Written Answers Nos. 1546-1565
1546. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure access to television broadcasts for deaf persons; if he has considered measures to provide subtitles on as many television programmes as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31460/15]
View answerThe Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has statutory responsibility in this area and I have no function in this matter. Under Section 43 (1)(c)(i) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the Authority must prepare and, from time to time, revise rules with respect to the specific steps each broadcaster is required to take to promote the understanding and enjoyment by those who are deaf or have a hearing or visual impairment of programmes transmitted on any broadcast service provided by the broadcaster.
The Access Rules include provisions for subtitling, captioning, Irish sign language and audio descriptions. The provision of subtitling is then a matter for individual broadcasters in accordance with the Access Rules, with which all broadcasters within the jurisdiction of Ireland must comply. Compliance is monitored by the Authority.
In 2014, the BAI launched a public consultation on proposed changes to rules governing the levels of subtitling, sign language and audio-description that Irish television broadcasters must offer to the public. The consultation ran until 23 July and sought responses from the general public, representative groups and broadcasters. The BAI Access Rules were then launched in January 2015. These rules set out yearly and increasing targets for subtitling, audio description and Irish sign language across a number of television stations.
The Authority advises that complaints regarding subtitling are directed in the first place to the relevant broadcaster if one is dissatisfied with the manner in which a broadcaster is complying with the Rules. Information on such issues is obtainable from the BAI and from its website www.bai.ie.
1547. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware of reports of certain Eircodes being listed in incorrect areas, for example an area (details supplied) in County Dublin; the systems in place to review disputed codes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31461/15]
View answerThe most comprehensive address database available in the country is the postal address database, which is owned by GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland. The Eircode database is derived from this source and the addresses contained in the database are postal addresses used by An Post as opposed to geographical addresses. The postal address is used to ensure the correct routing of mail to individual addresses and, for this reason, the postal and geographical addresses may differ in some areas. The introduction of Eircodes has not changed this. While An Post uses the postal address to effect postal delivery, individuals are entitled to append the Eircode to whatever form of address is normally used.
1548. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money spent on the Eircode system. [31506/15]
View answerTotal spend to date on the Postcodes project amounts to €17.54m (including VAT). This is broken down between payments of €15.34m (including VAT) to Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited to develop and roll out the National Postcode System. In addition, programme expenditure on the project has amounted to €2.2m (including VAT) since 2006.
1549. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the implementation of the Eircode system; if there is an indication on the level of usage of Eircodes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31507/15]
View answerEircode, the National Postcode System for Ireland was officially launched on 13 July 2015 together with the new online ‘Eircode finder tool’ that helps citizens and business to fully utilise the new postcode system.. During the three weeks following the launch, the 2.2 million residential and business address in Ireland received a letter in the post informing them of the new eircode for that address.
A successful national information campaign was completed over the summer to inform the public about eircodes and promote their usage.
An integral element of the communications strategy was the Community Outreach Programme for eircodes using networks of community and voluntary organisations, in conjunction with the Wheel and Irish Rural Link. The aim of this programme was to provide information on eircodes and their benefits to people and groups that mainstream communications may not have reached. Over the course of the Community Outreach Programme over 170,000 members of the target group were reached. 5,377 organisations received information about Eircode and 10,620 volunteers recruited to assist.
During the dissemination phase of eircodes, Amárach, an independent body, conducted two parallel surveys, a face-to-face survey of 1,200 households and 200 business premises. The results of the surveys showed that 89% of the public knew the eircode for their address.
Public Sector bodies, particularly those with large customer facing operations, have started using eircodes in customer engagement and this process will continue over the coming months.
Since launch the Eircode contractor has been engaging with commercial organisations and, to date, has signed up a total of eighteen Value Added Resellers who provide a broad spectrum of eircode specialist services to businesses including Database cleansing, Address lookup and GeoCoding. In accordance with the contract for the development and maintenance of eircodes, my Department has put in place reporting structures with the contractor which will, inter alia, include information on the commercial use of the Eircode system
1550. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide requisite resources to enable Inland Fisheries Ireland meet its statutory responsibility to protect and develop fisheries through the recruitment of necessary full-time permanent staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31564/15]
View answerIn the five year period 2010-2014 substantial Exchequer support, amounting to almost €130 million, has been provided for inland fisheries and almost €24 million has been provided for IFI in my Department's Vote this year.
The establishment of IFI has facilitated an improved national perspective in the formulation of inland fisheries policy which is more streamlined, coherent and integrated. It also facilitates the achievement of efficiencies in the effective management of the inland fisheries resource.
The Deputy will also appreciate that the Board and Senior Management of IFI have a key role in ensuring that the Agency continues to meet its objectives towards the conservation, protection, promotion and development of the inland fisheries resource. In achieving its objectives, IFI is delivering on the imperative, common to all Public Bodies, to achieve efficiencies and to maintain a high level of service. IFI staff have embraced a range of changed work practices to improve operational efficiency. These include the increased use of surveillance technology and specialist vehicle and water craft patrols. These innovations underpin the imperative of ensuring the optimum deployment of resources.
I can confirm that an increase in staff numbers to 312 has been authorised and that sanction was received in 2015 for 35 additional temporary seasonal staff.
1551. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland makes available to the public the details of any contractors who have been removed from the registered list of contractors for the purposes of SEAI grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31621/15]
View answerSince 2009 the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has operated the Better Energy scheme on behalf of my Department. Collectively, the scheme has provided over €400 million in grant support towards energy efficiency upgrades in almost 300,000 homes, supporting around 2,300 jobs per annum in the construction sector.
Contractors who wish to participate in the scheme are required to register with the SEAI. This involves giving a commitment to undertake all works in accordance with the scheme's technical specifications, demonstrate tax compliance and insurance cover, and co-operate with the scheme’s quality assurance programme.
The quality assurance programme : maintains high standards of contractor workmanship; builds consumer confidence; monitors health and safety; and ensures proper governance of public monies. Inspections are undertaken on a risk based approach in accordance with international best practice. Where any non-compliance with the terms of the scheme is identified, the results of the inspection are shared with the individual homeowner, and the contractor is obliged to revisit the property and complete remedial works. If the contractor fails to complete the remedial works to the required standard, then they are de-registered from the scheme. Participation in the Better Energy schemes is elective and a contractor may at any point choose not to participate for their own business reasons. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate to publish a list of those contractors removed from the registered list.
1552. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount that was paid by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to external contractors to investigate the works carried out by contractors under SEAI schemes; if the results of any such investigations will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31622/15]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has operated the Better Energy schemes on behalf of my Department since 2009. Collectively the schemes have provided over €400 million support towards energy upgrades in almost 300,000 homes, supporting around 2,300 jobs per annum in the construction sector.
Following an extensive tendering process in accordance with EU and Irish public procurement rules, KSN Energy was appointed to undertake property inspections on behalf of SEAI in relation to the Better Energy schemes. In the twelve months to September 2015, KSN were paid €634,000 by SEAI to complete 12,200 home inspections. Arising from these inspections around 1,390 remedial works were needed on scheme homes last year to ensure compliance with the technical specifications of the scheme.
1553. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the distribution of the funds from the sale of Bord Gáis; if he has held discussions with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31720/15]
View answerThe sale of Bord Gáis Energy was completed on 7 July 2013 and the share purchase agreement for the sale is €1.1 billion including a small element of contingent consideration. On 7 July 2014, a special dividend of €150m was received from Ervia representing the first instalment of proceeds from the sale of Bord Gáis Energy. Ervia notified my Department on 18 September 2015 that they have arranged the transfer of a further €100m to the Exchequer which represents the second instalment from the sale.
Further special dividends will accrue to the Exchequer over time. Under Eurostat rules, there are limits to the amount of such dividends that can benefit the General Government Balance in any one year. Potential future dividends to be achieved in the coming years will be subject to full consideration on the appropriate gearing level in line with the company's growth plans as well as regulatory and policy objectives.
The issue of scheduling payment of the remaining proceeds of the sale by way of special dividend is currently under discussion between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, NewERA, Ervia and my Department, in the context of the company’s new corporate plan. This follows significant developments within the company in the last eighteen months, including the restructuring of Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) post the sale of Bord Gáis Energy. The timing of the payment of the remaining proceeds will be agreed between the departments, taking into account the business requirements and financial metrics of the company and the requirements of Government for the funds.
With regard to the revenue raised from the sale of Bord Gáis Energy, the Government's consistent position has been that the funds released from asset disposals should be used, to the greatest extent possible, to support stimulus and employment initiatives. How best to leverage those funds will be a matter for the Government in due course.
1554. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 11 March 2015, the specific measures, legislative or otherwise, he plans to assist Irish musicians and bands in accessing airplay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23908/15]
View answerProgramming obligations are imposed on broadcasters in the Broadcasting Act 2009, which also sets out the objects of the national public service broadcasters. In pursuit of these objects RTÉ and TG4 are charged, inter-alia, with ensuring that programmes reflect the varied elements which make up the culture of the people of Ireland and “have special regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and in particular the Irish language”. RTÉ and TG4 publish detailed commitments on an annual basis setting out how they intend to meet their public service obligations and objects as set out in the Act. The extent to which the commitments entered into by the two public service broadcasters have been met is reviewed annually by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).
Radio and television services, additional to those provided by the national public service broadcasters are matters for the BAI, which is an independent statutory body. Matters in relation to broadcast content on commercial radio are the subject of contractual negotiations between the BAI and commercial radio operators. In submitting their initial licensing applications to the BAI, such broadcasters put forward commitments in regard to how they will deal with a range of broadcast issues including public service commitments and, where appropriate, more specific commitments, for instance, in regard to the playing of Irish music. If they are successful in their licence applications, these commitments form part of the terms and conditions of the relevant broadcaster's actual licence.
This policy approach deals with the differing requirements of commercial and public service broadcasting. While I fully support the promotion of Irish music in our broadcasting services, the policy approach taken to this issue must be consistent with EU and Irish regulatory structures. It is also important that it takes account of the right of broadcasters to determine the type of programming and content they wish to broadcast, subject, of course, to meeting relevant licensing and legislative obligations.
There were a number of meetings held previously in relation to Irish music on the radio which were chaired by the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht and included representatives of the Irish music industry. At my request, officials from my Department have met with officials from the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht in order to see if this process might be reinstated. It is envisaged that any meetings would include officials from my Department and the BAI, as well as relevant industry representatives. At the same time, I understand that the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht have provided funding to the Irish Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (IASCA) to introduce a Digital Management Distribution System (DMDS). This system is already used in a number of other countries and will allow for the tracking of Irish music aired on Irish radio stations. It is intended that officials from my Department will make contact with the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht in regard to arranging the proposed meetings once the DMDS system is operational.
1556. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 517 of 19 May 2015, if the three companies granted options licences were not searching for petroleum, as defined as gas, oil and so on in the 1960 Mineral Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31841/15]
View answerSection 6 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 details the type of authorisation that must be held by a person that is searching for petroleum. Where the holder of a Licensing Option has agreed a work programme that involves searching for petroleum, then a Petroleum Prospecting Licence must also be held. As stated in my reply to Question No. 517 of 15 May, the work programmes being progressed did not involve interventions that would require a Petroleum Prospecting Licence under the 1960 Act.
1557. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the contact between his Department and the operators of the refinery (details supplied) in County Cork; the steps being taken to secure the continued operation of the refinery post-2016; the engagement held with any potential purchasers of the refinery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/15]
View answerMy Department is in regular contact with Phillips 66, the company operating the refinery at Whitegate and I have met with Irish and US executives of Phillips 66 as well as with union representatives. I visited the refinery in November 2014. Officials from my Department have met with union representatives in the last week. In addition Whitegate management have attended most of the public consultation events hosted by my Department on the new energy policy framework that is currently being developed.
In 2013 Phillips 66 put the refinery and marketing business up for sale on the market and withdrew it from that process in 2014. A refinery sale would be a commercial matter between Phillips 66 and a potential purchaser.
The Government views the continued operation of the Whitegate refinery on a commercial basis as highly desirable from an energy security and economic perspective. Security of supply remains a fundamental tenet of our energy policy. I am in contact with my Ministerial colleagues to discuss the importance of continued operations at the facility. My understanding from Whitegate management is that they have a number of potential development options for the refinery under consideration.
1558. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will liaise with An Post to ensure that Irish postage stamps are profiled internationally at philatelic exhibitions; given the historical significance of the 1916 centenary commemorations, if he will consider Ireland’s participation in the World Stamp Show 2016 taking place in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32023/15]
View answerMatters relating to philatelic exhibitions are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. However, I have referred the matter to the company for direct reply to the Deputy.
1559. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Inland Fisheries Ireland will permit a body (details supplied) to draw down funding for salmon conservation works on a fishery in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32031/15]
View answerI am advised that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is the several fishery owner (on behalf of the State) of the relevant fishery and that the fishery is leased by NPWS to the body referred to by the Deputy.
I understand that development permission would have to be sought from the fishery owner (NPWS) in the first instance.
Inland Fisheries Ireland operates the Salmon Conservation Fund which provides for development works. Applications for projects under the Fund can be made to IFI which are then considered in line with the criteria for the scheme. These criteria are available on the IFI website: www.fisheresireland.ie. The acceptance of an application would be subject to permission for development works from the fishery owner.
1560. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken to address the declining fishing stocks, incidents of pollution and destruction of fish habitats under the control of Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32174/15]
View answerThe principal functions of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are the protection, conservation development and promotion of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource. IFI continually adapts operational practices to maximise the return on state investment in delivering on these core functions.
IFI delivers a wide ranging inland national fisheries protection strategy including operation of a fleet of protection vessels around the coast and the deployment of trained, skilled and experienced inland fishery protection and surveillance teams on a 24 hour, 365 day basis throughout the country. Inland patrols and patrols at sea resulted in over 355 nets, measuring over 17,000 metres, being seized in 2014. A range of illegal fishing gear is continually being seized including rods, dinghies and other equipment as well as quantities of fish.
IFI endeavours to maximise efficiencies through implementation of joint state agency actions and initiatives including patrols with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Irish Air Corps and environmental inspections with a range of State agencies, including the EPA, Irish Water and Local Authorities, with a remit in the protection of the aquatic environment. The implementation of proven traditional work practices and the increasing use of modern technology and innovative specialist vehicle and water based patrols, dog assisted patrolling and improved water quality monitoring equipment have delivered significant efficiencies over the five years since IFI’s establishment.
IFI also seeks, insofar as possible, to address water quality and habitat issues without relying on legal action, as part of its outreach and information activities. However, in circumstances of serious damage to fish life and habitat, IFI will in accordance with its statutory remit use the full range of legal powers available to it including prosecution where considered appropriate.
It is the policy of IFI to initiate a prosecution where a fish kill occurs and the source of the kill is identified. The Deputy will recall a major fish kill occurred on the River Dodder, Co. Dublin in March 2013 resulting in fish mortalities over a 2 km area. Subsequent IFI investigation determined that some of 3,000 fish had been killed. The investigation led to a conviction and fine in the District Court
IFI’s remit and associated operations are part of the State’s important environmental activities; its role is broad and wide ranging. If the Deputy has a particular issue in mind or would like to avail of a more detailed briefing I would be happy to arrange that with IFI.
1561. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he and his Department are considering the use of the post office network for the proposed standard bank account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32249/15]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 93 on today's Order Paper.
1562. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has been made aware of concerns expressed by consumers regarding the coverage and quality of various mobile phone telephone networks; if he is aware of the number of concerns expressed to ComReg; if action has followed such expressions of concern; if he will clarify with whom the responsibility lies for the co-ordination of investment in the infrastructure with a view to providing a mobile telephony service here on par with that available throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32292/15]
View answer1563. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which his Department or ComReg have identified various blackspots in respect of broadband and mobile telephone services throughout the country where a haphazard service, or in some cases no service exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32293/15]
View answer1564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of mobile telephone service providers currently operating under licence or otherwise in this jurisdiction; the extent to which the quality of their service continues to be monitored; if withdrawal of licence is contemplated where inadequate, inferior or insufficient service is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32294/15]
View answer1565. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware that the regulatory or oversight authorities in respect of mobile telephone services believe that mobile telephone reception in buildings or dwelling houses is not guaranteed; the way this compares with other European jurisdictions where there is clearly a dramatic difference in the quality of service expected and provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32295/15]
View answer1575. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the quality of mobile telephone services in terms of coverage and quality throughout the country; if responsibility for coverage rests with his Department, the regulator or service providers; in the event of such responsibility residing with the latter, if any provision has been made whereby the customer can expect a quality of service equal to that available throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32306/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1562 to 1565, inclusive, and 1575 together.
The provision of mobile telephony services is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations.
However, given that mobile services are a radio based technology, services can be affected by several factors. These include topography, the capacity of the network and more generally the level and quality of access customers have to mobile phone antennas. Difficulties for service providers in erecting masts and antennas due to planning issues can also impact negatively on the quality of coverage experienced by consumers.
Neither I nor my Department has any role or responsibility in the monitoring of coverage or the quality of service being provided by licensed operators. In terms of improving the quality and coverage of mobile services in all areas throughout the country, there are however various initiatives under way.
The telecommunications sector has invested some €850m in acquiring spectrum under ComReg's 2012 Multi-Band Spectrum Auction. Since then, the mobile operators have all continued to invest in rolling out 4G and enhanced 3G services nationwide. These investments are improving both the coverage and quality of voice and data services throughout the country, although I understand that some temporary disruptions to service have been encountered when upgrades are taking place.
As part of the National Broadband Plan, a working group has also been established to address infrastructure issues which were identified by industry as creating barriers to deployment of services generally, which may include mobile services. The group is chaired by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and includes representatives from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and Local Authorities. The Group is currently consulting with industry on a range of issues relating to the siting of telecommunications infrastructure. My Department will continue to actively engage on this issue with a view to facilitating the removal of barriers and the improvement of mobile services nationwide.
Local Authorities also have an important role to play in terms of facilitating the siting of necessary infrastructure such as masts and antennae etc. The Telecommunications and Internet Federation (TIF, which is part of IBEC) has been proactive in seeking to meet with Local Authorities and public representatives to fully discuss the various issues around mobile coverage and the factors that can impact on the quality of service consumers experience.
I would encourage all Local Authorities and public representatives to engage with the TIF on these important issues.
