Written Answers Nos. 118 - 126
118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when his Department last received a submission from Kildare County Council in respect of the group water scheme at Kilmacraddock-Barrogstown in County Kildare; if he has accorded priority to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18782/16]
View answerMy Department approved a grant to Kildare County Council for a Feasibility Study on the proposed Kilmacreddock/Barrogstown Group Sewerage Scheme in 2014. However, the Study, in its recommendations, stated that the preferred and least cost option was to upgrade the individual on-site wastewater treatment systems (septic tank or similar systems) and the estimated cost of this option would far exceed €14,000 per house. The approach proposed in the Study is not fundable under my Department’s Group Sewerage Grant Scheme and Kildare County Council was informed accordingly.
Kildare County Council did not include this scheme in its bid for funding under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2016-2018.
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current position in regard to Ireland’s response to European Union or other international agreements in relation to climate change; if he has formulated a progressive plan to address issues arising, with a view to ensuring that no damage is done in the context of economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18783/16]
View answer120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he continues to monitor the level of greenhouse gas emissions with particular reference to reduction in line with national and international guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18784/16]
View answer121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which this country remains compliant with international carbon reduction targets; his programme for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18785/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 to 121, inclusive, together.
Ireland is a Party to both the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which together provide the international legal framework for addressing climate change at a global level.
Ireland has demonstrated compliance with its greenhouse gas emission reduction target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol in the commitment period 2008 to 2012. The Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol, which establishes a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol from 2013 to 2020, was agreed in 2012 but has not yet entered into force. Ireland has completed the necessary domestic acceptance procedures in relation to the Doha Amendment. However, it has been decided that the European Union, its Member States and Iceland should formally accept the Doha Amendment simultaneously, on a date yet to be fixed. Ireland stands ready to formally accept the Doha Amendment as and when this date is agreed.
On 12th December 2015, an ambitious new legally binding, global agreement on climate change was agreed in Paris. The Paris Agreement puts in place the necessary framework for all countries to take ambitious action as well as providing for a transparency system to ensure that ensures all countries can have confidence in each other’s efforts. The Agreement sets out a long- term goal to put the world on track to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees. It should be noted that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been tasked with evaluating what will be the specific policy implications of this goal with a special report to be published in 2018.
The Agreement aims to tackle 95% of global emissions through 188 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement via the INDC tabled by the EU on behalf of Member States which commits to 40% reduction in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The specific details of the contribution to this 40% to be made by each Member State remain to be defined and will be announced as part of the 2030 Climate and Energy package in due course.
At an EU level, f or each year between 2013 and 2020, Ireland has a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target under the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) No. 406/2009/EC. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20 per cent below their value in 2005. This is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated under the ESD and one shared only by Denmark and Luxembourg. The 2013 target is based on the average of emissions for the years 2008-2010. The target for each of the years 2014 through 2019 is on a straight-line trajectory between the targets for 2013 and 2020, and surpluses in one year can be used to cover deficits in any subsequent year. The average incidence of these targets is a 12% reduction relative to 2005.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) produces national GHG emission projections on an annual basis. The latest projections, published in March 2016, projected emissions for 2020 which indicate that Ireland’s emissions at that stage could be in the range of 6-11% below 2005 levels. On a cumulative basis, Ireland will have a deficit of between 4 and 12 Megatonnes Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MtCO2e). The projections suggest that Ireland may have a cumulative deficit of units in 2018 or 2019.
The extent of this challenge to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
It should be noted that the overall outcome of the Paris Conference means that the long-term objective that Ireland has also established in the National Policy Position, and that is now underpinned by the Act, namely to pursue substantial decarbonisation of the energy, transport and built environment sectors, as well as pursuing neutrality in the land sector, will now be undertaken within a broader international context.
This means that the more ambitious actions that will be required over time can be taken on the basis of shared experience and co-operation with other States and regions, in the knowledge that all countries will be moving in the same direction, crucial for a small open economy like Ireland’s that competes in global markets.
In addition, and cognisant of the need to safeguard our economic recovery, there will, and must be, a strong economic dimension to the work that Ireland is carrying out to transition to a low carbon, environmentally sustainable economy, as Ireland’s finances continue to stabilise and recover. The National Policy Position clearly identifies competitiveness as a pillar of the fundamental national objective on transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050 and in this context sets out a number of key issues for consideration in the on-going evolution of national climate policy, including
- the need to ensure that objectives are achieved at the least cost to the national economy and that any measures adopted to achieve those objectives are cost-effective, and do not impose an unreasonable burden on the Exchequer, and
- the need to take advantage of environmentally sustainable economic opportunities both within and outside the State.
The Act statutorily underpins these and other key economic considerations, to be taken into account in the development of the mitigation and adaptation plans to be adopted by the Government for the purpose of progressing the national transition agenda. We must therefore look for economic opportunities in the low carbon transition process with policies to be adopted ideally being a spur to sustainable economic growth.
In terms of putting in place a plan to manage our transition to a low carbon economy, in accordance with Section 4 of the Act, a National Mitigation Plan will be submitted to Government for approval by June 2017 at the latest. Work is well underway on the development of this Plan, the primary objective of which will be to track implementation of measures already underway and identify additional measures in the longer term to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and progress the overall national low carbon transition agenda to 2050. The first iteration of the National Mitigation Plan will place particular focus on putting the necessary measures in place to address the challenge to 2020 but also in terms of planning ahead to ensure that appropriate policies and measures will be in place beyond that.
The ultimate objective of successive 5-yearly National Mitigation Plans is to incrementally achieve this low-carbon transition vision by 2050. In that context, the National Mitigation Plan will have regard to Ireland’s obligations under the current 2009 Effort Sharing Decision, the Paris Agreement and any likely future EU and international obligations that may arise, including new national targets to be agreed under the 2030 Climate and Energy Package.
122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the degree to which he continues to monitor air and water pollution; if he has noticed particular trends arising from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18788/16]
View answerAir quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out to meet the requirements of EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, also known as the CAFE Directive. The Directive requires that certain minimum levels of monitoring are conducted for the purpose of assessment and management of air quality. The EPA has responsibility for the monitoring of air quality in Ireland, and monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants, based on data obtained from the 31 monitoring stations that form the national ambient air quality network.
The EPA publishes an annual report on air quality, primarily based on the monitoring requirements of the CAFE Directive. The most recent report, Air Quality in Ireland 2014 – Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality, was published in September 2015 and provides an assessment of air quality in Ireland for 2014, compared to the CAFÉ Directive standards, as well as assessments in relation to more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines for the protection of human health and the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated reference levels.
The report indicates that NO x values, arising primarily from the transport sector, are showing a slight increase over 2013 figures at some locations, and indicates a risk that growth in economic activity will lead to an increase in NO x levels. Similarly, the report indicates that levels of particulates (PM2.5 ) and compounds (PAH) have increased at some stations.
Notwithstanding these points, I welcome the fact that no levels above the EU limit value were recorded at any of the ambient air quality network monitoring sites in Ireland in 2014. Particulate matter levels are of concern, particularly during the winter heating season in some areas where the sale of smoky coal is permitted. Because of this, levels of particulate matter in smaller towns can often be similar to, or higher than, those in cities where the sale and use of smoky coal is banned. To help protect our good air quality, consumers must become more aware of their choice in home heating fuel and the potential impact that this choice can have on air quality in their locality and on human health.
In relation to the monitoring of water quality, pursuant to the Water Framework Directive, the EPA monitors surface waters, including rivers, lakes, estuarine and coastal waters, as well as groundwater. Under this monitoring programme, the EPA assesses general physico-chemical parameters (nutrients, oxygen, temperature, salinity) and biological quality elements (phytoplankton, macro -algae and angiosperms). On-the- ground sampling is conducted by local authorities, and operational and surveillance samples are then brought to EPA laboratories.
The findings from the monitoring programme are detailed in the EPA’s Water Quality in Ireland reports. The most recent report covers the period from 2010 to 2012 and is available on the EPA website at: -
http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/water/waterqua/wqr20102012
The aforementioned report contains an overview of water quality and, in summary, notes that 53% of rivers, 43% of lakes, 45% of transitional waters, 93% of coastal waters and 99% of groundwater were satisfactory at good or high status. There was a 4% increase in high or good condition (73%) river channels based on the biological Q-value assessments. Serious pollution of rivers reduced to 17 km from 53 km since the last reporting period (2007-2009). Reported fish kills declined to an all-time low of 70 recorded between 2010 and 2012. There was a 5% reduction in satisfactory quality lakes (10 lakes). Water quality in canals remains very high at over 90% satisfactory. The south and south-east of the country continue to have the greatest proportion of groundwater and rivers with nitrogen concentrations over 10 mg/l NO3. Although there was a decrease in detections of faecal coliforms in groundwater from 61% in 2008 to 51% in 2012, these levels highlight a risk for drinking water in areas where there is inadequate treatment. Approximately 35% of the designated shellfish areas were non-compliant with the guide value for Escherichia coli.
A new national update on water quality for the period from 2013 to 2015 will be available later this year.
123. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase the entitlement under the blind person's pension which was reduced dramatically a number of years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18752/16]
View answerBlind Pension is a means-tested payment for blind people and certain people with low vision operated by my Department. Some €14 million has been allocated for the scheme this year, which has over 1,300 recipients.
Budgets 2010 and 2011 reduced the weekly rate of payment for all working age schemes, including the Blind Pension. In this regard, the weekly personal rate for Blind Pension decreased by €16.30 per week, from €204.30 to €188 per week. Furthermore, the Christmas Bonus was abolished in 2009.
Blind Pension recipients who live alone are eligible for the living alone allowance. Budget 2015 increased the living alone allowance from €7.70 to €9 per week. In addition, the Christmas Bonus was partially restored in December 2014, with a 25% bonus payment to over 1.2 million social welfare recipients, including those in receipt of Blind Pension. The Bonus was increased to 75% payment in December 2015.
The appropriate rates of welfare supports for working age people will be considered by the Government in the context of the forthcoming Budget. In this regard, the Programme for Government contains a number of significant commitments to enhance the welfare system in the years ahead, including support for an increase in the rate of Blind Pension. I want to make progress on these commitments in the forthcoming Budget. I look forward to engagement and input from my colleagues in the Oireachtas in the matter.
124. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reverse the changes introduced to the State pension in 2012 which disproportionately affects women and their ability to qualify for a full State Pension (Contributory); the full year cost in 2016 of reversing these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18567/16]
View answer125. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has conducted research on or an impact assessment of the changes introduced to the State pension in 2012, with particular reference to the impact on women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18568/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
State pensions account for the single largest block of social welfare expenditure. In 2016, €6.976 billion will be spent on pensions, which represents 35% of the Department's total current expenditure. While expenditure on pensions is increasing by approximately €1 billion every five years because of demographic pressures, this is being successfully managed within the overall welfare budget. A number of significant reforms to State pensions were introduced in recent years which have allowed my Department maintain the value of the State pension, and indeed increase it in Budget 2016.
From September 2012, new rate bands for State Pension contributory were introduced. These additional payment rate bands more accurately reflect the social insurance history of a person and ensure that those who contributed to the Social Insurance Fund more frequently during their working life will, generally, benefit more in retirement than those who made less frequent contributions. People who qualify for a lower contributory pension as a result, but who have an income need, may still claim the means-tested State pension (non-contributory), the maximum rate of which is 95% that of the State pension contributory. At the time this measure was introduced, the net exchequer savings arising were estimated to be in the region of €2.8 million in 2013, €5m in 2014 and €8m in 2015, rising as the number of new claimants, assessed under the new rates, entered the system. While a projection was not made at that time for 2017, a figure of some €14 million might be expected to apply using a similar rate of increase.
To provide for sustainable pensions and to facilitate a longer working life, the Government decided to increase State pension age in three separate stages. In 2014, the State pension age was standardised at 66. This will be increased to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028. This process saw the abolition of the State Pension Transition payment from 2014. In 2013, the cost of the State pension (transition) was €137 million. Its abolition was not expected to save that amount of expenditure in full, as some people who were affected would alternatively claim working age payments such as Jobseekers Benefit (albeit at a lower rate than the rate of the State pension), or may claim an Increase for a Qualified Adult in respect of their spouse’s pension. However, there are others who would not make a social welfare claim during that year (most notably those who continue in employment). Therefore, it is anticipated that over half of the cost has been saved each year as a result of this measure, and this would be expected to increase as (a) the number of 65 year olds increases, and (b) the change results in a higher percentage of people working while aged 65. It is estimated that the net saving in 2017 is likely to be in the region of €75-80 million.
With effect from April 2012, the number of paid contributions required to qualify for a State Pension increased from 260 paid contributions to 520 paid contributions. At the time this measure was introduced, the annual exchequer savings were expected to be in the region of €6m per annum.
It is worth noting that the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund in 2012 confirmed that the Fund provides better value to female rather than male contributors. This is due to the distributive nature of the Fund. For example, those with a yearly average of only 20 contributions (38% of the maximum) may qualify for 85% of the maximum rate. The Review also examined the changes in the contribution rules and the associated rates of payment which were to be introduced in September 2012. The Review found that those with lower earnings and those with shorter contribution histories still obtain the best value from their contributions.
Any significant measures that would increase the cost of the State pension would have to be considered in an overall policy and Budgetary context.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
126. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection to rescind the ban in Ballymun, Dublin 11 under the rent supplement scheme which was due to the regeneration project, given that this project is coming to a close. [18572/16]
View answerThe provision of rent supplement in the Ballymun designated area of regeneration was identified by housing authorities as a risk to the tenure diversity objective of the project, aimed at achieving a balanced tenure mix through the provision of additional private market housing. In response to these concerns, Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provided that a payment of rent supplement can be refused in respect of accommodation which is situated in an area notified to the Minister for Social Protection by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, as being an area of regeneration. An amendment to an area of regeneration is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
The measures provided for in Section 25 are not a blanket refusal of rent supplement in areas of regeneration. Specific provision is made to ensure that:
- people already residing in such areas and in receipt of rent supplement may continue to receive payment; and
- people already residing in such areas in private rental accommodation and who may have recourse to rent supplement in the future would not have their entitlement restricted.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
