Written Answers Nos. 564-582
564. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review the regulation of the private waste collection industry in the State following the recent industrial action involving a company (details supplied); and his plans to prevent a race to the bottom in wages and conditions for workers in this sector. [38211/14]
View answerMy role as Minister is to provide a comprehensive legislative and waste policy framework through which the relevant environmental regulatory bodies, such as local authorities and the EPA, operate. In that context, I intend to introduce legislation early next year, to come into effect in July 2015, to significantly reform the regulation of household waste collection, including introducing measures to require collectors to operate the pay -by- weight system across all 3 bins as a condition of the in permit and to meet certain minimum standards of customer service (for example, specified frequencies of collection). It will also become a statutory requirement for all collectors to have customer charters in place. I will be setting out in law what the minimum content of these customer charters will be so that standards of service are raised and are consistent.
My remit as Minister does not extend to industrial relations issues such as workers’ conditions and wages in the waste or any other sector.
565. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on families who will have to pay water charges for children in the household who are still in second and third level education; his further views on granting extra allowances for full-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38213/14]
View answerI refer to my reply to Questions Nos. 574 and 588 of 30 September 2014 which sets out the position in the matter.
567. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his proposals for the future of Part V of the Planning and Development Act; the annual expected yield of homes under the new proposals from 2015 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38290/14]
View answerLast week, I announced major reforms of the planning system as part of the forthcoming Planning and Development (No. 1) Bill 2014. The general scheme of the Bill will be published in the coming weeks, and I am intent on delivering this legislation in the shortest time frame possible.
The new reforms include new Part V requirements for developers, the introduction of a vacant site levy and ‘Use it or Lose it’ clauses on planning permissions.
The new Part V proposals will require developers to provide up to 10% of their housing units for social housing and the legislation will remove the ability of developers to account for their social housing commitments through cash payments to local authorities. The proposals will furthermore ensure that the social housing units will be located predominantly on the site of the original developments.
Under these plans, it is estimated that in the region of 4,000 additional social housing units will be delivered through the Part V mechanism by 2020.
568. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide information on the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of IBEC; the names of each agency or organisation; the amount which each agency or organisation paid to IBEC in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38726/14]
View answerThe information requested is not available in my Department.
569. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding broadband services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37791/14]
View answerThe provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Developments in the broadband market over recent years means that there is now a choice of commercial operators offering broadband services over a diverse range of technology platforms throughout much of rural Ireland, including the area previously covered by the National Broadband Scheme. Details of commercial services available in each county can be found on a number of websites, including the websites of individual operators.
The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Following a competitive tendering process, my Department entered into a contract in late 2008 with Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd (“3”) for the delivery of the NBS. The Scheme offered a basic and affordable broadband service to fixed residences and businesses located within certain designated rural areas where the extent of broadband coverage by commercial operators, at the time the Scheme was launched in 2008, was deemed to be inadequate. EU State Aid approval was granted for a scheme of limited duration. As a consequence, following a 68 month operational period, the Scheme expired on 25th August 2014.
“3” have confirmed that, following the expiry of the Scheme, they will continue to provide coverage throughout NBS areas on a commercial basis offering consumers the same choice of Broadband plans and tariffs as those offered to consumers outside of the NBS areas. Furthermore, they have also informed my Department of their plans to extend 4G coverage across all of the NBS Coverage Areas within the next three years.
The correspondence refers to customers previously served by the NBS satellite service, which was utilised in a small number of cases for technical reasons associated with the location of the premises. Digiweb, who provided the NBS satellite service on behalf of “3”, continue to offer broadband services on a commercial basis to these customers. My officials understand that Digiweb have recently contacted customers regarding an increase in tariff to rates similar to those charged by Digiweb outside of NBS areas. For this increase the majority of customers will receive increased download and upload speeds and a 37% increase in data allowance. A very limited number of customers affected by this tariff increase cannot receive the upgrade in speeds and data allowance as the technology deployed does not allow for an upgrade to their service. Digiweb have advised my officials that they are investigating a plan to transfer these customers to the newer technology.
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 been identified and includes 59 areas in County Kerry. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in County Kerry by at least one commercial operator.
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. The 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 detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the 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.
570. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll out of improved broadband services in an area (details supplied) in County Roscommon; when he expects a fibre optic cable to be enabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37930/14]
View answer571. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll-out of improved broadband services in an area (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37931/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 571 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 46 areas in County Roscommon and 56 areas in County Clare. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in Counties Roscommon and Clare by at least one commercial operator.
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 last. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published by my Department 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. The 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 detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the 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.
572. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if TG4 plans to launch TG4HD on the back of funding received in 2011; if TG4 has accessed and accounted for these funds; when he expects such a public service to be available on Saorview; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37951/14]
View answerTG4 is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit, obligations, principal objects and associated powers are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 98 of that Act provides that TG4 shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act. As such I, as Minister, have no function in TG4’s management of its day to day affairs. This includes the rollout of its High Definition (HD) project.
TG4 has used the funds previously allocated to move to HD compatible broadcasting and the upgrade project for TG4 infrastructure and facilities is now completed. Decisions regarding the carriage of TG4 HD services on SAORVIEW are a matter for TG4, subject of course to the agreement of the necessary commercial terms with RTÉ as owner of the Saorview network, and not a matter in which I have a role.
573. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on RTE’s proposal to move all RTEjr programming from RTE 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37952/14]
View answerSection 103 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that a corporation requires my consent for new services and variations in channels. RTE has decided to review and revise its original proposal, which was submitted in 2013, and under which it proposed removing some, but not all children's programming from RTE 2. I understand that RTE intends to submit a revised and updated proposal in due course.
Accordingly, my Department does not have a current proposal from RTE and will recommence its consideration of the revised proposal once received from RTE.
574. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the serious reservations of many potential users of the proposed postcode and in view of its almost complete irrevocability once introduced, if he will consider postponing its introduction pending an examination of the extent to which it meets the criteria for a national postcode as defined by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37954/14]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to introducing Eircodes. On 8 October 2013, the Government approved the appointment of Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited as the company which will develop, roll-out and operate the National Postcode System. During the tender process for the project, the consultants retained by the Department evaluated a range of options for the postcode structure, including the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee. After detailed consideration an approach using a unique identifier was recommended to Government by the then Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The postcode design and brand ‘Eircode’ was approved by Government in April this year.
There has been widespread support from both public sector bodies and private businesses with particular interest from the retail and financial industries for the introduction of postcodes nationally. In addition, the emergency services see the introduction of postcodes as facilitating the speedier deployment of their services. An Post, who were actively involved in the design process, and who are fully committed to using Eircodes, are currently updating their mail sortation systems to fully integrate with Eircodes. Eircodes will facilitate improved efficiencies and quality improvements in the mails sector and provide a stimulus to mail volumes through improved marketing capabilities. The consortium developing the system has also undertaken a significant programme of business engagement with both private and public stakeholders.
Concerns have been expressed by a number of logistics bodies in connection with the Eircode, most specifically in relation to the non sequential nature of Eircodes. Capita, the Postcode Management Licence Holder, has met with a number of these bodies to discuss these concerns and to, inter alia, explain that a sequential postcode structure is not feasible or necessary.
Eircode is expected to be launched by the middle of next year.
575. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the scheduled reductions in spending in his Department, or in agencies under his aegis, in 2015 and the areas of spending in which these reductions are scheduled to take place to show the amount of reductions by theme. [38020/14]
View answerThe allocations for my Department will be agreed in the context of the Budget 2015 Estimates of Expenditure and will be made public on budget day, Tuesday 14 October.
576. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll-out of broadband to rural areas of counties Longford and Westmeath; and the option he has at his disposal to compel broadband providers to significantly improve broadband coverage in these large rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38128/14]
View answerThe 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 and 39 areas in County Westmeath. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in Counties Longford and Westmeath by at least one commercial operator.
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 last. Some 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published by my Department 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. The 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 detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the 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.
577. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will proceed to roll out high speed rural broadband network scheme that was announced in April 2014; the timeframe in which this scheme will be rolled out to a company (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38165/14]
View answer578. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the national broadband scheme; if there will be provision of fixed line broadband in rural County Monaghan; if he will provide an update as to whether the targets of this plan have been achieved or otherwise, in particular the minimum of 30 Mbps for every home in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38212/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 578 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 and 36 areas in County Monaghan. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in Counties Longford and Monaghan by at least one commercial operator.
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 last. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published by my Department 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. The 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 detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the 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.
579. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 446 of 15 July 2014, if his attention has been drawn to the further deterioration in the adequacy of mobile telephone coverage in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he or the Commission for Communications Regulation will convey to the relevant telecommunications companies the need to upgrade such coverage to provide an appropriate service to their customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38285/14]
View answerIn terms of the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage throughout the country, licences issued by ComReg require Mobile Network Operators to provide a minimum level of national population coverage. Operators tend to exceed these coverage requirements for commercial reasons. However, given that mobile services are a radio based technology, services can be affected by several factors including topography, the capacity of the network and more generally the quality of access customers have to mobile telephone antennas.
ComReg's 2012 multiband spectrum auction has released additional radio spectrum which is expected to further improve the coverage and quality of mobile services. Since the auction, three mobile operators have launched 4G high speed mobile services and rollout is continuing. There has also been continued investment in enhancing and broadening 3G services and network improvements.
Local Authorities also have a strong role to play in facilitating the roll-out of the necessary telecommunications infrastructure. This is a matter which has been raised by telecommunications services providers and is reflected in the Government's National Broadband Plan which commits to addressing barriers to deployment of services.
I have referred the matter raised by the Deputy to ComReg for appropriate attention.
580. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide information on the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of IBEC; the names of each agency or organisation; the amount which each agency or organisation paid to IBEC in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38723/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
581. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received estimates from Limerick County Council to repair bridges at Clonteen, Cappamore, and Croughlahan, Cappamore, County Limerick; if he will provide funds for the repairs; when he will make a decision regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38054/14]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Following a Government decision on 11 February 2014 approval was given to my Department for €16.8 million in funding to local authorities for the restoration of damaged roads during the severe weather incident of 13 December 2013-6 January 2014.
Following the second phase of severe weather (that is, from 27 January to 17 February 2014), the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government engaged with local authorities and requested submissions outlining the cost of damage caused to public infrastructure (including road, tourism, piers and harbours etc.) during that period. No decision has been taken by Government to date regarding funding to repair damage to roads caused during the second phase of severe weather.
My Department has had ongoing engagement with Limerick City and County Council concerning roads in their area damaged during a further July 2014 flooding incident. The Council has provided an overall estimate of over €1 million for all the repair work arising from the July incident with some critical repair work required this year.
My Department has fully allocated all of its Roads monies in the current year. However, it has indicated that it has no objection to the Council undertaking the work specified on the basis that the Department will review the position at the end of the year to see if any expenditure can be recouped this year or if not, provision being made in 2015 under two programme categories – Restoration Improvement and Bridge Rehabilitation, for the costs involved.
582. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the online motor tax renewal service does not work in the case of off-the-road declarations; if he will make arrangements to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38250/14]
View answerThe Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, introduced new arrangements for declaring the non-use of a vehicle for motor tax purposes. The system requires a non-use declaration (off road declaration) for a vehicle to be made in advance of its motor tax expiry date thereby replacing the system whereby owners could declare the non-use of a vehicle retrospectively, commonly referred to as ‘gapping’, and thereby avoid payment of motor tax.
The Deputy's statement that the online motor tax renewal service does not work in the case of off-the-road declarations is incorrect. Since 1 October 2013 non-use declarations may be made online, via the online motor tax website, www.motortax.ie. Similar to the renewal of motor tax, vehicles owners use the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the motor tax renewal notice to declare the non-use of a vehicle through the online system. The online service has operated successfully and in excess of 46,000 non-use declarations have been notified via that channel to date, over 35,000 of which were declared during the August/September 2014 period. This represents 47% of all such declarations made in that period.
