Written Answers Nos 1-31
11. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a composite plan between his Department and other relevant Departments on the future of the post office network is in place. [47314/14]
View answerIt is Government policy that An Post should remain a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high-quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. The network stands well positioned to become the front-office provider of choice for Government and the financial services sector for both electronic transactions as well as the more traditional over-the-counter transactions.
It would be wrong to ignore the significant challenges facing the post office network in the current economic climate while also taking account of changes in technology and general retail behaviour. The future of the post office network will only be secured by its continuing to modernise and diversify in the provision of services that large numbers of people and business users want to use and that are sustainable in the long term.
Currently, there is a whole-of-government review under the auspices of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy exploring the scope for providing additional public services and securing new lines of business through the post office network. The Minister has been engaged with both An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union concerning this review as and when appropriate.
12. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which measures are put in place to ensure adequate investment in the telecommunications sector with particular reference to an accelerated expansion programme for high-speed state of the art broadband; if a determination has been made as to the extent to which this may be achieved in the short and medium term; if efforts have been made to consult with the stakeholders in broadband with a view to ensuring the elimination of communication black spots by the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47310/14]
View answerA key objective of this Government is to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. The National Broadband Plan commits to a range of actions to facilitate and maximise commercial investment in high speed broadband infrastructure. It also commits to a State intervention to make high speed broadband accessible in areas where the commercial sector will not invest.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising electronic communications networks which support the provision of high speed broadband services, among other services.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie . The map allows all members of the public to see whether their premises / home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. The coverage map was produced following an intensive engagement between my Department and industry. The publication of the coverage map and consultation is necessary to ensure that the State intervention does not compete with commercial high speed broadband services, and is required under EU State Aid Guidlines.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) towards the end of 2015. In this regard the Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in rural Ireland.
14. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update of his Department's efforts to protect the post office network from further deterioration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47124/14]
View answerIt is Government policy that An Post should remain a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high-quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. The network stands well positioned to become the front-office provider of choice for Government and the financial services sector for both electronic transactions as well as the more traditional over-the-counter transactions.
It would be wrong to ignore the significant challenges facing the post office network in the current economic climate while also taking account of changes in technology and general retail behaviour. The future of the post office network will only be secured by its continuing to modernise and diversify in the provision of services that large numbers of people and business users want to use and that are sustainable in the long term.
Currently, there is a whole-of-government review under the auspices of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy exploring the scope for providing additional public services and securing new lines of business through the post office network. The Minister has been engaged with both An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union concerning this review as and when appropriate.
15. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken to support the maintenance of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47115/14]
View answerIt is Government policy that An Post should remain a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high-quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. The network stands well positioned to become the front-office provider of choice for Government and the financial services sector for both electronic transactions as well as the more traditional over-the-counter transactions.
It would be wrong to ignore the significant challenges facing the post office network in the current economic climate while also taking account of changes in technology and general retail behaviour. The future of the post office network will only be secured by its continuing to modernise and diversify in the provision of services that large numbers of people and business users want to use and that are sustainable in the long term.
Currently, there is a whole-of-government review under the auspices of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy exploring the scope for providing additional public services and securing new lines of business through the post office network. The Minister has been engaged with both An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union concerning this review as and when appropriate.
16. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has projected costs for the State in the rolling out of broadband infrastructure as outlined in the recent mapping process; and the person who will be the long-term operator and owner of infrastructure. [47312/14]
View answerThe proposed State intervention under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) represents a very significant capital investment project for the State. The Minister has undertaken to complete a detailed intervention strategy that will be submitted to Government in mid-2015. This process is complex and will include close examination of issues such as:
- The appropriate ownership model for the infrastructure;
- Whether there will there be a single contractor or multiple contractors to build the infrastructure;
- The appropriate duration of the contract; and
- How the service quality is to be measured and assured
Consideration will also be given to the identification of strategic connection points, for example, business and enterprise parks, schools, hospitals, Garda Stations and any other centres of economic or social activity in rural communities. Part of the necessary analysis will be to examine the feasibility of identifying and prioritising particular parts of the country that might be considered black-spots in terms of overall quality of existing broadband coverage.
The scale of the planned intervention means it is likely that the overall cost will be significant. However, given the current dynamic that exists in the commercial market, it is expected that there will be a highly competitive procurement process.
Detailed technical, legal, regulatory and financial and economic evaluations are required to ensure that the State's intervention is fully compliant with EU rules rules. My Department is working with a number of Government Departments, and both State and European agencies, to explore all possible funding options and ensure the optimum arrangements for financing this major infrastructure investment.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder or bidders towards the end of 2015. We will be designing the tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current and future connectivity challenges in Ireland.
17. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the planned wind farm project in the midlands by a company (details supplied), in view of the fact that the planned export of wind generated electricity to Britain was shelved. [47118/14]
View answerEconomic analysis conducted by the Department clearly indicated that, under agreed policy and regulatory conditions, renewable energy trading could deliver significant economic benefits to Ireland and the UK, as well as being attractive to developers. However, given the economic, policy and regulatory complexities involved, and some key decisions that the UK are not yet in a position to take, delivery by 2020 of renewable energy trading will not be possible. In the context of a European Internal Energy Market, it would appear that greater trade in energy between Britain and Ireland is likely in the post-2020 scenario.
However, the overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure, sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. As a State we have ambitious targets for 16% of our energy to be provided from renewable sources by 2020 through meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, with 10% renewables in transport and 12% in heat.
Underpinning the Government’s energy policy objectives are five strategic goals, as outlined in the Government’s Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012 – 2020, including increasing renewable electricity from onshore wind power for the domestic market.
In 2013, 7.8% of Ireland’s overall energy requirement was met by renewable energy, equating to 20.9% of electricity demand. To date wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity. The total amount of wind generation connected to the grid is approximately 2,200 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. Over 3,000 MW of renewable generation has taken up connection offers under the Gate 3 grid connection programme. Therefore, private developers will be seeking planning consent for projects of varying scales to construct generation projects to meet our domestic needs. The progression of each individual project is, in the first instance, a matter between the project developer and the relevant statutory authorities, including ensuring that the requirements for public consultation are fully met.
18. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are currently plans for the development of wind farms here which will export energy. [47315/14]
View answerFollowing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation with the UK Government in January 2013, a joint programme of work was undertaken to consider how Irish renewable energy resources, onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of both Ireland and the UK.
Economic analysis conducted on the Irish side clearly indicated that, under agreed policy and regulatory conditions, renewable energy trading could deliver significant economic benefits to Ireland and the UK, as well as being attractive to developers. However, given the economic, policy and regulatory complexities involved, and some key decisions that the UK is not yet in a position to take, delivery by 2020 of renewable energy trading is not a realistic proposition.
In the context of a European Internal Energy Market, it would appear that greater trade in energy between Britain and Ireland is likely in the post-2020 scenario.
19. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken to ensure maximum national coverage of high speed broadband without an undue burden on the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47116/14]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State-led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
On the 24 November last, the Minister launched a public consultation on the National High Speed Coverage Map 2016. This allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether or not their premises/home is included in the Government’s proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on a county by county basis as to which villages and townlands are to be included.
This map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie . There is a wealth of data and information available here to better inform citizens about the detail of the Government’s ambitious plan to ensure all parts of Ireland have access to high quality broadband services.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) towards the end of 2015. Given the strong dynamic that currently exists in the Irish broadband market we can expect a very competitive procurement process. In addition, we will be designing the tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
20. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a report on the current status of negotiations regarding the Codling Wind Park and plans to connect directly to the energy grid of the United Kingdom. [47117/14]
View answerIreland's energy policy seeks to facilitate the harnessing of our abundant, indigenous, clean energy resources, including offshore renewable energy, and the economic benefits of any such development whilst also protecting our environment. The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP), published in February 2014, provides the mechanism through which action across Government Departments and Agencies to support the development of offshore renewable electricity generation can be fully coordinated. Actions in areas such as environmental monitoring and protection, research and development, consenting procedures, infrastructure requirements and enterprise development, are contained in the OREDP.
With regard to the proposed Codling Wind Park, which is the subject of a 2005 foreshore lease, securing a grid connection for the project is ultimately a matter for the project developers and the relevant statutory bodies. Furthermore, the OREDP identifies export as the route to market for offshore wind.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation with the UK Government in January 2013, a joint programme of work was undertaken to consider how Irish renewable energy resources, onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of both Ireland and the UK.
Economic analysis clearly indicates that, under agreed policy and regulatory conditions, renewable energy trading could deliver significant economic benefits to Ireland and the UK, as well as being attractive to developers. However, given the economic, policy and regulatory complexities involved, and some key decisions that the UK are not yet in a position to take, delivery by 2020 of renewable energy trading will not be possible. In the context of a European Internal Energy Market, it would appear that greater trade in energy between Britain and Ireland is likely in the post-2020 scenario.
21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are plans for a full audit of the Grid Link project to measure demand on the grid relative to the carrying capacity of the existing and decommissioned lines; if he will demonstrate the need for the proposed lines, as requested by Wexford County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47326/14]
View answerThe Grid Link project will facilitate the integration of renewable energy onto the transmission system, reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and facilitate further electricity interconnection with the European grid, providing a more secure electricity system. It will also provide a platform for job creation in the south and east of Ireland. EirGrid estimates that, if left unchecked, the existing grid in the south and east of Ireland would not be sufficient to meet our future electricity needs, thus jeopardising electricity supply to the area.
In January 2014, an Independent Expert Panel was established to examine the Grid West and Grid Link projects. The Panel met on several occasions since then to consider and approve the terms of reference for comprehensive, route specific studies and reports of fully undergrounded and overhead options for each of the projects. The studies and reports are to include assessments of potential environmental impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors. The terms of reference for the studies are available on the Department’s website.
EirGrid will either undertake or commission the necessary work in accordance with the terms of reference. In due course, the Panel will provide an opinion to the Minister on the completeness, objectivity and comparability of the studies and reports and will oversee their publication by EirGrid prior to the company proceeding to public consultation on the two projects. The Panel expects to be in a position to provide an opinion to the Minister on the Grid West project in Quarter 1 2015 and one on the Grid Link project in Quarter 3 2015.
In relation to forecasting future energy needs, EirGrid carries out regular assessments based on projected population and projected requirements of business, as well as Government and EU policy. A further review of the Grid25 Strategy is now underway by EirGrid, with the outcome expected early in 2015.
The Minister welcomes the publication by EirGrid last week of its report on reviewing and improving its consultation process in respect of all Grid projects, including GridLink. He also welcomes and acknowledges the commitments made by EirGrid to improve its consultation processes and its relationships with communities generally.
22. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the future progress of the proposed Shannon LNG gas terminal in Tarbert, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47351/14]
View answerSince 2002, the regulation of the gas market has been the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is independent in the performance of its functions. The Minister has no direct statutory function in relation to liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, including specific projects such as the Shannon LNG project.
The Minister and Government colleagues have consistently been supportive of the proposal by Shannon LNG to construct a LNG terminal near Ballylongford, County Kerry. The LNG facility would provide additional security of supply to Ireland in that it would bring diversity to Ireland's supply sources and would bring connectivity for the first time to the global LNG market. Such a facility would be a positive step for the island of Ireland. While neither the Minister or the Department have any direct role in regard to the project, they have met with representatives of Shannon LNG who have updated them on the project and outlined various issues. Any final investment decision would be a commercial matter for the company.
23. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of houses, business premises community and public buildings evaluated up to date for building energy rating; the status of the various BER rating for these buildings; if he will provide a significant increase in funding in 2015 to dramatically progress retrofit programmes to bring the building stock up to an acceptable level of energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47352/14]
View answerThe Building Energy Rating (BER) scheme was established under the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is designated as the issuing authority with responsibility for registering BER assessors, logging BER assessments and managing the BER scheme. The BER was introduced for new dwellings in January 2007 and for all buildings from 1 January 2009.
As at the end of November 2014 there were over 511,000 BER certificates for individual dwellings, and over 27,000 BER certificates for buildings other than dwellings, in place. In terms of domestic dwellings this number represents approximately 25% of the national dwelling stock and suggests that the legislation, along with increasing consumer awareness of the benefit of an improved energy rating, is having a demonstrable impact in the market. With respect to the distribution of ratings, the majority are in the C to D range for both domestic and non-domestic buildings.
A capital allocation of €39m was secured in Budget 2015 for the Better Energy Programme, which provides grant funding across various schemes to private homeowners, vulnerable consumers and local communities to retrofit their dwellings and local facilities.
24. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the Grid25 proposals; his views that Grid25 is still necessary; his further views on the stability of the grid in view of the current percentage of wind energy on the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47259/14]
View answerEirGrid’s Grid25 strategy is a major initiative that proposed significant new build of transmission capacity and the upgrading of around 2,000km of existing lines. It comprises over 100 projects ranging from large projects such as the North-South transmission line, to smaller projects involving upgrades.
Grid25 will facilitate regional economic development, together with job creation and growth. It will allow for long term growth in the demand for electricity and ensure the efficient operation of the All Island Single Electricity Market. It will reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels by putting the infrastructure in place to enable us use our own natural resources, and to reach our 2020 renewable energy target.
Grid25 was initially forecasted to cost up to €4 billion when first proposed in 2007. EirGrid reviews all projects and strategies at regular intervals to take into account relevant developments including economic conditions and electricity demand forecasts. In 2010, a review of Grid25 resulted in EirGrid reducing the estimated cost of the programme to €3.2 billion. EirGrid is currently undertaking a further review, with the outcome expected in the first quarter of 2015.
Wind generation continues to be the strongest driver of growth in renewable electricity, with over 16% of our electricity demand being met by this indigenous resource in 2013, and it will continue to play a critical role in meeting our commitment to achieve our overall EU obligation of 16% of energy from renewable sources in 2020.
Electricity demand must be met by generating the exact amount of electricity required at any point in time. EirGrid maintains this balance between demand and supply by managing grid stability in real-time. System frequency is an indicator of success in managing the supply/demand balance. On numerous occasions in recent years, the amount of variable wind power on the system has been over 50%, and system frequency has been successfully and safely managed.
25. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made on tackling cyber bullying in view of the fact that this has been implicated in several suicides both here and in Europe and in view of the fact that a website, mentioned in these tragic deaths, plans to base itself here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43967/14]
View answer26. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications of the new EU energy and emissions targets for 2030; the role solar power will play in helping Ireland reach i’s carbon emissions reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47263/14]
View answerThe October European Council endorsed a binding EU target of an at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. In addition, an EU target of at least 27% is set for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030, and an indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy efficiency in 2030 compared to projections of future energy consumption. Ireland intends to make a cost-effective, achievable and fair (in terms of effort sharing among Member States), contribution to these high level EU goals. My Department is overseeing detailed and rigorous energy system and economic modelling to identify the contribution which is appropriate for Ireland taking account of our specific economic circumstances. This analysis will address issues such as the quantum of additional renewable electricity we should seek to achieve by 2030, the technologies that should be supported in this regard, and the level at which any future supports should be set. It is in the context of this analysis, and the development of a definitive Energy Policy, on which public consultation is underway, that any potential future role for solar power in helping Ireland reach its carbon emission reduction targets will be identified.
27. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on fuel prices in view of the fact that the organisation of petroleum exporting countries has cut prices by 30% since June 2014; when the proportinate reductions will be passed on to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47348/14]
View answerAs of 1 December 2014, the average price of petrol charged at the pump in Ireland was €1.46 per litre, while the price of diesel was €1.40 per litre, both prices including taxes and duties. The weighted EU average for the EU 28 for the same week was €1.45 per litre for petrol and €1.32 per litre for diesel, both including taxes and duties. While higher on diesel prices, Ireland is close to the EU average for petrol. More information can be found in the European Commission's oil bulletin: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/observatory/oil/bulletin_en.htm .
The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. The Minister, therefore, has no statutory function in the setting of petrol or diesel prices and the Commission for Energy Regulation has no role in relation to prices in the oil market. There is no price control in the oil sector and it is Government policy to encourage price competition and consumer choice.
In a liberalised market, investigations and surveys into oil prices have been undertaken by the National Consumer Agency to ensure that competition in the market is functioning well and consumers are not being disadvantaged, in particular when there are fluctuations in the internationally traded price of oil. Such investigations and surveys include the National Consumer Agency’s Investigation into Petrol & Diesel Price Movements (2008) and the survey on home heating oil (2014). The research indicates that the price paid at the pump by consumers is largely determined by taxation levels, the internationally traded price of crude oil and the consequent price at which refined product is traded in Europe, along with the level of competition in the retail market.
The Irish Petroleum Industry Association has also done a short paper on what determines pump prices. This is available at: http://www.ipia.ie/issues. The industry paper illustrates that over half of the price paid at the pump relates to taxes, duties and levies. As oil is traded exclusively in US Dollars, the strength/weakness of that currency against the Euro also impacts pump prices.
The National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority have recently been merged. http://www.consumerhelp.ie/ .The new body is known as the Competition and Consumer Help Commission. This body would have a role in ensuring that competition in the market is functioning well and that consumers are not being disadvantaged.
28. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress of the commitment in the second national energy efficiency action plan to implement a wide-ranging programme to investigate the opportunities and policy options for the micro-generation of electricity via small scale technologies. [47278/14]
View answerI am aware of the need to give further policy consideration to the place of microgeneration in our energy mix. Analysis of the potential of micro-generation technologies such as small scale wind, solar and small scale hydro, has been carried out for my Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It shows that while microgeneration has the technical potential to make a significant contribution to Irish electricity consumption, careful consideration would have to be given to the design of any potential future support scheme to ensure it is cost-effective. The SEAI's findings, along with responses to the recent consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for micro-generation.
The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) is the overarching policy framework for energy efficiency in Ireland and reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to a 20% energy savings target across the economy by 2020. The action referred to by the Deputy, action number 31 from NEEAP2, was reviewed during the preparation of the third NEEAP which was updated and published in May 2014. The third NEEAP is available on my department’s website.
29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the supports available for the research, development and introduction or commercialisation of the renewable energy resource of wave energy, particularly in view of the fact that European research has indicated that the average wave power in Europe is highest near the west of Ireland. [47277/14]
View answerIreland has some of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world. Wave and tidal energy are still at the research, development and demonstration stage globally. While promising experimental devices have been developed, much research, development and demonstration is required to bring wave energy technology to commercial viability.
Policy action across a range of areas is required to support developers in bringing ocean energy devices from prototype to full scale commercial viability. In Ireland, policy measures are being progressed under the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) which was published earlier this year.
In addition to tax relief for research and development generally, exchequer support for ocean energy measures has been provided to the sector in recent years and is being increased under the OREDP. The Department’s multi-annual ocean energy development budget was increased by €16.8 million, covering the period 2013 to 2016, bringing the total cumulative funding to €26.3 million. This funding will support the development of the test sites in counties Mayo, Galway and Cork, the Integrated Maritime Energy Resource Cluster at Ringaskiddy, and the Prototype Development Fund operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). SEAI has to date invested or provided grant aid totaling just over €2.6m to ocean wave energy companies from the fund.
In addition, the OREDP also proposes, subject to State Aid clearance from the European Commission, and further Government approval, an initial market support scheme for wave and tidal energy from 2016, limited to 30MW, to unlock the economic growth and job creation opportunities offered by ocean energy development.
30. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the discussions on digital participation and inclusion at the British Irish Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46815/14]
View answerThe Taoiseach and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources attended the British Irish Council Summit (BIC) in the Isle of Man on 28 November last where digital inclusion was a main item on the agenda.
Digital inclusion is central to the Government’s National Digital Strategy. The strategy aims to position Ireland to take advantage of the opportunities of digital by getting more businesses trading online, more citizens online, and enhancing the use of ICT in the school environment. Ireland’s Digital Champion, David Puttnam, is also working with key stakeholders to communicate more widely the advantages of being online.
The BIC Summit discussed the importance of digital participation, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share in the benefits of the internet and the potential of digital to contribute towards wider government policies, for example addressing social isolation. With 1 adult in 5 not online, it is important to communicate the advantages of being online, including better connectedness, access to consumer friendly public services, education, information and entertainment as well as opportunities to save money.
The discussions were complemented with audio visual material produced by the BIC with significant input from the Department. This material shows much commonality in approaches across the BIC administrations. The material can be accessed at the Department’s website at www.dcenr.gov.ie/nds .
At the BIC Summit, the Minister outlined the range of initiatives under the Government's National Digital Strategy. For instance, under the Department’s BenefIT Programme, a partnership with the community and voluntary sector, training in digital literacy skills is being provided at over 600 locations across Ireland. Over 111,000 citizens, 20% of whom are unemployed, have been trained since the programme began.
The Minister also outlined progress being made under the Government’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to bring at least 30mbps connectivity to every home and business in the country. The latest phase of the National Broadband Plan was implemented recently with the publication of an online map, which allows the public to identify their own home or business to see whether high-speed broadband will be provided by a commercial operator or through State intervention. This map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. This complex and ambitious project aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
31. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if officials in his Department raised concerns regarding the pay progression mechanism implemented within Ervia; if these concerns were brought to his attention at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47340/14]
View answerThe employment terms and conditions for Ervia employees, other than the Chief Executive, are an operational matter for the company and not a matter in which the Minister has any role or function.
In the period 2011 to early 2013, Ervia, or BGE at that time, engaged with NewERA and relevant departments, including the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, regarding its proposed new pay and performance model. The current pay model in place in Ervia was implemented as a result of the successful conclusion of a suite of cost improvement measures in Ervia in early 2013. Corporate governance and financial matters are discussed in the normal course of interaction between a commercial semi-state body and its parent department. Ervia would have updated officials in the Department on progress with regard to the cost improvement measures in the lead in to their conclusion.
