Written Answers Nos. 892-906
892. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimated amount of extra revenue from replacing the television licence with a household broadcasting charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28234/15]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Service Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services. In terms of the timing of the introduction of any new charge, in my statement of 21 April 2015 on the publication of the NewERA and Indecon reports, I indicated that I had advised Government that it would not be possible to replace the TV licence fee with a public service broadcasting charge within the lifetime of this Government. I also pointed to the need to build public understanding and support for the introduction of such a charge.
Decisions in respect of the level of any such charge once it is introduced have not yet been made, precluding estimation of potential revenue at this stage in the process. That said, the proposed new arrangements must, at a minimum, be capable of sustaining existing funding levels.
893. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to include the new Eircode postcode in all schemes and administrative roles run by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28311/15]
View answerAs the Department is primarily policy focused, it does not run any large schemes aimed at the general public. Eircode data will however be incorporated into Departmental databases on an on-going basis and utilised as the need arises. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, which is an agency under the aegis of my Department, has already Eircode-enabled its key databases.
894. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of representations this Deputy received from a County Sligo based business which installs energy efficient and water saving products, the reason waterless urinals are not included on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's list of qualifying products for accelerated capital allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/15]
View answerThe Triple E register is a list of energy efficient products administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). By procuring products on the Triple E register, companies can avail of the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) Scheme. The register is designed to help Irish business reduce its carbon footprint by investing in energy efficient equipment. For a product to qualify for the Triple E register it must be possible to demonstrate how it reduces the overall energy use in a commercial application. The products listed must meet rigorous criteria placing them in the top 10% to 15% of efficiency for their product type. While I understand that the product to which the Deputy refers is designed to reduce water usage, it would also be necessary for the company to be able to demonstrate the energy saving capability of the product in order for it to be eligible for inclusion on the Triple E register of products qualifying for the ACA Scheme. I understand submissions are currently being sought from manufacturers and suppliers wishing to have their products included on the register. Further information is available on the SEAI website.
895. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Public Service Broadcasting Charge. [28487/15]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Service Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services. The primary objective in introducing a Public Service Broadcasting Charge is to secure a more stable funding stream for public service broadcasting than the current TV Licence system provides in light of the current high level of evasion and the impact that technological developments are having on the way that media is consumed.
In terms of the timing of the introduction of any new charge, in my statement of 21 April 2015 on the publication of the NewERA and Indecon reports, I indicated that I had advised Government that it would not be possible to replace the TV licence fee with a public service broadcasting charge within the lifetime of this Government. I also pointed to the need to build public understanding and support for the introduction of such a charge.
In terms of funding for community broadcasters, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme represents an already significant source of support for non-profit community radio stations. This Scheme is currently funded by way of a set proportion of net television licence fee receipts and I do not expect this position to change with the introduction of the new Public Service Broadcasting Charge.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is assigned responsibility under Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 for the administration of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme which aims, inter alia, to develop local and community broadcasting by providing funding for the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by community broadcasters.
In addition, the BAI operates the Community Broadcasting Support Scheme, which is a development fund that allows community radio stations to conduct evaluations of their activities. The scheme provides funding for stations to carry out key review work to assist with their overall performance and to build capacity.
896. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department's position and response to a representation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28521/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure 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. The proposed State intervention under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) represents a potentially very significant capital investment project for the State and the Government is firmly committed to delivering this investment, as evidenced in the National Broadband Plan itself and in the Programme for Government, the Action Plan for Jobs and the Statement of Government Priorities.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
Last November I 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.
The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention. The premises within the AMBER areas will be included in the State's intervention, subject to any further commercial plans by operators.
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 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
More generally, I can confirm that next generation broadband services have been rolled out to over 123,000 premises to date in the Mid-West and Kerry region comprising Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Kerry with a further 56,000 premises expected to be served by commercial operators. The remaining 160,000 premises in the Mid-West and Kerry Region are the target for the proposed State intervention under the National Broadband Plan.
I intend to publish the draft Intervention Strategy for public consultation later this week. Following the consultation process over the summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I expect the physical build of the network to begin in late 2016, and it will take 3-5 years to fully complete – depending on the details of the bid or bids selected.
897. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if window and door insulation is covered by grants under the sustainable energy programme. [28578/15]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. Since 2009, the two schemes have supported the renovation of 263,636 homes in Ireland. In late 2014, my Department, working with the SEAI, reviewed the supports available under the Better Energy Homes scheme in conjunction with the financial resources available for the scheme. This review concluded that the most efficient ways of using the limited resources available to the scheme were (i) to increase the existing grant levels whose value had been eroded by inflation, (ii) to introduce a new bonus payment that encourages householders to engage in deeper renovations that could lead to more significant energy savings and (iii) to abolish the minimum grant threshold. These changes were made and announced in March of this year.
Under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme, energy efficiency upgrades are provided free of charge to those households who meet the application criteria. Measures are provided under the scheme on an as needed basis.
Window and door insulation is not currently supported under the Better Energy Programme due to the need to balance the limited resources available with the demand for these schemes. Therefore, the measures currently supported are those that can deliver the most energy savings at the lowest cost. While window and door insulation does improve the energy efficiency of a home, the cost of such measures is high in relation to the energy efficiency gains made.
898. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount the Government has spent in developing renewable energy projects since 2002. [28579/15]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manages a range of programmes on behalf of my Department that are aimed at reducing energy demand and the decarbonisation of energy supply. In the period since the establishment of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in 2007 to July 2015 the total expenditure by the SEAI on renewable energy projects and programmes amounted to almost €123.5 million.
I will arrange for details of expenditure incurred prior to the establishment of the Department in 2007 to be forwarded to the Deputy.
899. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of funding supplied annually towards studying fuel poverty here. [28580/15]
View answerUnder the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme, energy efficiency upgrades are provided free of charge to those households in danger of energy poverty who meet the application criteria. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is administered, on behalf of my Department, by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Funding for action on energy is focused on this scheme, under which 95,402 homes have received free energy upgrades since 2009. So far in 2015, 3,449 homes have benefitted. An allocation of €15.8 million has been made for this scheme in 2015. The operation of this scheme has proved a very important source of evidence for policy making on energy poverty in Ireland. The SEAI has built up significant expertise on this area. In addition, the ESRI and non-governmental organisations have undertaken important research in this area. My Department is drawing on this work, and the experience of these stakeholders, to prepare a new Affordable Energy Strategy, which I anticipate will be published before the end of this year.
900. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of funding provided towards raising public awareness of energy efficiency. [28581/15]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is the national authority with responsibility for promoting and assisting energy efficiency and renewable energy in Ireland. The SEAI, on behalf of my department, administers the Better Energy Programme which promotes energy retrofits in homes and communities throughout Ireland. Better Energy Homes (BEH) offers grant support to homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. To date over 168,000 householders have upgraded their home through the scheme. SEAI also administers the Building Energy Rating programme which has seen the introduction of energy ratings for properties being sold or rented. One in four homes in Ireland now has a BER. To educate the wider public on energy efficiency, SEAI disseminates information through brochures at events and its website which experiences over 1 million "hits" per year. Last year the SEAI spent €510,000 on advertising and promotion of these schemes and initiatives and wider promotion of energy efficiency.
901. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the target outlined in his Department’s 2012 document, Delivering a Connected Society - A National Broadband Plan for Ireland, of providing high-speed broadband across the country during the lifetime of this Government has been achieved; if not, when will it be achieved; the current level of availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28835/15]
View answer902. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the target outlined in his Department’s 2012 document, Delivering a Connected Society - A National Broadband Plan for Ireland, to provide 70 Mbps to 100 Mbps broadband speed to more than half of the population by 2015 has been reached; if not, when will this target be reached; the current estimated percentage of the population that can access such speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28836/15]
View answer903. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the targets outlined in his Department’s 2012 document, Delivering a Connected Society - A National Broadband Plan for Ireland, to provide at least 40 Mbps broadband speed to at least a further 20% of the population, and potentially to as much as 35% around smaller towns and villages, have been achieved; if not, when will these targets be achieved; the current estimated percentage of the population that can access such speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28837/15]
View answer904. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the target outlined in his Department’s 2012 document, Delivering a Connected Society - A National Broadband Plan for Ireland, to provide a minimum of 30 Mbps broadband speed to every remaining home and business has been achieved; if not, when will this target be achieved; the current estimated percentage of the population that can access such speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28838/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 901 to 904, inclusive, together.
When the National Broadband Plan was first published in 2012, it envisaged that the commercial sector would provide high speed fixed line services to 50% of the population, amounting to 1.3m of Ireland’s 2.3m addresses by 2015. Mobile operators envisaged that they would provide 4G coverage to up to 70% of the population by 2018.
Since 2012 a number of critical developments have led Government to scale up its ambition:
- EU State Aid Guidelines published in December 2012 pointed to the need for Governments to demonstrate a “step change” in any intervention, with fibre “as close as possible” to end users;
- ComReg’s multiband spectrum auction in December 2012 released valuable new spectrum, allowing mobile operators to step-up investment programmes;
- Industry has accelerated its investment in networks and services. As a consequence, the addressable area for the State has reduced by almost 50% (from 1.3m to 750,000);
- The commercial developments will deliver on almost all of the combined industry and Government commitments made in 2012;
- Consumer demand for bandwidth has greatly increased and significant investments in urban areas are exacerbating the urban-rural divide;
- Evidence from previous Government interventions and internationally points to the need to invest in a network that is capable of scaling to meet current and future needs.
As a consequence of these developments, in April 2014, the Government agreed to a more ambitious programme of intervention for the remaining areas that will not be served by commercial operators.
The Deputy will by now be familiar with the high-speed broadband coverage map which I published last year and which shows clearly those parts of the country that will be covered by commercial investment and those that will require intervention by the State to ensure connectivity.
The draft Intervention Strategy will be published for public consultation later this week. Following the consultation process over the summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I expect the physical build of the network to begin in late 2016, and it will take 3-5 years to fully complete – depending on the details of the bid or bids selected.
This complex national infrastructure project will definitively address the long-standing challenge of deploying a resilient and high quality broadband network in rural parts of Ireland.
905. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of EirGrid's All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 2015-2024, which stated that between 3,200 and 3,800 megawatts of wind generating capacity will be required to allow Ireland to achieve 40% renewable electricity, if this figure includes Northern Ireland; the reason this increased power capacity is focused only on wind energy and not across other sectors, such as biomass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28879/15]
View answerThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. Currently, the total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid is 2,700 MW approx. of which just under 2,400 MW is wind. EirGrid has forecasted in its “All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 2015-2024” that between 3,200 and 3,800 MW of wind generating capacity will be required to allow Ireland to achieve 40% renewable electricity. This figure does not include Northern Ireland. A separate section of the document deals with other sources of renewable generation such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP), biofuels, small scale hydro and ocean energy. The assumptions made for other renewable generation will have a bearing on how much wind energy needs to be generated to reach the 40% target. Currently the REFIT schemes are the primary means through which electricity from renewable sources is supported in Ireland. These schemes support electricity generated from a range of renewable sources including biomass and are paid for by electricity customers through the Public Service Obligation.
To date, onshore wind energy has been the most cost effective renewable technology in the Irish electricity market, contributing most towards the achievement of the 2020 target. The cost effectiveness of support for renewables is a key consideration in the work now underway in my Department to consider the appropriateness and design of any new support scheme for renewable electricity. Any scheme would be subject to EU rules on State Aid. Taking account of developments in EU electricity market integration, my Department will be engaging with stakeholders in this work, a key component of which will be consideration of the available technologies, their cost effectiveness and the level of any support required.
906. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total amount of firearms licence fees collected by An Post on behalf of the Department of Justice and Equality in each of the years 2012 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28982/15]
View answerThe collection of firearms licence fees by An Post on behalf of the Department of Justice and Equality is a day to day commercial matter for An Post and not one in which I have a function. The question is more appropriate to the Department of Justice and Equality which has responsibility for firearms licences.
