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013, the pay for all staff, in the Public Sector earning over €65,000 per annum was reduced with effect from 1 July 2013. The below details the current and previous salaries applicable to CEOs and equivalents in the non-commercial State sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Agency |
- |
- |
Personal Pension Contribution |
- |
Non Personal Pension Contribution |
|
- |
Effective 01/01/10 |
Effective 01/07/13 |
Effective 01/01/10 |
Effective 01/07/13 |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Chair |
€189,474 |
€175,877 |
€180,000 |
€167,300 |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
Chief Executive |
- |
- |
- |
*see below |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
Director General |
€164,464 |
€153,162 |
€156,241 |
€145,679 |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Chief Executive |
€115,600 |
€108,352 |
€109,820 |
€103,034 |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Chief Executive |
€71,359 to €88,598 |
€67,434 to €83,510 |
€67,913 to €84,296 |
€64,178 to €79,552 |
|
Housing Sustainable Communities Agency |
Chief Executive |
€125,655 |
€117,603 |
€119,372 |
€111,822 |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
Chief Executive |
€153,885 |
€143,535 |
€146,191 |
€136,496 |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Director |
€84,132 to €103,472 |
€79,401 to €97,194 |
€80,051 to €98,424 |
€75,647 to €92,550 |
|
Western Development Commission |
Chief Executive |
€84,132 |
€79,401 |
N / A |
N / A |
* The operations of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) will be wound up by the end of 2014. In the interim, the Chief Executive position is filled by a secondment arrangement with Dublin City Council at no extra cost to the State.
526. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in terms of the need for fixed-line broadband in Carrickboy, County Longford. [35536/14]
View answer528. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when an area (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be included for high-speed broadband; the reasons for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35687/14]
View answer533. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a progress report on the implementation of the plan to increase high-speed broadband in 14 locations in County Carlow and over 1,000 nationwide that were identified for improved connections in April 2014. [35911/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 526, 528 and 533 together.
The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial list of areas has already identified and includes 17 areas in County Longford, including Carrickboy and 78 areas in County Tipperary, including Templetuohy as well as 14 areas in County Carlow. Commercial operators are also rolling out high speed services in all three counties.
As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published over the coming weeks.
I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. These maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.
A further public consultation on a proposed comprehensive intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the proposed State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.
Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.
527. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the planned budget for broadband roll-out for each of the next three years. [35629/14]
View answer529. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of State investment he estimates will be needed to deliver 30 Mbps broadband speeds to every home in the country. [35708/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 529 together.
The National Broadband Plan contains very clear commitments from Government to invest in areas of the country where high speed broadband services are not, or will not, be made available through commercial investment.
The precise amount of the contribution from the State will be informed by the mapping process, through detailed modelling, development of the intervention strategy, including the funding strategy, and ultimately through the formal procurement process. Our focus in designing this procurement process will be to ensure value for money in any State expenditure.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to making the necessary funding available as part of the design of the intervention strategy and to ensuring that this funding enables the delivery of high speed broadband to all parts of Ireland that will not be served by commercial operators.
530. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of homes that will now require State intervention under the national broadband plan. [35710/14]
View answer531. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the detailed mapping exercise that is taking place to identify the footprint of the national broadband plan. [35719/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 531 together.
The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention.
As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published over the coming weeks.
I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. These maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change as new commercial investments are announced in the future. Ultimately, the size of the footprint requiring State intervention will be determined by the scale and scope of commercial investment.
A further public consultation on a proposed comprehensive intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the proposed State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.
Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.
532. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the bonus payments that have been paid to the semi-State companies under his responsibility since 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35781/14]
View answerAll directions issued by the Government in relation to remuneration of staff in Semi State Companies have been brought to the attention of the relevant State Companies.
The information sought by the Deputy regarding payments to staff by Semi State Companies is an operational matter for each Company. I will, therefore, request the relevant State Companies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
534. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the remuneration package for each chief executive officer of State or semi-State organisations under the aegis of his Department; the changes made to such remuneration in the past two years; the remuneration package for each acting CEO if such exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35943/14]
View answerThe salary rate for CEOs of Commercial Semi State Companies under the aegis of my Department is as set out in the following table.
Salary Rate for CEOs of Commercial State Companies
|
Name of Company |
New Appointment Rate |
|
An Post |
€240,448 |
|
Ervia |
€250,000 |
|
Bord na Móna |
€231,000 |
|
EirGrid |
€170,000 |
|
ESB |
€295,000 |
|
RTÉ |
€219,871 |
|
TG4 |
€139,104 |
The Annual Reports of the companies contain details of CEOs’ salaries, including changes made to reflect new appointments, changes in roles and responsibilities of these organisations over time, and assignment of new functions. The Annual Reports are generally available on-line at each bodies website and the library of the House.
Pensions are negotiated on a case by case basis between the relevant company and the CEO as part of the new contract, in accordance with the Guidelines on contracts, remuneration and other conditions of Chief Executives and senior management of Commercial State Bodies, subject to statutory provision for the approval of remuneration and terms by Ministers and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Expenses arrangements are an operational matter for the companies. The salary rate for CEOs of Non Commercial Semi State Companies under the aegis of my Department is as set out in the following table.
Salary Rate for CEOs of Non Commercial State Companies
|
Name of Body |
Current Salary level of CEO |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
€121,208 |
|
Commission for Communications Regulation |
€147,360 |
|
Commission for Energy Regulation |
€153,162 |
|
Digital Hub Development Agency |
€85,217* |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
€100,055 |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency |
€130,600 |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
€125,761 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
€111,500 |
*The DHDA CEO is currently a secondee from Dublin City Council. He is in receipt of an annual salary of €85,217 which is still paid to him by DCC and the cost is back charged to the DHDA.
535. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the pilot scheme on rural transport will be reviewed; when this review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35273/14]
View answerThe pilot Rural Transport Initiative scheme ran from 2002 to 2006 and was mainstreamed as the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2007.
In April 2012 the National Transport Authority (NTA) was assigned responsibility for managing the RTP. This includes responsibility for implementing the restructuring of the Programme announced on 9th July 2013. The purpose of the restructuring is to protect the future provision of rural transport services through a more efficient and effective delivery structure that maximises integration with other State funded transport services and by making the Programme a sustainable part of the public transport system. This is in line with the recommendations of a Value for Money and Policy Review of the RTP, published in 2012.
The restructuring involves the establishment of 18 Transport Co-ordination Units (TCUs) in place of the existing 35 RTP groups currently delivering the service. The new TCUs will be housed in local authorities where this is practical, with the aim of reducing administrative costs and forging the links in local service provision.
The NTA has advised that 3 TCUs have signed Grant Agreements with the Authority under the new arrangements and that the remaining TCUs are expected to be in place this autumn.
536. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the restructuring of the rural transport programme and plans for any potential redundancies (details supplied) that may arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35276/14]
View answerFollowing a Government decision in January 2012, responsibility for the integration of local and rural transport services, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1st April 2012. This includes responsibility for implementing the restructuring of the RTP announced on 9th July 2013. I have forwarded your question to the NTA for any update on the position outlined in their letter to you of 25th July 2014, in response to your Parliamentary Question No. 743 of 15 July 2014. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
537. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the Wild Atlantic Way initiative has been a success based on visitor numbers or other indicative metrics since its launch before the summer. [35651/14]
View answerThe Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's first long-distance touring route, stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork. Budget 2014 provided €8 million in capital investment for the development of the route to complete route signage, and develop and enhance discovery points on the route as well as other infrastructural works. While the route infrastructure is still being fully developed, the Wild Atlantic Way is a central feature of our overseas promotion through Tourism Ireland in 2014 and I understand that it has been very well received by the overseas tourist trade. That said, it would be next year before we would expect the route to start getting international recognition and the project is very much an initiative focused on driving sustainable growth over the longer term.
Monitoring systems are being developed to measure the success of the initiative and these will be rolled out as appropriate over time. While there is a lot of positive anecdotal evidence from businesses along the route about the impact of the initiative, it is too early to start making definitive assessments. This is an initiative which has the potential to continue being developed, on the ground and for overseas markets, over the next decade or more.
538. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a monthly breakdown of passenger numbers using the new train station at Oranmore, County Galway, since it opened in July 2013. [35653/14]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
539. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps Iarnród Éireann will take to improve the quality of the announcements on the DART. [35712/14]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
540. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland will take to promote tourism in the context of cruise ships docking here. [35713/14]
View answerThe promotion and development of cruise tourism are primarily matters for the boards and managements of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
541. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the context of the restructuring of the rural transport programme which is being overseen by the National Transport Authority, an agency under the remit of his Department, if there is any impediment to a new transport co-ordination unit, operating in a county of the size of Galway with the country's largest Gaeltacht area, maintaining two offices if the TCU can do so within the administration threshold of €25,000. [35746/14]
View answerResponsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1st April 2012. This includes responsibility for implementing the restructuring of the RTP announced on 9th July 2013.
The purpose of the restructuring is to protect the future provision of rural transport services through a more efficient and effective delivery structure that maximises integration with other State funded transport services and by making the Programme a sustainable part of the public transport system.
The new delivery structure for rural transport services involves the establishment of 18 Transport Coordination Units (TCUs) in place of the 35 RTP groups currently delivering the services in order to reduce administrative costs and maximise spending on the provision of services.
I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
