Robert Troy
Question:606. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will assess the case of a person (details supplied) who was part of the beef data and genomics programme in 2016. [19641/16]
View answerBeef Data Programme
Questions (606)
Written answers
Following a review of the application for the person named, and given the circumstances as outlined by the Deputy, I can confirm that the overpayment in this case will not be pursued.
Rural Development Programme
Questions (607)
Jackie Cahill
Question:607. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason beef farmers who exclusively finish Friesian cattle are being excluded from payment under the knowledge transfer group and due to the abolition of quotas, which, if it continues, is set to become a serious problem in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19689/16]
View answerWritten answers
Knowledge Transfer Groups are currently being rolled out as part of the range of supports and measures contained in Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014-2020. All RDP schemes are required to incorporate eligibility and selection criteria to ensure equitable treatment of applicants, better use of financial resources and targeting of measures in accordance with the European Union priorities for rural development.
The eligibility requirements for beef Knowledge Transfer Groups were developed in order to ensure access for beef farmers to this important scheme. I asked my officials to review these requirements in light of the position of beef farmers finishing Friesian cattle. I can confirm that on foot of this review, the Scheme has been amended to allow for access for such farmers.
Rural Development Programme Data
Questions (608)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:608. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who have applied to the knowledge transfer group scheme under the rural development programme 2014-2020 to date, in each of beef, sheep, dairy, tillage, equine and poultry sectors; the targeted number of groups formed; the number of groups finalised to date; the reason for extending the deadline for participation in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19694/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020 , a range of measures has been designed in order to build the knowledge and skills base in the agri-food sector. These include provision for Knowledge Transfer Groups across the beef, sheep, dairy, equine, poultry and tillage sectors. Approximately 540 agricultural consultants have been approved to act as Knowledge Transfer Facilitators, and they are now in the process of organising groups with interested farmers. In order to allow further time for facilitators to finalise arrangements for these groups, the deadline for registration was recently extended to 14 July. All groups registered at this registration stage must then undergo a validation and approval process. Thus, the number of finalised groups and participants is not available until the registration and approval process is concluded. Once the figures requested are available, they will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Data
Questions (609)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:609. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of the areas of natural constraints scheme; if the cutbacks to the scheme that applied since 2008 and to the disadvantaged areas scheme which preceded it were reversed and the level of payments under the scheme returned to the 2007 level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19695/16]
View answerWritten answers
A number of technical adjustments to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme / Less Favoured Areas Scheme were implemented in recent years in response to budgetary pressures. These adjustments included reductions in the number of payable hectares and changes in relation to eligible livestock. The nature of these changes make it difficult to retrospectively determine the precise impact of reversing the relevant changes and the effect that this would have on budgetary out turns for the Scheme. However, the difference in the total payments made under the 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme before the changes were introduced and the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme is approximately €50 million.
Beef Data Programme
Questions (610)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:610. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the calculations his Department conducted pertaining to the average payment per animal under the beef data and genomics programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19696/16]
View answerWritten answers
Payment for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme was agreed with the European Commission on a costs incurred and income forgone basis as per the terms of the Rural Development Regulation (Reg. 1305/2013). The economic benefits of participation were also factored into the calculations.
As this is an article 28 measure under the Rural Development Regulation payments must be made on per hectare basis. Using a stocking density of 1.5 calved suckler cows, compensation is set at a maximum level of €95 for the first 10 animals equating to €142.50 per hectare for the first 6.666 hectares. This is adjusted to €120 per hectare for subsequent hectares equivalent to €80 per animal.
Suckler Welfare Scheme Data
Questions (611)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:611. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average payment per animal under the suckler welfare scheme; the number of participants; the total funds allocated and drawn down under the suckler welfare scheme; the funds allocated and drawn down in each year of the scheme's existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19697/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is currently compiling the data requested by the Deputy. The relevant files have now been archived given that the Scheme is closed. Once the required data has been retrieved, the figures will be forwarded to the Deputy under separate cover.
Tuberculosis Eradication Programme Payments
Questions (612)
Michael Moynihan
Question:612. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the level of compensation being paid to farmers who have had tuberculosis reactors in their herd and the fact that the compensation is wholly inadequate; and if he will review the compensation level, given the high levels of tuberculosis in some parts of the country. [19783/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully aware of the level of compensation being paid to farmers who have had a TB breakdown and I do not accept that it is inadequate. It is worth noting also that the significant progress being made in the fight against TB means that there are now fewer reactor numbers and fewer herds restricted than before, thus lessening the chances of farmers being impacted by this disease.
The primary compensation scheme for farmers whose herds are affected by TB is the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme under which compensation is payable for cattle removed as reactors. The amount is based on the market value of the animal i.e. the price that might reasonably have been obtained for it, from a purchaser on the open market, if the animal had not been affected by TB. Each reactor is valued by an independent Valuer and my Department pays the difference between this valuation and the salvage value which the farmer receives directly from the slaughter plant.
A review of all the TB Eradication Compensation Schemes was recently completed by my Department. Following that review the maximum ceiling limits, which are payable under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme, for any individual reactor animal removed have been increased. The ceiling for an individual bovine has increased from €2,800 to €3,000. Herdowners are also compensated for the loss of one stock bull per breakdown episode and the ceiling for a pedigree stock bull has increased from €3,500 to €5,000. In addition a new category has been introduced that will compensate up to a maximum €4,000 for the loss of a non-pedigree stock bull.
Herdowners compensated under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme may also qualify for supplementary payment under the Depopulation, Income Supplement and Hardship Grants Schemes subject to compliance with the relevant criteria. A review of the rates payable and criteria applying to these schemes was also completed and has resulted in significant increases in some of the rates payable. The Income Supplement Scheme has also been expanded ensuring that some herdowners are now receiving compensation where they would not heretofore have qualified. I would note that these supplementary schemes are unique in Ireland and not the norm in other jurisdictions where there is a TB problem. For example in Northern Ireland, England and Wales compensation is only payable for the value of the removed reactor.
In view of the foregoing, I am satisfied that, taking account of the payment from my Department and the price received by the herdowner from the slaughter plant, a farmer, at any given time, receives a level of compensation which adequately reflects the market valuation of reactors, as if they had not been affected by bovine TB and may, in addition, receive additional support where the relevant criteria are met.
Departmental Staff Data
Questions (613)
David Cullinane
Question:613. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of additional public sector staff hired in his Department over and above those who had retired or left the service, that is, new positions only as and from 31 December 2010, broken down for each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20138/16]
View answerWritten answers
In determining resource requirements, my Department engages in on-going assessment of our business needs with particular emphasis on examining our work practices with the objective of driving efficiencies. With efficiencies arising across the Department particularly from investment in enhanced IT systems and new work areas coming on stream, my Department avails of Workforce Planning processes to forecast current and future staffing needs. As set out in the following table, 171 new staff were hired by my Department between 2011 and to date in 2016 and further recruitment is taking place to meet our on-going resource needs within the parameters of our payroll threshold.
|
Year |
Staff Hired: |
Staff Exits: |
|
2011 |
11 |
120 |
|
2012 |
7 |
207 |
|
2013 |
21 |
56 |
|
2014 |
14 |
134 |
|
2015 |
46 |
131 |
|
2016 (To end June) |
72 |
87 |
Departmental Staff Data
Questions (614)
David Cullinane
Question:614. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of new public sector workers in his Department hired to replace retiring staff and those who left the Department in each of the years 2013 to 2015; the overall percentage of staff turnover this represents; the cost or savings in payroll and pensions accrued, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20147/16]
View answerWritten answers
In determining resource requirements, my Department engages in on-going assessment of our business needs with particular emphasis on examining our work practices with the objective of driving efficiencies. With efficiencies arising across the Department particularly from investment in enhanced IT systems and new work areas coming on stream, my Department avails of Workforce Planning processes to forecast current and future staffing needs. As there may be no direct correlation between the staff exiting my Department and new hires, and different salaries and pension arrangements apply, it is not possible to assess associated costs and savings.
|
Year |
Staff Hired: |
Staff Exits: |
Percentage turnover |
|
2013 |
21 |
56 |
1.69% |
|
2014 |
14 |
134 |
4.19% |
|
2015 |
46 |
131 |
4.17% |
Inland Fisheries Regulation
Questions (615)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:615. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reasons Inland Fisheries Ireland are seeking to prohibit an angling practice at a location (details supplied); if representatives from Inland Fisheries Ireland will meet with an angling club (details supplied) to consult on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19319/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that a proposed conservation bye-law for Glen Lough (River Lackagh), County Donegal for a ban on trolling for any species of fish at any time is being considered as a conservation measure.
As is the case in relation to all proposed bye-laws, and in order to ensure that all angling clubs and stakeholders have an opportunity to express a view, a public consultation process was initiated by IFI. This commenced recently following publication of the following public notice in the local newspapers (the Donegal Democrat and the Donegal People’s Press). It was also posted on IFI’s website www.fishieriesireland.ie. The public consultation process remains open until 5pm on 22 July 2016 and written submissions are invited from all stakeholders.
I can confirm that a senior official in my Department has already engaged with a representative of the Letterkenny club in response to queries regarding the consultation process. In addition, IFI confirm that they would be happy to meet with officers or representatives of the Letterkenny club as requested, and have already responded to local enquiries on the matter.
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Public Consultation
North Western River Basin District
Byelaw- Glen Lough (R Lackagh)
Proposed ban on trolling
Inland Fisheries Ireland is seeking submissions from interested parties in relation to a proposal to introduce a bye-law prohibiting trolling on Glen Lough (River Lackagh) in the North Western River Basin District. The proposal currently under consideration is to request the Minister to introduce a bye-law on Glen Lough to prohibit trolling for any species of fish at any time. (‘Trolling’ means to fish from a boat, which is being rowed or mechanically propelled through water, by trailing or towing a fishing line with a hook, bait or lure attached). Inland Fisheries Ireland may, as part of the process, arrange a public consultation meeting if deemed necessary, but all submissions must be received in writing and will be published on the Inland Fisheries Ireland website at www.fisheriesireland.ie
Submissions should be marked
‘Public consultation- Glen Lough ’ and sent by post to:-
The Director, Inland Fisheries Ireland,
Station Road, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
or alternatively by email to:
ballyshannon@fisheriesireland.ie
The Public Consultation period will run for 4 weeks and the closing date for receipt of submissions is 5pm on 22nd July 2016.
Energy Production
Questions (616, 617, 618)
Seán Sherlock
Question:616. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union within two years will have a particular impact on the continued operation of the single electricity market; if he proposes in current circumstances to proceed with legislation making provision in respect of proposed revised arrangements in this State and in Northern Ireland relating to the single electricity market or if he will await further clarification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20012/16]
View answer
Timmy Dooley
Question:617. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the immediate contingency steps he will take to safeguard security of energy supply here, following the decision by United Kingdom voters to leave the European Union in its recent referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19054/16]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:618. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the likely energy cost implications for the single electricity market, SEM, the integrated single electricity market, I-SEM and the electricity market as well as the existing energy interconnection between the United Kingdom and Ireland following the decision by United Kingdom voters to leave the EU in its recent referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19055/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Question Nos. 616 to 618, inclusive, together.
While the result of the UK referendum is not the one that we hoped for, we fully accept and respect the outcome of the democratic process in the UK. There will be major challenges ahead, for the EU, the UK, and for Ireland and we will meet these challenges and minimise adverse impacts on our economy and the free movement of people, goods and services on these islands. We will also work with both our EU partners and our colleagues in the UK, with the aim of ensuring a strong EU-UK relationship and a well managed withdrawal.
We are now at the beginning of a new phase in Britain’s relations, not just with Ireland, but with Europe as a whole. We expect this period of negotiated withdrawal to last at least two years and during this time businesses will continue to trade as normal and people will continue to travel as normal between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland. Key actions will be required throughout to address the contingencies arising from the UK’s decision. A summary of these actions has been published, and the Government has developed a Contingency Framework which maps the key issues that will be most important to Ireland in the coming weeks and months.
Contingency planning in this context is challenging because many of the impacts on Ireland depend on the new arrangements that can be agreed between the UK and the EU. Managing contingencies will be, by definition, an iterative process as issues emerge and recede in the course of negotiations. Nevertheless, substantial work has been undertaken across Government to identify the key strategic, policy and operational risks. This work will be intensified and prioritised across all Government Departments and agencies. It is important to note that, in the negotiations, we would be one of twenty-seven Member States on the EU side. In matters of EU competence, the scope for bilateral arrangements has to be seen in that context. Our primary objective remains to protect and advance this country’s interests.
The all-island Single Electricity Market has delivered an efficient, competitive and secure market for customers since its establishment in 2007. The governance framework that applies to the all-island electricity market remains in place and is based on national legislation adopted by the Oireachtas and the British Parliament. The Regulator-led Integrated Single Electricity Market or I-SEM project is amending the technical trading rules of the market and will be in place by the end of 2017. This project does not affect the existing legislative and governance structures of the Single Electricity Market. I will be proceeding with the necessary legislation in the Energy Bill 2016 to facilitate the Regulators in amending the detailed operating rules of the wholesale electricity markets, to deliver efficiencies that will benefit consumers and also provide more flexible market arrangements, for generators, suppliers, demand and renewable electricity producers.
Existing energy and trading arrangements between Ireland and the UK, ensuring the continuity of mutually dependent energy arrangements and maintaining the long standing history of beneficial co-operation in this sphere, are very important to both jurisdictions on an enduring basis. As outlined by the Taoiseach, a full assessment of the issues that may arise for energy supply are a priority area under our contingency management arrangements and in this context the Single Electricity Market will be discussed bilaterally with the UK and will form part of our priority discussions with Brussels.
The relevant Departments, Regulators, and stakeholders in Ireland and Northern Ireland continue to work in the all-island context of the Single Electricity Market and are preparing for the consequences of the UK referendum as they arise, to ensure timely assessment, to minimise any negative impact on energy customers, while continuing to deliver a safe, secure, competitive and reliable supply of energy.
Ireland has always been highly dependent (over 90% typically) on imports of energy products and in recent years the value of imports was approximately €6.5 billion per year. This is expected to decline now that Corrib is on stream. These imports take the form of normal trading by firms in Ireland with firms overseas and inherently involve a degree of currency risk, principally with the US Dollar and sterling. Volatility in the currency markets is not unexpected in light of the uncertainty caused by the referendum result but as this recedes it could be expected that the markets will stabilise. In the recently published Government Contingency Framework, economic and trade impacts have been prioritised and a contingency plan was pre-prepared by the Central Bank. The enterprise agencies are factoring this issue into their own contingency planning.
In relation to oil, through the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), Ireland has a stockholding of 90 days which is in accordance with EU legislation and International Energy Agency rules. This is held as a strategic reserve to be used in the event of a supply disruption. Over 60% of NORA’s stocks are held in Ireland with the rest held in other EU Member States, including the United Kingdom. There is no short term risk to Ireland from this arrangement. In the longer term, in line with settled policy in the Government White Paper on Energy launched in December 2015, NORA is continuing to maximise the level of its stocks held on the island of Ireland subject to storage availability and value for money considerations. In the absence of available storage in Ireland, the continued holding of stocks in the UK, including in Northern Ireland, continues to be necessary. This issue will also be part of any discussions Ireland will have with the EU and the UK.
Ireland is connected with the UK by a number of gas pipelines and electricity lines and further development of an additional electricity North-South electricity interconnector is ongoing. The Energy Union project by the European Commission sets out targets for interconnection between Member States and feasibility studies are underway with France in relation to an electricity interconnector. When the UK withdraws from the EU we would expect that there would be little impact on the operations of these interconnectors or on supplies of electricity and gas imported from the UK.
Finally, it is worth noting that the possibility of facilitating liquid natural gas in Ireland will be examined as part of the Programme for Government. On gas security, there are well-established provisions in place and these are set to continue and indeed a proposal of the EU Commission on reviewing measures to safeguard security of gas supply is currently being negotiated in Brussels. A key part of this proposal is increased and improved regional cooperation between Member States.
There is excellent co-operation between the UK and Ireland on gas and electricity issues and both countries have cooperated very closely at EU level. It is important that this good cooperation with the UK continues and Ireland will emphasise this point and l will continue to work with both our EU partners and our colleagues in the UK, with the aim of ensuring an ongoing strong EU-UK relationship in the context of energy security.
Renewable Energy Incentives
Questions (619)
Seán Sherlock
Question:619. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is expediting the refit for solar energy scheme; the number of beneficiaries; and the funding granted to date. [19140/16]
View answerWritten answers
The White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The Programme for Government also commits to facilitating the development of solar energy projects.
My Department is currently undertaking in-depth economic analysis to inform the cost of a new scheme and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) - both roof-top and utility-scale - is being examined as part of the assessment process.
Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme. The details of this will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie.
The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. It is expected that a new scheme will become available in 2017.
The Deputy may be also interested to know that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
Gas Exploration Licences
Questions (620)
Mick Wallace
Question:620. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the decision making process with regard to issuing of licences in the Atlantic margin oil and gas exploration licensing round and whether Ireland's commitments to climate change mitigation are factored into these decision making processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19340/16]
View answerWritten answers
The 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round opened in June 2014 with the publication of a notice on my Department’s website inviting applications for Licensing Options in all of Ireland’s major Atlantic basins. By the closing date for applications on 16 September last, forty three applications were received. This was by far the highest number of applications received under any licensing round in the Irish offshore.
In the following months my Department undertook a detailed evaluation of these applications in accordance with the award criteria set out in the published notice. A two-phased approach was taken to the award of Licensing Options under the round, having regard to the very high number of applications received and to the fact that a number of applications had proposed new seismic surveys in 2016. Evaluation of applications that proposed new seismic surveys in 2016, along with other applications in the same general area, was progressed first. Following conclusion of the evaluation of these applications the first phase of awards was made in February of this year with fourteen Licensing Options awarded. The timing of the awards allowed for the preparation and planning of new 3D seismic surveys in the Porcupine Basin and these surveys are currently underway. Evaluation of the remaining applications concluded in June of this year when a further fourteen Licensing Options were awarded. The 2015 Licensing Round has been the most successful round held in the Irish offshore to date with a total of twenty eight Licensing Options awarded.
The White Paper “Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015 to 2030" is a complete energy policy update, which sets out a framework to guide policy between now and 2030. Its objective is to guide a transition to a low carbon energy system, which provides secure supplies of competitive and affordable energy to our citizens and businesses.
The White Paper envisages that in the short to medium-term, the mix of non-renewables will shift away from more carbon-intensive fuels, like peat and coal, to lower-carbon fuels like natural gas. In the longer-term, fossil fuels will be largely replaced by renewable energy sources. The White Paper acknowledges that oil and natural gas will remain significant elements of Ireland’s energy supply between now and 2035.
The White Paper notes that even with demand reduction, energy efficiency efforts and a greater use of low carbon fuels, the International Energy Agency forecasts that oil and natural gas will remain significant elements of the global energy mix out to 2035, especially in transport. In this context, the development of Ireland’s indigenous oil and gas resources has the potential to deliver significant and sustained benefits, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply, import substitution, fiscal return, national and local economic development and technology learning.
Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff Scheme
Questions (621)
Barry Cowen
Question:621. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide renewable energy feed-in tariffs to solar energy in 2016; the likely tariff given Ireland’s lower radiation levels which are about half of those experienced in southern Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19453/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects. This commitment builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar photo voltaic (PV) also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future.
It is widely recognised that solar photo voltaic (PV) technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation. With these significant changes in the cost of the technology, the deployment of solar PV in Ireland has only recently become a potential cost-effective option to increase energy security, contribute to our renewable energy targets, and support economic growth and jobs. It is also recognised, however, that while the cost competitiveness of solar PV has improved, it would still require a subsidy in order to be developed on a commercial basis.
In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the actual costings of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) scheme. While no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported - and the appropriate level of tariffs are still under consideration - the cost and technical viability of a range of renewable technologies is being assessed, including bioenergy and solar. The new scheme will also examine how communities can have a greater involvement than in previous schemes.
Designing and implementing a new scheme is a complex task and it is expected that the broad details of the new scheme will be available early next year. Before these details are announced, the Department will run a second public consultation, which will give all interested parties an opportunity to input into the development of the scheme. Ultimately, the introduction of any new scheme will be subject to Government and State aid approval from the European Commission.
Renewable Energy Incentives
Questions (622)
Barry Cowen
Question:622. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reasons wind energy currently is given preference over other more non-intrusive technologies, such as solar, in Government renewable energy policy. [19454/16]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Provisional figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) show that in 2015 9.2% of Ireland's energy requirements were met from renewable sources. More specifically, the SEAI has calculated that 25.3% of electricity, 6.8% of heat and 5.7% of transport were from renewable sources. The table below summarises the progress made in meeting these targets.
|
|
2020 |
2015 |
|
Overall Renewables Contribution |
16.0% |
9.2% |
|
RES-E |
40.0% |
25.3% (of which wind is 21.1%) |
|
RES-H |
12.0% |
6.8% |
|
RES-T |
10.0% |
5.7% |
A number of studies have been undertaken in recent years to assess the economic cost of integrating increasing amounts of renewable energy into the energy mix. The All-Island Grid Study, published in 2008, assessed the technical feasibility and the relative costs and benefits associated with various scenarios for increased shares of electricity sourced from renewable energy in the all island power system. The scenarios were informed by the resource available, technological readiness of the various generation technologies (including wind) and cost required per generated unit. This study informed the decision to move towards achieving 40% renewable electricity generation in Ireland by 2020. It concluded that - based on assumptions set out in the report - wind energy represented a cost effective source for electricity generation.
My Department has been working with the SEAI, EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation on a further study to assess the costs and value of choosing the path towards 40% renewable electricity generation in 2020. This work and the related findings will form the basis of a report which, it is envisaged, will be published later this year.
The abundant wind resource in Ireland means that each unit of installed wind generation capacity generates more units of electricity when compared with other countries and hence needs a lower rate per generated unit of electricity in order to recover the overall costs of the project. The existing feed-in tariff, REFIT, which is funded from the Public Service Obligation levy on consumer bills, is a very cost effective support for onshore wind development. This was the finding of a report published by the Council of European Energy Regulators in 2015.
The White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The Programme for Government also commits to facilitating the development of solar energy projects.
My Department is currently undertaking in-depth economic analysis to inform the cost of a new scheme and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) - both roof-top and utility-scale - is being examined as part of the assessment process.
Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme. The details of this will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie.
The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. It is expected that a new scheme will become available in 2017.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (623)
Barry Cowen
Question:623. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proportion of renewable energy that will come from energy sources (details supplied) in the Government’s plan to achieve its 2020 renewables target. [19455/16]
View answerWritten answers
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. The Government has a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) schemes support the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind. Work is also ongoing in my Department on the development of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) to encourage the development of Ireland’s, diverse, indigenous renewable energy resources.
Good progress has been made towards meeting the 2020 40% renewable electricity generation target predominantly through onshore wind, which has proved to be the most commercial renewable energy technology in the Irish electricity market. Provisional figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicate that in 2015, 21.1% of Ireland’s electricity demand was met by wind generation. It is expected that approximately 35% of the 40% electricity target for 2020 will be met by wind generation.
Diversification of the renewable generation portfolio in the longer term will be important for creating a sustainable, carbon free, electricity system and biomass will have a role to play in this regard. Electricity generated from biomass is already supported through the three REFIT schemes and, depending on electricity demand, the full implementation of current policies could mean that up to 5% of electricity may be generated from biomass in 2020.
In the heating sector, my Department is working on the introduction of a new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to support the deployment of renewable energy for commercial and industrial users of heat in the non-ETS sector. The primary aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heat sector and to help reach Ireland's 12% renewable heat target by 2020. In 2015 it is estimated that 6.8% of heat was derived from renewable sources. The new RHI scheme is expected to become available in 2017.
In the transport sector Ireland aims to meet our 10% renewable target mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels, with electric vehicles also making a small contribution out to 2020. SEAI provisional figures for 2015 indicate 5.7% of our energy needs in the transport sector were met from renewable sources. Ocean energy is not expected to make any significant contribution to the 2020 target.
The SEAI publication Energy in Ireland 1990 – 2014 provides further information on progress made in relation of the use of renewable energy in Ireland and is available at the following link:
http://www.seai.ie/Publications/Statistics_Publications/Energy_in_Ireland/Energy-in-Ireland-1990-2014.pdf.
Broadband Service Provision
Questions (624)
Timmy Dooley
Question:624. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Government has transposed the European broadband directive, 2014/61/EU, relating to infrastructure sharing, which will reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks; if not, when this is envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19488/16]
View answerWritten answers
Directive 2014/61/EU on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks, among other things, requires operators of communications, district heating, electricity including public lighting, gas, transport and waste water networks to negotiate agreements to share their network physical infrastructure with public communications networks operators, if requested, unless there are objective reasons not to do so in any particular case.
The infrastructure sharing requirements of the Directive, and a requirement to establish a dispute settlement body to adjudicate in disputes regarding access to other networks and the terms and conditions of such access, came into effect on 1 July 2016. My Department is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to finalise Regulations, under the European Communities Act 1972, to transpose the relevant provisions of the Directive into national law.
The matters outstanding on the draft legislative text relate to a small number of provisions, and I expect to adopt the required Regulations in the coming days.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Questions (625, 626)
Brian Stanley
Question:625. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that the infrastructure to facilitate the roll out of the national broadband plan will be kept in State ownership. [19540/16]
View answerBrian Stanley
Question:626. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date on which he will announce the awarding of the contract for the roll out of the national broadband plan. [19541/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 625 and 626 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. Delivery of high speed broadband is a strategic priority under the Programme for Government. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The Government had today chosen the Commercial Stimulus Model as the optimum ownership model for the network that will be part-funded by the Exchequer under the procurement process which started in December. The Government considered two ownership models, having narrowed the options down last December, from five models. The two models are
a) Commercial Stimulus (or ‘Gap Funding’) – the private sector finances, designs, builds, owns and operates the network, with contractual obligations to the Department.
b) Full Concession – the private sector finances, designs, builds and operates the network with contractual obligations to the Department. The asset is handed back to the State after 25 years.
Both Models would deliver the same network, with the same service specifications and controls, for 25 years. In both models, the winning bidder(s) will be subject to stringent contract provisions to ensure that the network delivers quality, affordable high speed broadband to all parts of Ireland that cannot access services. The Department had commissioned detailed costings, down to every individual home in the Intervention Area and, on that basis, had modelled the likely cost of each ownership model.
While I recognise the potential long-term value in the State owning any network that is built, I am advised that under a Full Concession Model, the entire cost of the project would be placed on the Government’s Balance Sheet, with serious implications for the available capital funding over the next five to six years. Given that both models will deliver the same services and be governed by an almost identical contract(s), I cannot justify reducing the amount of money available to Government for other critical priorities. I am advised also that the Full Concession Model may take at least six months longer to negotiate as part of the Procurement process and my priority is to have a contract(s) in place as soon as possible.
The current procurement schedule aims to have a contract(s) in place by June 2017. There are numerous stages in the procurement process and each stage is dependent on a number of factors, including the complexities that may be encountered during the process.
The two ownership models differ principally after 25 years, when the asset would either revert to the State, or to the full control of a commercial telecoms operator. I am confident that we can put in place measures to ensure that services continue after 25 years, in the case of the Commercial Stimulus model. In this regard, I have already raised the question of a Universal Service Obligation (USO) for High Speed Broadband, at EU level and have also had discussions with ComReg about a form of USO in areas where commercial providers have already built high speed broadband networks.
Departmental Records
Questions (627)
Niamh Smyth
Question:627. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff employed in his Department's archive unit in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; his plans to expand this number; if there are protocol changes arising from changes to the National Archives Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19612/16]
View answerWritten answers
My department does not operate a central Archive Unit. Each Division in my Department manages the records and data that they create. A senior official in my Department is designated to liaise with the National Archives of Ireland on matters relating to the implementation of the National Archives Acts.
Electricity Transmission Network
Questions (628)
Seán Fleming
Question:628. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his role relating to compliance or non-compliance with the strategic environmental impact assessment regarding Gate 3 decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19652/16]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the electricity network is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) which is an independent statutory body and I have no function in the matter.
The Gate process, including the Gate 3 process, is an administrative grid connection process managed by the CER in accordance with its regulatory functions. I am informed by the CER that a Strategic Environmental Assessment was not required in regard to Gate 3. However, as is the case with all Directions issued by the CER, the Gate 3 Direction was subject to public consultation before being finalised in December 2008.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (629)
Seán Fleming
Question:629. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the role of his Department regarding bodies operating under the aegis of his Department, including oversight functions; his role with regard to the Commission for Energy Regulation to ensure that all statutory obligations are being complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19653/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Departmental remit includes complex policy areas and oversight of State regulation and provision of key strategic services such as energy and public broadcasting.
There are six Commercial State Bodies, seven Non-Commercial State Bodies and three Regulators under the aegis of my Department.
My Department currently oversees the governance of all of these State Bodies to ensure they are fully compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the governance functions included in the statutory framework underpinning individual bodies. My Department ensures that compliance obligations, reporting procedures and assurance arrangements are all adhered to. In order to enhance oversight of the bodies under the remit of my Department and bring a more coherent approach to governance activity, the corporate governance function for all of the commercial state bodies and some of the non-commercial bodies has been centralised in the Department.
The Department is supported by NewEra in exercising corporate governance functions in respect of the bodies designated under the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2014.
All of the regulators have been established on a statutory basis and are independent in the exercise of their respective functions, including functions that are necessary to ensure compliance with EU directives.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is Ireland’s independent energy regulator. The CER was established in 1999 and has a range of economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities in the energy sector. The CER is also Ireland’s economic regulator of the public water and wastewater sector.
The CER was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. Its regulation of the gas market is legally underpinned by the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act, 2002, as amended. The CER regulates water services under the Water Services Act 2013 and the Water Services Act 2014.
The Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 provides for CER’s regulatory independence and accountability for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas.