Written Answers Nos 31-60
31. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views that carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in all public places such as hotels as a matter of public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10236/15]
View answerThe regulation of installation of carbon monoxide alarms is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. I understand that with effect from 1 September 2014 it is compulsory, under revised Building Regulations made by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, to install approved carbon monoxide alarms in new domestic dwellings. I further understand that the scope of these Regulations does not extend to premises such as hotels. Safety must always be the highest priority. As the Minister for Energy, I fully support Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week which is now an annual event. The Awareness Week campaign operates in addition to regular safety messages from the gas industry, in particular from Gas Networks Ireland, throughout the year and such campaigns have been shown to heighten public awareness of carbon monoxide risks.
The key messages of Carbon Monoxide Awareness week are:
- Carbon Monoxide can be produced when any fuel is burned, including oil, gas, wood and coal;
- To prevent Carbon Monoxide, have appliances serviced annually and keep vents, flues and chimneys clean;
- Carbon Monoxide is odourless and colourless so for added protection install an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm.
32. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources following the welcome announcement by an ICT company of its plans to develop a facility which will be fully self-reliant on renewable sources for its energy requirements, his Department's plans to enable other organisations, both public and private, to develop more sustainable energy sources and, in particular, the plans to assist with retrofitting of existing facilities. [10237/15]
View answerThe 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 from renewable sources by 2020 through meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, with 10% renewables in transport and 12% in heat. Various schemes and initiatives are in place to incentivise the use of renewable energy:
- The REFIT schemes underpin the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies, including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind;
- Relatively large electricity customers, e.g. industrial users, may become autoproducers and install generation, including renewable generation, at their site to meet their needs and export any excess to the electricity grid;
- Part L of the Building Regulations supports the uptake of renewable heat and the recently published Draft Bioenergy Plan recommends the introduction from 2016 of a Renewable Heat Incentive for larger heat users to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable biomass;
- Investment in renewable energy is supported through tax relief incentives such as the Employment Investment Incentive scheme and the Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme.
Finally, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides a range of supports to businesses covering energy management, training, and advice. Businesses wishing to develop renewable energy projects and improve their energy efficiency can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations as a component of a coordinated energy efficiency programme under the Better Energy Communities scheme.
33. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the 30% co-firing target of biomass at the three State-owned peat power generation stations, a target set to be achieved by this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10460/15]
View answerIn the 2007 Energy White Paper ‘Delivering A Sustainable Energy Future For Ireland’, a target was set of 30% co-firing of biomass at the three peat power generation stations. Under the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) schemes, which are the primary means through which electricity from renewable sources is supported in Ireland, a tariff was introduced in 2012 to incentivise co-firing at these plants. It is, however, a commercial decision for the companies involved whether or not they apply to participate in a REFIT scheme.
I understand that Bord na Móna is already co-firing its plant at Edenderry with biomass now accounting for 25% of the fuel mix. I also understand that ESB has completed biomass co-firing trials at West Offaly and Lough Ree power plants and that some significant commercial issues, including uncertainty regarding the biomass supply chain, need to be addressed before biomass co-firing could be a realistic option at these two plants. The Draft Bioenergy Plan, published in October 2014 and due to be subjected to Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments during 2015, referenced certain supply side measures which may be helpful in this regard.
34. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered the co-firing with biomass of Moneypoint power station, County Clare.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10464/15]
View answerThe Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the primary means through which electricity from a range of renewable sources is supported, including electricity from biomass. The REFIT schemes are supported through the Public Service Obligation levy which is a levy on all electricity customers.
Various different technologies can be used to generate electricity. The choice of technologies used by generators are commercial decisions for the generators concerned. The choice of fuel used in the plant at Moneypoint is a matter for the operator and not one in which the Minister has a role or function.
35. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 8 and 14 of 23 October 2014 regarding the State-led investment aspect of the national broadband plan, the progress that has been made with the European Commission in obtaining state aid clearance for the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10492/15]
View answerLast November the Minister published a national high speed coverage map for 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016. The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention. The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, 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.
A public consultation on the map, which commenced in November, closed on 12 February last. 29 submissions have been received to date and will be assessed over the coming weeks. This will help inform the key decisions that require to be taken in order to finalise our comprehensive Intervention Strategy which will be published for consultation in July next.
The proposed State intervention is subject to EU State Aid clearance from DG Competition. Formal notification will not be made until consultation on the Intervention Strategy is completed later this year. In the meantime, the Department continues to liaise closely with DG Competition on a range of issues related to the Plan and we hope to be in a position by this summer to be able to submit a pre-notification to the Commission. This is an informal and preliminary stage in the overall State Aid clearance process but can help in expediting the later formal notification stage.
36. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the current regulatory framework empowers the Commission for Energy Regulation to ensure the best electricity price is delivered to households and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10506/15]
View answerThe Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is Ireland’s independent energy regulator. The CER was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. It has a wide range of economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities in the energy sector.
Ireland’s electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised and competitive, and operate within national and European regulatory regimes. Prices in the retail gas and electricity markets are fully deregulated for all consumers.
Under the regulatory framework, the CER is empowered to oversee the sustainable development of the retail market for the benefit of all electricity customers. To that end, the CER has a number of powers, including setting supplier licence conditions, and undertakes certain activities, such as the publication of the supplier handbook.
The CER was assigned the function of market monitoring in 2010 (SI No. 450 of 2010) and is charged with monitoring, inter alia, rates of customer switching, disconnection rates, customer complaints and whether the development and operation of competition in the supply of electricity is benefitting final customers.
As part of its market monitoring role, the CER periodically briefs the Minister in respect of the findings of its quarterly Electricity and Gas Retail Markets Report. The Minister is satisfied that the regulatory framework allows the CER to monitor the operation of competition in the electricity market, and, as it deems necessary, to take action under the Regulations to ensure that it is working to benefit households and businesses.
As with any competitive market, it is hugely important that consumers would shop around to ensure that they get the best price. I would encourage consumers to either switch supplier or to contact their current supplier to ensure that the best available deal is being provided.
The Green Paper on Energy in Ireland sought views on the conduct of a review of the entire regulatory framework for energy. The responses to that consultation are being considered and will be taken into account in developing future policy in this area.
37. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 8 and 14 of 23 October 2014 regarding the State-led investment aspect of the national broadband plan, the progress that has been made with regard to the further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy to be launched in mid-2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10491/15]
View answerLast November the Minister published a national high speed coverage map for 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016. The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, 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.
A public consultation on the map, which commenced in November, closed on 12 February last. 29 submissions have been received to date and will be assessed over the coming weeks. These included 13 responses from telecommunications operators, 2 responses from equipment vendors, 7 responses from Local Authorities and representative bodies and 7 responses from individual citizens.
There was a substantive response to the questions posed in the consultation document, in some cases with additional material and views in relation to the NBP and the importance of the State intervention as a whole. The Department is considering the responses to the consultation and the outcome will be incorporated in the assessment of operator coverage.
It is proposed to publish the non-confidential responses on the Department's website shortly.
This will help inform the key decisions that require to be taken in order to finalise our comprehensive Intervention Strategy which the Minister intends publishing for consultation in July next.
There will be engagement with industry, stakeholders and the general public to the greatest extent possible as the Intervention Strategy which will underpin this ambitious proposed investment evolves.
38. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will publish the cost benefit analysis that would underpin the selection of wind energy as the primary renewable to be integrated into power generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10334/15]
View answerThe objective of the five part All-Island Grid Study, published in 2008, was to assess the technical feasibility and the relative costs and benefits associated with various scenarios for increased shares of electricity sourced from renewable energy in the all island power system. The creation of the portfolios was informed by the resource available, the technological readiness of the various generation technologies and cost required per generated unit based on connection costs, construction costs and operating and maintenance costs. The mapping for the analysis also assessed the deployment potential based on where the resource was and an overview of environmentally designated areas.
It was following this study that it was decided to pursue 40% renewable electricity in Ireland by 2020. The study concluded that, based on assumptions set out in the Report, wind energy represented a cost effective source for electricity generation.
In Ireland, the abundant wind resource means that each unit of installed generation capacity generates more units of electricity and hence needs a lower rate per generated unit of electricity in order to recover the overall costs of the project.
Additionally, various reports and analyses have examined the effect of renewables on electricity prices. The ESRI, the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), the SEAI and EirGrid have undertaken such studies. The ESRI and IWEA studies both looked at the 2020 position, while a joint SEAI and EirGrid study looked at the position in 2011. The SEAI and EirGrid study found that because wind reduces the cost of wholesale electricity when wind is available on the system, the effect of the PSO was cancelled out and the cost was effectively zero. While this is true for 2011, it is acknowledged that a significant amount of grid build and grid upgrading is required to achieve the 2020 target. The ESRI study found that wind is a hedge against high fossil fuel prices. In that regard wind also provides security of supply benefits along with climate and sustainability benefits.
An IWEA member survey in 2014 indicated that 3,400 people are employed in the sector in Ireland. A report published in 2014 by the ESRI and Trinity College Dublin, estimated direct and indirect employment under various realistic scenarios. The report, which estimates multiple thousands of jobs depending on the scenario, is available on the ESRI's website.
Renewable electricity generation in Ireland in 2012 is estimated by the SEAI to have saved 778 ktoe of fossil fuel, with an associated CO2 emissions reduction of 1.94 million tonnes. Of this, wind generation was the largest contributor, with savings estimated at 586 ktoe of fossil-fuel and a CO2 emissions reduction of 1.51 million tonnes. The value of the fossil fuels not consumed in Ireland in 2012 as a result of wind generation was estimated at €177 million, with the value of avoided CO2 emissions being a further €11 million.
Analysis undertaken by the Department, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) assessed the costs and value of choosing the path towards 40% renewable electricity generation in 2020, compared to a scenario where renewable electricity remained at 2013 levels. This analysis highlighted the cost effectiveness of wind as a renewable energy source and informed a report which will be published shortly.
39. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the Corrib project’s gas supply will come online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10509/15]
View answerConstruction and testing of the infrastructure for the Corrib gas field development is nearing completion, with first gas anticipated in mid 2015.
40. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha cén uair a bheidh seirbhís leathanbhanda ar luas ard ar fáil i gCill Chiaráin, i gCarna, ar an gCloch Bhreac agus i Seanadh Farracháin, Co. na Gaillimhe; cén íosteorainn leathanbhanda a bheidh ar fáil sna ceantair seo idir an dá linn; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10238/15]
View answerIs í is aidhm leis an bPlean Náisiúnta Leathanbhanda a chinntiú go bhfuil rochtain ar sheirbhís leathanbhanda ardluais d’ardchaighdeán ag gach saoránach agus ag gach gnó, is cuma cá háit a bhfuil siad lonnaithe. Bainfear an sprioc seo amach trí infheistíochtaí tráchtála mar aon le hidirghabháil faoi threoir an Stáit i gceantair nach mbeidh seirbhísí tráchtála ar fáil iontu.
Tá infheistíocht €2.5 billiún á déanamh ag an earnáil teileachumarsáide tráchtála i láthair na huaire in uasghrádú líonraí agus i seirbhísí feabhsaithe; táthar ag tnúth go mbeidh rochtain ar sheirbhísí tráchtála leathanbhanda ardluais ag thart ar 1.6 milliún den 2.3 milliún áitreabh in Éirinn sa dá bhliain atá romhainn. Tá na hinfheistíochtaí thar a bheith suntasach agus beidh athrú ó bhonn ar chaighdeán na seirbhísí leathanbhanda atá ar fáil mar gheall orthu.
I mí na Samhna anuraidh, d’fhoilsigh an tAire léarscáil náisiúnta a léiríonn clúdach ardluais sa bhliain 2016. Is féidir teacht ar an léarscáil ar www.broadband.gov.ie . Maidir leis na ceantair a bhfuil dath GORM orthu, beidh rochtain iontu ar sheirbhísí tráchtála leathanbhanda ardluais faoi dheireadh 2016.
Léiríonn na ceantair a bhfuil dath ÓMRACH orthu na sprioc-cheantair le haghaidh idirghabhála faoi threoir an Stáit, Cill Chiaráin, Carna, an Chloch Bhreac agus Seanadh Farracháin, Contae na Gaillimhe ina measc. Is féidir leis an bpobal, lucht gnó agus lucht cónaithe araon, amharc ar an léarscáil lena fheiceáil an amhlaidh a bheidh rochtain san áitreabh/sa bhaile acu ar sheirbhísí tráchtála leathanbhanda ardluais faoi dheireadh 2016 nó an amhlaidh a bheidh siad san áireamh in idirghabháil bheartaithe an Rialtais.
Tháinig deireadh le tréimhse comhairliúcháin phoiblí, ar cuireadh tús leis i mí na Samhna, ar 12 Feabhra. Tá 29 aighneacht faighte go dtí seo agus déanfar breithniú orthu sna seachtainí atá romhainn; beidh siad san áireamh agus na mórchinntí a gcaithfear iad a dhéanamh lenár Straitéis Idirghabhála chuimsitheach a thabhairt i gcrích á ndéanamh. Tá sé i gceist an straitéis a fhoilsiú le haghaidh próiseas comhairliúcháin i mí Iúil.
Tabharfaidh an straitéis aghaidh ar réimse ceisteanna tábhachtacha a bhaineann leis an idirghabháil, ina measc an tsamhail soláthair is fearr, roghanna úinéireachta agus rialachais, ceisteanna maoinithe agus an tseirbhís do na húsáideoirí deiridh. Cuid den anailís atá idir lámha is ea breithniú ar phointí nasctha straitéiseacha a aithint agus a chur in ord tosaíochta; beidh áiteanna mar pháirceanna fiontar, scoileanna agus pointí eile gníomhacha eacnamaíochta nó sóisialta i bpobail tuaithe i gceist.
Beidh an Idirghabháil bheartaithe faoi réir cead Státchabhrach ón gCoimisiún Eorpach freisin.
Nuair a bheidh comhairliúchán poiblí an tsamhraidh seo chugainn thart, rachfar i mbun próiseas sonrach soláthair, de réir rialacha soláthair an AE agus na hÉireann, leis an rogha tairgeora nó tairgeoirí a roghnú. Ceapfaidh an Roinn tairiscint sa dóigh go n-uasmhéadófar éifeachtúlachtaí agus go gcoinneofar costas tógála an líonra chomh híseal agus is féidir. Táthar ag tnúth go nascfar an chéad bhabhta tithe agus gnóthaí in 2016 agus go leanfar le naisc a dhéanamh ina dhiaidh sin; tá sé i gceist gach áitreabh a nascadh taobh istigh de thréimhse 5 bliana.
Is tionscadal casta, uaillmhianach é seo, agus is ardtosaíocht don Rialtas é. Is í is aidhm leis na dúshláin nascachta in Éirinn a shárú ar fad.
41. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress on the introduction of a pay-as-you-save system for financing energy efficient upgrades; the number of times the project teams established for this purpose has met and which Departments or departmental sectors are represented on the team. [10228/15]
View answerThe development of a Better Energy Finance (BEF) scheme arises from a Programme for Government commitment to transition from Exchequer funded grants for energy efficiency measures to a market orientated approach to delivering energy efficiency savings.
To achieve this, a BEF project team was established in December 2012 under the aegis of the Department. The team consisted of representatives seconded on a full time basis from energy suppliers, the finance community and the retrofit industry, with the objective of developing proposals on how a BEF scheme might operate. The team met on an ongoing basis from December 2012 to November 2013. The project was overseen by a Steering Committee which met 12 times during 2013. Following the completion by the project team of its work, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) was tasked with drawing up a detailed implementation plan for the design, development and execution of the scheme. In that context, meetings between the SEAI and the Department continued during 2014.
This year €2 million in Exchequer funding has been made available under the Better Energy Communities Scheme to pilot and evaluate innovative financing schemes in a community setting. The Better Energy Communities Scheme is application led, with a closing date of 20 March 2015. Applications will be evaluated and projects selected on a competitive basis. A further €1 million has been made available to fund other trials and measures on BEF. These trials are being administered by the SEAI.
The results of these trials will inform the final design of the BEF Scheme, as will evidence from some schemes in operation internationally. However, it is important to note that pay-as-you-save type schemes are relatively new in the countries where they exist. Other countries tend to have multiple financial incentives in place, predominantly grant based, to underpin residential retrofit programmes.
The work carried out to date in Ireland suggests that there is an understandable reluctance for households to take on additional debt and the success of a BEF Scheme would, therefore, require a compelling consumer proposition with accompanying incentives to capture consumer interest and drive action. It is likely that this would require a combination of some Exchequer funded grants and a consumer financing offering.
42. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures Department is considering into prevent fracking here, in view of the recent US geological survey which found fracking waste to be the primary cause of a dramatic rise in earthquakes even in areas which previously did not experience earthquakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10513/15]
View answerAs has been outlined on a number of occasions, no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of an unconventional gas exploration or extraction project, until there has been time to consider the outcome of a major research programme, directed at examining the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, which was commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The key questions that this research programme, which is to be carried out over a minimum period of two years, needs to answer are:
- Can unconventional gas exploration and extraction projects and operations be carried out in the island of Ireland whilst also protecting the environment and human health? and
- What is ‘best environmental practice’ in relation to such projects and operations?
To this end this scientific research programme is based on the consideration of existing baseline data with respect to groundwater, air and seismicity and the potential implications and mitigations that are required to be considered in order to understand the possible environmental impacts of using this technology and whether or not it can be undertaken in an environmentally protective manner in accordance with the requirements of environmental law.
I can once again confirm that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of any unconventional gas exploration and extraction programme, until there has been time to consider the outcome of this EPA research.
43. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the Shale Gas REC report published in early March by the European Commission, which revealed an alarming lack of consistency in regulation; and his further views to lobby within the EU for a European wide fracking ban. [10229/15]
View answerIn January 2014, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation inviting Member States to follow minimum principles when applying or adapting their legislation applicable to hydrocarbons exploration or production using high volume hydraulic fracturing. At that time the Commission also issued a Communication outlining the potential new opportunities and challenges stemming from shale gas extraction in Europe, as well as an Impact Assessment that examined the socio-economic and environmental impacts of various policy options. Member States were invited to inform the Commission by the end of 2014 on measures that they had put in place in response to the Recommendation and the Commission has recently published the information provided by Member States. As expected, the information provided illustrates differing circumstances between Member States in terms of both the existence of unconventional hydrocarbon resources and where such resources exist, whether or not exploration is taking place.
While the Commission has not proposed a uniform approach to regulation in this area, it has confirmed that assessment of projects proposing the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration for and production of shale gas, is subject to a number of EU Directives, including the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directive. In addition to the Recommendation and Communication mentioned already, the Commission has published a number of research documents into the potential impacts of unconventional exploration and extraction of gas including:
1. Unconventional Gas: Potential Energy Market Impacts in the EU;
2. Climate Impact of Potential Shale Gas Production in the EU;
3. Report on the identification of potential risks for the environment and human health arising from Unconventional Gas operations in Europe; and
4. Mitigation of Climate Impacts of Possible Future Shale Gas Extraction in the EU, Available Technologies best practices and options for policy makers.
Within the context of existing EU legislation and guidance provided, it is a matter for each Member State to determine its own approach to the exploitation of its hydrocarbon natural resources. As the Deputy will be aware, decision making in Ireland will be informed by the findings of a major programme of research that was commissioned last year by the EPA, with a report expected in 2016. I can once again confirm that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of any unconventional gas exploration and extraction programme in Ireland, until there has been time to consider the outcome of this EPA research.
44. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of schools in County Kerry currently benefitting from school meals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10922/15]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,600 schools and organisations which benefits over 205,000 children through two schemes. The first is the statutory urban school meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part financed by the Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects. Despite pressure on the social protection budget, the Government allocated an additional €2 million for the school meals programme in 2015, providing a total allocation of €39 million. The Department is currently considering options regarding the allocation of the additional funding
Details on the schools and organisations in county Kerry participating in the school meals local projects scheme are being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
45. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the amount currently paid to bus operators nationally for the free travel pass; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10958/15]
View answer75. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if payments to bus operators under the free travel scheme are reduced where those bus operators reduce the number of stops they make on the routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10959/15]
View answer76. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide clarification on aspects relating to the Free Travel Scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10960/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 75 and 76 together.
The free travel scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by some 80 private operators in various parts of the country for those eligible under the scheme. There are currently in excess of 810,000 customers with direct eligibility with an annual allocation of €77 million.
Approximately €61.3 million is paid to the CIÉ group in respect of free travel on Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus, €11.2 million to other operators, €1.5 million for the Rural Transport Programme and the remainder is allocated for the cross-Border and all-Ireland travel schemes.
Operators often make changes to their routes, including increasing and reducing the number and location of stops. This requires the approval of the licensing authority, which is the National Transport Authority. Where there are significant changes to the operation of a particular route, the funding for free travel may be reviewed by the Department.
As regards routes with PSO funding, including routes previously operated by CIÉ, it is my intention that private operators will be able to apply to participate in the free travel scheme.
In regard to the cap on funding imposed by the previous Government at a time of increasing free travel passenger numbers, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I established an interdepartmental working group to examine and report on the current operation and future development of the free travel scheme. The interdepartmental group has concluded its work and I expect to see a copy of its review shortly.
46. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection is she will support a matter (details supplied) in County Limerick regarding social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10755/15]
View answerThe correspondence enclosed with your question has been passed to a deciding officer for action in relation to the payment method of the person concerned.
48. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when that person will receive a decision. [10790/15]
View answerAn application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on 20 January 2015. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Following receipt of this opinion, a decision will be made by a Deciding Officer and notified to the person concerned. It can currently take 10 weeks to process an application for DCA.
49. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when that person will receive a decision. [10796/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5 November 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 5 March 2015 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
52. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and when that person will receive a decision. [10802/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12 February 2015. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
53. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when that person will receive a decision. [10803/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 February 2015. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
54. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when that person will receive a decision. [10804/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17 February 2015. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
55. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the role of the Universal Retirement Savings Group; and the timeframe and nature of the consultation process for the new supplementary workplace retirement saving scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10834/15]
View answerIn line with the Statement of Government Priorities, the Government recently decided to proceed with work to develop a roadmap and timeline for the introduction of a new, universal, supplementary workplace retirement saving scheme.
The development of this roadmap for consideration by Government will be progressed by the Universal Retirement Savings Group (URSG). The broad role of the group is to consider the constituent factors involved in constructing an efficient and effective universal retirement savings system and to bring a recommendation to Government in the form of a roadmap and estimated timeline for introduction.
The URSG consists of senior officials from key Government departments and those public bodies with a particular responsibility and expertise in the area. Membership also includes international representatives from the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions and the OECD who bring significant expertise in designing, delivering and assessing supplementary pension systems.
In undertaking specific or specialised areas of its work programme the group will consult with, and invite submissions from, pension’s experts external to the group. This will include establishing reference groups to utilise expertise and facilitate input from various sectorial interests such as those from the pensions industry, representatives of employers, trade unions and consumer/interest groups. The consultation process will also include an open invitation for written submissions from any parties with an interest in this area.
The first meeting of the Universal Retirement savings Group took place on 25 February 2015. It is expected that the group will be in a position to present recommendations to the Government later this year.
56. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of a welfare payment who wish to undertake voluntary work and who have applied under the voluntary work 1 scheme in each year from 2012 to 2014; the number of these who have been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10835/15]
View answerVW1 applications are not recorded on the Department’s IT systems but are recorded manually and associated with the client’s file on a Local Office/Intreo centre basis. Accordingly, the information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
57. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the social welfare entitlements of a person in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit who wishes to undertake a European voluntary service placement under the auspices of the ERASMUS+ Programme in another European Union member state; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10836/15]
View answerSocial welfare legislation provides that a person must satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work in order to be entitled to jobseeker’s benefit or jobseeker’s allowance. Any person who fails to satisfy these conditions is not entitled to a jobseeker’s payment.
A student undergoing a full-time course of study, instruction or training is disqualified from receiving jobseekers allowance or benefit. This disqualification also extends to the holiday periods, including the summer holidays. In addition, a person volunteering abroad will not satisfy the criteria of being available for and genuinely seeking work and is therefore disqualified from receiving a jobseeker’s payment.
The disqualification for receipt of jobseeker’s benefit or allowance does not apply in the case of mature students during the period between two academic years. During this period a mature student can apply for jobseeker’s benefit or allowance, subject to satisfying the standard qualifying conditions, including that of being available for full-time work.
More generally the social security rights of workers and their families moving within the EU are dealt with by EU regulations on the coordination of social security systems. These regulations deal with a wide range of issues including the jurisdiction in which people should pay social insurance, the aggregation of contributions made in other Member States, liability for payment of benefits and in the case of pensions, how those benefits are calculated. The competent Member State for insurance and benefits is decided on the basis of a priority list starting with employment and ending with residence.
In relation to jobseeker’s benefit the regulations provide that eligibility for benefit is dependent on the person’s most recent social insurance contributions being made in the competent Member State. Accordingly, a person must make their last contribution here before being eligible for benefit. They can, of course, count contributions made in other Member States towards qualification once their last contribution has been paid in this jurisdiction.
Any person who is involuntarily unemployed and fails to qualify for jobseeker’s benefit may claim jobseeker’s allowance which is subject, inter alia, to a means test and the habitual residence condition.
59. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an Intreo office will open in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10843/15]
View answerAn INTREO office is planned for Navan, Co. Meath in 2015. The INTREO service will be delivered over two sites: the site of the existing DSP office on Kennedy Road and a new office in Abbey Mall. Refurbishment work is required in both locations. Work will need to be completed in Abbey Mall before work starts in Kennedy Road.
The Department is keen to see the works proceed as soon as possible and is waiting to receive notification from OPW of a start date for works in Abbey Mall.
60. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the register figures for February 2014 to February 2015 from the Finglas office, which show the change in unemployment for Ashbourne, and Ratoath, County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10844/15]
View answerThe catchment area for the Finglas Intreo Centre includes Dublin 11 (excluding Ballymun), Ashbourne, Rathoath, St. Margaret’s and Kilsallaghan. The number of persons on the live register in the Intreo Centre from February 2014 to February 2015 is detailed in the following table:
Information relating to a claimant’s address is not currently coded to the geographical location of the address. As such it is not possible at present to accurately report persons on the live register living in a particular geographical area.
Intreo Centre Finglas Live Register February 2014 to February 2015
|
Month |
Live Register |
Percentage Month on Month Variance |
|
Feb-14 |
6,054 |
- |
|
Mar-14 |
6,100 |
0.8% |
|
Apr-14 |
6,118 |
0.3% |
|
May-14 |
6,056 |
-1.0% |
|
Jun-14 |
6,250 |
3.2% |
|
Jul-14 |
6,406 |
2.5% |
|
Aug-14 |
6,345 |
-1.0% |
|
Sep-14 |
5,879 |
-7.3% |
|
Oct-14 |
5,644 |
-4.0% |
|
Nov-14 |
5,384 |
-4.6% |
|
Dec-14 |
5,559 |
3.3% |
|
Jan-15 |
5,652 |
1.7% |
|
Feb-15 |
5,601 |
-0.9% |
|
Variance in live register February 2015 Vs. February 2014 |
-7.5% |
