Written Answers Nos. 679-699
679. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the safeguards in place to protect homeowners from substandard building work when they are renovating or extending their own private homes; his plans to bolster protections for homeowners in this regard; the redress that is available to homeowners in the event of substandard work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36035/15]
View answerHomeowners who intend upgrading or extending their home have a statutory obligation to ensure that the works are designed and constructed in accordance with the relevant requirements of the second schedule to the Building Regulations. My Department has recently published a helpful guidance note which can be accessed by clicking on the following weblink:http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,42563,en.pdf.
Any consumer engaging a builder to undertake building works on their behalf should as a minimum satisfy themselves that the builder is competent to undertake the works concerned (on the basis of having satisfactorily undertaken similar works for others); is tax compliant; is compliant with relevant requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act; and is prepared to sign a contract which may be enforced by civil means should that be necessary. Where problems arise, redress is a matter between the parties concerned i.e. the homeowner, the builder and their insurers, if any, subject to the terms of any contract in place.
The Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) has been established as a voluntary register of builders, contractors and specialist trade persons by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). I understand that over 750 construction entities are currently included on the register which is available online at www.ciri.ie. Under the Construction 2020 strategy, the Government has signalled its commitment to placing the register on a statutory footing. This is seen as an essential consumer protection measure giving consumers who engage a registered builder the assurance that they are dealing with a competent and compliant operator. Legislative proposals in this regard are currently being prepared by my Department with a view to their being presented to Government for consideration in the near future.
680. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application for mortgage-to-rent for a person (details supplied) in Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36031/15]
View answerUnder the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Mortgage to Rent scheme properties are offered to AHBs, which have expressed an interest in the scheme, by the Housing Agency. Financial details of the case are provided to enable the organisation make an informed choice as to the feasibility of the transaction. If an AHB cannot progress the case the Housing Agency is informed to enable it to seek an alternative AHB.
In respect of the case referred to in the Question, an AHB has been identified and was offered the property on September 14th. The next stage is for the AHB to carry out a survey of the property. The Housing Agency will allow six weeks for the AHB to complete this exercise.
Once the survey is finalised the Housing Agency will consider what, if any, repair and upgrading work is required. A financial analysis will then be undertaken which will include consideration of the level of support required under the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF). I would then expect the Housing Agency to forward the case to my Department for final approval.
682. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a lack of building regulation on a number of properties at risk of destruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36127/15]
View answerI understand that the gardens at the rear of the homes concerned are backing onto a river and are private property. I further understand that this development was examined under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study for the South West Region which has concluded that there is no risk of flooding to the homes concerned. I have no function in relation to the alleged erosion of the river bank or its impact on private property ancillary to these homes.
683. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Government’s policy to distribute in-date iodine tablets to each family in the State is still in place; and the plans in place in the case of an nuclear accident. [36084/15]
View answerThe Minister for Health and Children decided in 2008, on the basis of expert risk management advice, to discontinue the policy of distributing iodine tablets to households.
The Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order 2000 provides that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government must prepare a plan, referred to as the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents (NEPNA), to cater for a radiological emergency or crisis such as that arising from a major accident at a nuclear installation abroad, resulting in radioactive contamination reaching Ireland. The NEPNA sets out a framework for a co-ordinated national response to an event where the required response is beyond the resources or capabilities of any individual Government Department or public authority and thus requires the political and strategic involvement of Government. The current NEPNA is available at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/EnvironmentalRadiation/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,43032,en.pdf.
The main elements of the NEPNA, which is one of a number of complementary national and local authority plans designed to cater for different types of emergency situation, cover mechanisms for raising the alarm; the respective roles of Ministers of the Government and other public authorities/agencies; procedures for mobilisation of the resources and expertise from across the State; effective co-ordination at both political and official levels to ensure that all State resources are distributed to best effect and that gaps in the response arrangements are not allowed to develop; and arrangements for effective communication with the public.
The NEPNA is currently being reviewed by my Department with other key Departments who have responsibilities in preparing for, and responding to, nuclear accidents and radiological emergencies. It is hoped to complete this work by the middle of 2016. This work is being undertaken in line with the International Safety Standards for preparedness and response to nuclear emergencies. These Safety Standards have been jointly established by a number of international agencies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organisation.
684. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with regard to the planned renewable heat incentive, considering some biomass users have postponed installations until clarity is specified on the qualifying criteria for the Incentive, if he has considered authorising renewable heating installations, completed from the date that the incentive was announced to the date it commences, in order to benefit from it; the cost estimations for the Incentive being planned, taking on board the so-called grandfather clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36175/15]
View answerOn 31 July last, I launched a consultation on the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). While the initial phase of the consultation closed on 18 September 2015, there will be two further opportunities to contribute at key stages in the design of the scheme. The RHI scheme, once designed, will require State Aid approval from the European Commission and further Government approval. It is proposed to have the RHI scheme in place in 2016.
One of the ongoing considerations in the consultation process is how best to support continuing investment in the renewable heat sector while the RHI is being designed. I am aware that there is precedent for a "grandfathering" clause in at least one other EU Member State and my Department is actively engaging with the European Commission in this regard with a view to bringing clarity to this issue. It should be noted that any arrangements put in place will have to comply with State Aid rules.
685. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 11 June 2015, the consultation to date regarding the need for investment in eel farming due to the decline in eel stocks which is causing great distress to fishermen. [36178/15]
View answerI am advised that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has recently concluded a public consultation process on Ireland's Eel Management Plan as part of the 2015 review, under EU Council Regulation 1100/2007. This consultation process afforded all stakeholders the opportunity to make written submissions on all aspects of eel fishing in Ireland. This process includes a review of the status of the eel stocks nationally and the potential for any commercial fishery in the future. IFI has recently presented my Department with a copy of this report along with their management advice.
The latest restocking advice from ICES (2014) states that ‘Internationally coordinated research is required to determine the net benefit of restocking on the overall population, including carrying capacity estimates of glass eel source estuaries as well as detailed mortality estimates at each step of the stocking process.’ ICES recommend countries undertake a risk assessment before stocking to ensure that there is a net benefit in moving glass eel or elvers to new catchments as opposed to leaving them where they are (the potential benefits of eel stocking should for instance take cognisance of any mortality rates associated with capture, transport and stocking out of juvenile eel as well as the suitability of recipient waters in terms of water quality, and existence of eel fisheries or hydroelectric facilities).
Due to the long-lived life history of eels it should be noted that it would take approximately 10-12 years for male and 16-18 years for female stocked eel to contribute to Irish silver eel escapement levels and the overall 40% long-term escapement target required by the EU Eel Regulation.
All aspects of this report are being carefully considered in my Department as it will clarify and update the situation for eel fishing in Ireland. This report will inform any decision as regards the future management options for the eel fisheries. Full details of the outputs of the public consultation will be published on Inland Fisheries Ireland’s website www.fisheriesireland.ie shortly.
The issue of aquaculture policy is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
686. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the Business Development Group report (details supplied) on the enhancement of post offices will be published; if appropriate funding will be provided to implement the report to ensure the future success of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36216/15]
View answerThe Post Office Network Business Development Group, whose remit is to examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network, presented its initial report to me in May 2015. In summary, the initial report outlined that the future of the post office network would be best secured by seeking out opportunities in the following areas: financial services, including basic banking for the unbanked, Government services, social capital and enterprise, and white labelling of financial and other products.
To gain further insight into these areas, a public consultation exercise was held from 16 June to 28 July. Interested parties were invited to submit their views on the initial report. It is clear from the responses received that there is a strong public desire to maintain the nationwide network of post offices. The consultation responses are assisting the group in identifying opportunities that can benefit the post office network and will inform the final report, which I expect to receive presently.
It is premature to speculate, in advance of the final report, on what the next steps will be until I have had the opportunity to consider in detail the findings of the group.
687. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an assurance that there are no plans to privatise any parts of the postal service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36296/15]
View answerThe post office network plays an important role in serving the needs of business and domestic customers alike. However, the postal sector is undergoing systemic change, with migration towards electronic communications resulting in significant core mail volume decline year-on-year.
In recognition of the changing commercial environment I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group earlier this year. The group's remit is to examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network. The group presented its initial report to me in May 2015 and outlined, in summary, that the future of the post office network would be best secured by seeking out opportunities in the following areas: financial services, including basic banking for the unbanked, Government services, social capital and enterprise, and white labelling of financial and other products.
To gain further insight into these areas, a public consultation exercise was held from 16 June to 28 July. Interested parties were invited to submit their views on the initial report. It is clear from the responses received that there is a strong public desire to maintain the nationwide network of post offices. The consultation responses are assisting the group in identifying opportunities that can benefit the post office network and will inform the final report, which I expect to receive presently.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that there are no plans to privatise postal services.
688. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for an update on the survey Raidió Teilifís Éireann is carrying out on the longwave radio service; the steps that have been taken to ensure that the survey is easily accessible for longwave listeners who wish participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36325/15]
View answerRTE is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act and as such, I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ’s day to day affairs including the management of listener surveys. I suggest that the Deputy contact RTÉ directly in order to obtain this information.
689. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware of the UK Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' reversal of its previous decision regarding the greenlink interconnector between the United Kingdom and Ireland; his views on the advantages and-or disadvantages to the Irish consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36481/15]
View answerI understand that in August 2014 Ofgem, the electricity regulator in Great Britain (GB), established an assessment process for applications from promoters of electricity interconnectors for access to GB’s Cap and Floor regime, which is the regulatory support mechanism for interconnector development. Subsequently, Element Power Ltd submitted an application to Ofgem for access to the Cap and Floor regime in respect of the Greenlink project, a proposed 500MW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea interconnector between Great Island in Wexford and Pembroke in Wales.
I am also aware that on 30 September 2015 Ofgem granted Greenlink access to the Cap and Floor regime in principle, and subject to a number of conditions. This decision followed an updated assessment of an initial assessment by Ofgem of the application by Element Power. Ofgem has concluded that the project is likely to be in the interests of GB consumers and GB as a whole. The decision represents the first stage in the assessment process.
The Ofgem decision is available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/decision-initial-project-assessment-greenlink-interconnector.
The Regulation of the electricity market in Ireland is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and I have no function in the matter. As regards the advantages or disadvantages of this project, it is a matter for the CER to undertake the appropriate assessment of this interconnection project. I understand that over the coming months the CER intends to carry out a public consultation on interconnection policy.
690. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that upgrade works will be carried out at railway junction XL083 at Kilshane in County Tipperary to improve the safety of road and rail users, and to allow for the safer passage of machinery and traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36217/15]
View answerMatters relating to upgrading works at individual level crossings on the rail network are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred your question regarding the Railway Junction at Kilshane to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
691. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that Irish citizens (details supplied) born in the North of Ireland who renew their drivers licence are now designated as from Northern Ireland; if his Department is aware of the potential difficulties this discrepancy in official documents may cause when travelling internationally; the action his Department is taking to resolve such problems; and if he will allow such persons to be designated as from Ireland in the future. [36240/15]
View answerDeputy Ellis may recall that he raised the same issue, on behalf of a different individual, with my predecessor (Question No. 277 of 24 October 2013).
The position set out in that reply remains unchanged, in that the plastic card format of driving licence was introduced into Ireland in January 2013 in accordance with EU law. EU legislation provides for the date and place of birth to be listed on the card. The reference to place of birth is just that, and is not a reference to nationality or citizenship.
692. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the standard carriageway widths for new national secondary and primary roads being built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36271/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the stated position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
693. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the data that exists to show the volumes of traffic using the N86 on a daily and on a weekly basis. [36272/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the N86 is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
694. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the data that exists to show the volumes of traffic using the N22 on a daily and on a weekly basis. [36273/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
695. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the design details of the new N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom Road in County Cork. [36274/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the N22 is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
696. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the design details of the new N86 Camp to Daingean Uí Chúis Road in County Kerry. [36275/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the N86 is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
697. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be made available for the commencement of the Daingean Uí Chúis Relief Road in County Kerry, phase 4, which is shovel ready; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36276/15]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Now that the capital plan has been published my Department will be assessing the timeframes for implementation of individual projects included in the seven year plan taking into account annual budget allocations and maintenance and renewal grant requirements. The timeframe for providing grants towards the cost of implementing individual regional and local road projects will be decided once that assessment is completed.
698. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 24 June 2015, the date on which the proposed new bus service in Kentstown in County Meath will commence; the route and timetable for same; if representatives of his Department, Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority will meet with local public and community representatives to discuss same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36291/15]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
699. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a date will be set for a driving test for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the current waiting times for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36300/15]
View answerThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in individual cases. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
