Written Answers Nos. 21-39
21. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will promulgate Government policy, including planning and all other considerations, with regard to the development of wind turbines. [21515/16]
View answerThe 2009 Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020 and in order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, 12% renewables in the heating sector and 10% in transport. The Energy White Paper published last December sets out a high-level framework for Ireland’s energy transition to a low carbon system and society and identifies a range of measures and actions to support this aim. The clear focus of my Department is on implementing the range of actions set out in the White Paper to meet our energy and climate change targets through cost efficient policies. Among the commitments to achieve the energy transition are to:
- support community participation in renewable energy,
- provide funding and supports for community-led projects in the initial stages of development, planning and construction,
- develop a framework for agreeing how communities share in the benefits of substantial new energy infrastructure located in their area, and
- support the emerging energy cooperative movement as one means of facilitating community participation.
The authorisation of wind farms is a matter for the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate, and I have no function in the matter.
The Programme for Government commits to updating the Wind Energy Planning Development Guidelines within 3 to 6 months of the formation of Government, to ensure an appropriate balance between the concerns of local communities in relation to matters such as noise and shadow flicker and the need to invest in indigenous renewable energy projects for the purpose of assisting in the achievement of our EU renewable energy targets. In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, as the lead Department in this process, in consultation with my Department and within the timeframe, will bring to Government revised Wind Energy Planning Development Guidelines. The issues of community benefit and participation will be further considered and developed as part of this on-going process.
My Department is currently finalising a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework, which is to be underpinned by a Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Appropriate Assessment. The Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework is intended to provide guidance to citizens, industry, An Bord Pleanála, and other public authorities, for use in conjunction with the Wind Energy Development Guidelines. This work, along with a review of the Guidelines, will set a clear framework for the development of renewable energy infrastructure into the future.
22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the returns generated from the public service obligation levy used to reduce energy costs will materialise; the proposed increase in the public service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21514/16]
View answerThe Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy has been in place since 2001. The PSO levy consists of a set of support schemes designed to facilitate the achievement of national electricity policy objectives for renewables, indigenous fuels and security of supply. It also supports employment in the renewables industry and in the peat industry. The proceeds of the PSO levy are used to contribute to the additional relevant costs incurred by PSO-supported electricity generators which are not recovered in the electricity market. The PSO has supported the connection of more than 2,000 MW of renewable energy to the electricity grid and will continue to support the development of renewable energy so that the target for 40% renewable electricity penetration by 2020 is met.
Recent international studies have shown that Ireland has had one of the lowest per unit supports for renewable energy in the European Union.
I am conscious of the impact of energy costs on industry and households alike, but would point out that the falling wholesale price of electricity is being passed on the consumers and more than outweighs the proposed levy increase in the current period. In that regard, I would remind the House of recent price reductions by electricity suppliers Consumers can also avail of discounts either by contacting their suppliers directly or using the price comparison websites accredited by the CER, such as bonkers.ie and switcher.ie , to switch to discounted tariffs. A customer consuming the average amount of electricity could save over €150 by switching suppliers.
The calculation of the level of the PSO is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER has published a consultation on a proposed levy of €441 million for 2016-2017, for domestic consumers equating to just less than €7 per month and representing an increase on 2015 of €1.61 per month, or €19.32 per year. The biggest drivers for the proposed levy increase are the lower predicted wholesale market electricity price and increased deployment of renewables.
23. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is considering increasing grant support for PV solar energy production, offshore wind energy production and biomass energy production to meet our European Union 2020 energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21627/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to facilitating the development of solar and bio-energy projects in Ireland, consistent with the analysis and commitment in the White Paper on Energy Policy to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources. In July 2015, the Department launched the first public consultation regarding the introduction of a proposed Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the actual 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), bio-energy and offshore wind are 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.
While the primary purpose of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme is focused on the 2030 time horizon, any renewable electricity project that is supported under the new scheme and is built and connected before 2020 can will be counted towards Ireland’s 2020 renewable energy target.
At the same time, 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-Emissions Trading Sector (ETS). Analysis is underway to inform the actual cost of the RHI and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, biomass combustion is one of the technologies being examined as part of the assessment process. The primary aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heat sector and help to reach Ireland's 12% renewable heat target by 2020.
As with the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), before a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is introduced, the overall costs and technologies to be supported will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.
24. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his latest analysis of how close the State will be on delivering on each of the electricity, heat and transport targets set in our 2020 European Union renewable energy obligations. [21510/16]
View answerThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020 and in order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, 12% renewables in the heating sector and 10% in transport. The Government has adopted a range of support measures designed to meet our binding target, and although good progress towards our target has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. Provisional data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicates we had reached 9.2% of the overall 16% target at the end of 2015. In the electricity sector, the primary support mechanisms introduced for renewable electricity are the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) schemes and the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. These schemes have proved successful at incentivising the development of the renewable electricity generation capacity necessary to meet our 40% renewable electricity target, and provisional figures show that in 2015 some 25.3% of electricity demand was met by renewable sources.
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 in the sector. The primary aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in heating and to help reach our 12% target by 2020. In 2015 it is estimated that 6.8% of heat was derived from renewable sources.
In the transport sector Ireland aims to meet our renewable target mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels, with electric vehicles also making a small contribution. In 2015, provisional figures indicate 5.7% of our energy needs in the transport sector were met from renewable sources.
The Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future, published in December 2015, sets out a vision for transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050, while the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments on energy efficiency and renewable energy. The clear focus of my Department is on implementing the range of actions set out in the White Paper and Programme for Government that are aimed at meeting our energy and climate change targets.
25. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the effects of the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union in terms of the knock-on effect of security of energy supply for the Republic of Ireland. [21630/16]
View answerWhile 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. Ireland has always been highly dependent on imports of energy products. In 2014 Ireland had an import dependency of 85% with energy imports costing circa €5.7 billion. Indigenous energy sources from renewable energy and natural gas supplies from Corrib will reduce this dependency in the coming years.
Ireland holds a stock of 90 days of oil 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 these stocks are held in Ireland with the rest held in other EU Member States, including the United Kingdom. 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 need will 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 and electricity interconnectors. Additional electricity interconnectors to Northern Ireland, Wales and France are at various stages of development. There is excellent cooperation between the UK and Ireland on gas and electricity security of supply and both countries have cooperated very closely at EU level. It is important that this good cooperation with the UK continues and l will continue to work with both our EU partners and our colleagues in the UK to this end.
26. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for connecting community energy projects into the national grid. [21519/16]
View answerEnsuring the participation of communities in Ireland’s future energy transition is a key commitment in the 2015 Energy White Paper and the recent Programme for Government. National energy policy sets out a framework to encourage community participation in energy policy formation, the design of enabling measures and project supports. Access to the national grid for community designated renewable electricity projects is a key enabler for future community participation, and I understand that the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) - in its role as the competent authority on this matter - has recently consulted on a Review of Connection and Grid Access Policy (CER/15/284) , which addressed the question of community access to the grid.
It is my understanding that the CER intends that responses to this initial consultation paper will inform a further consultation on connection policy to be published later this year.
In addition to this CER work, my Department is developing a Renewable Electricity Planning and Development Framework which is due later this year. This work will include a framework for communities to share in the benefits of new energy infrastructure and examine shared-ownership opportunities for renewable energy projects in their local area.
As regards project supports for community designated renewable energy installations, my Department is currently working on the development of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the participation of community designated renewable energy projects are being examined as part of this process.
27. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures taken in the last year to examine salmon and eel stock levels in rivers in County Wexford; his plans to re-open a hardship scheme for drift net licence holders on the rivers Barrow, Nore, Suir and Slaney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21503/16]
View answerThere are five salmon rivers in County Wexford on the list of 147 salmon rivers, sections of rivers or estuaries managed annually by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on the basis of advice received from the Standing Scientific Committee on Salmon (SSCS); the Owenavorragh, Slaney, Corock, Owenduff and Pollmounty Rivers. The SSCS is a statutorily independent committee comprised of scientists from IFI, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Loughs Agency, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Marine Institute, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (Northern Ireland), and other State bodies and third level institutions.
Three methods (rod catch, counter and electric fishing) are used by the SSCS to assess salmon stocks in Co. Wexford salmon rivers.
The harvest of salmon is restricted to those stocks of rivers that are meeting their conservation limits. The individual river management strategy is based on the fact that each of Ireland’s salmon rivers has its own unique stock of salmon which migrates to sea as juveniles and returns to the same river in adulthood to spawn and create the next generation of fish exclusive to that river. Fisheries are only considered in rivers where the estimated returns are above the conservation limit for the river.
The salmon assessment methodologies used in Ireland are considered internationally as best practice, with many other countries moving towards the development of similar scientific assessment models for salmon stock conservation.
The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery. Under the scheme, fishermen active in the commercial salmon fishery, could opt to voluntarily cease fishing and undertake not to seek a licence in the future.
In excess of €25m was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen, with a further €5m provided for community development projects. The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008. I understand that all funds were expended and there are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme. Public commercial fishing licences are issued annually on a prescribed application basis and, therefore, are not transferable or inheritable. There is no property right attaching to them.
Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) was reviewed in 2015 in line with EU requirements. IFI carried out a comprehensive public consultation process as part of the review. Based on management advice from IFI, and having considered all aspects of their report, the existing conservation measures in Ireland’s EMP remains in place up to mid-2018. Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-law No. C.S. 319, 2015 prohibits fishing for eel, or possessing or selling eel caught in a river in the State and ceases to have effect on 30 June 2018.
The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) for 2016 (published October 2015) is that “the status of eel remains critical and that all anthropogenic mortality (e.g. recreational and commercial fishing, hydropower, pumping stations, and pollution) affecting production and escapement of silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible.” There is no change in the perception of the status of the stock as being critically endangered.
On 24 November 2015 the then Minister of State announced a new collaborative research initiative involving IFI scientists and a number of former eel fishermen to further develop national knowledge of the species and its medium to longer term potential for recovery. A scientific fishery is to be undertaken for three years commencing in 2016 to increase data and knowledge ahead of further review of eel management measures in 2018.
There is no right attached to a public eel licence and therefore the issue of compensation does not arise.
I am happy to arrange a more detailed briefing for the Deputy if required.
28. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the fines which will be imposed on Ireland from 2020 for not meeting our agreed European Union emissions targets, the amount this will cost the taxpayer per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21504/16]
View answerThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020 and in order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, 12% renewables in the heating sector and 10% in transport. The Government has adopted a range of support measures designed to meet our binding target, and although good progress towards our target has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. Provisional data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicates we had reached 9.2% of the overall 16% target at the end of 2015. The Renewable Energy Directive sets out arrangements to enable member states to meet their targets, including the purchase of compliance through a a flexibility measure, known as a statistical transfer. The focus remains firmly on meeting our 2020 target and a number of interventions have been taken to support renewable energy, including the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff supports. New measures are also in development including a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme and a Renewable Heat Incentive. In any event the cost of purchasing statistical transfers should any potential shortfall in Ireland's target arise has yet to be established and will depend on a number of factors, particularly available supply and market costs. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has estimated that the cost to Ireland may be in the range of €100 million to €150 million for each percentage point Ireland falls short of the overall 16% renewable energy target.
The Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future, published in December 2015, sets out a vision for transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050. The clear focus of my Department is on implementing the range of actions set out in the White Paper and Programme for Government that are aimed at meeting our energy and climate change targets.
29. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to consider reserving a place on the board of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for a non-governmental organisation with a track record of environmental campaigning in the area of sustainability and climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21595/16]
View answerThe composition of the Board of SEAI is provided for by section 10 of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002. The legislation makes particular provision as to the competence of persons to be appointed to the Board of SEAI and provides that appointees must have experience or competence in areas specifically related to the functions of SEAI. Amongst the competencies listed at Section 10.(3) of the Act is "environmental matters". I believe that the legislation as drafted adequately provides for appropriate representation on the Board to enable the remit of SEAI to be met. The Deputy will be aware that the process for appointments to State boards has been strengthened with the introduction of Guidelines for Appointments to State Boards published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in November 2014. The objective of the Guidelines is to open up the process to the largest possible pool of suitable candidates. The Guidelines establish a new and transparent approach to Board appointments which is operated by the Public Appointments Service and ensures that a sufficient list of suitably qualified candidates is available to the appointing Minister for consideration. Under the system it is open to representatives from Non-Government Organisations with a track record of environmental campaigning in the area of sustainability and climate change to apply for a position on the Board of SEAI or indeed any other State Board provided there are no other statutory restrictions applying.
In order to address concerns in relation to the continuity of membership on the Board of SEAI, section 22 of the Energy Bill 2016, which is currently before the House, provides for an amendment to section 10 of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002. The amendment proposes to remove the requirement that each year on 1 May the three longest serving members of the Board must retire. Instead, board members would be appointed for a period up to 5 years, subject to a maximum of ten years’ service. I believe that the amendment will improve continuity of membership and give greater certainty to board members in relation to the duration of their appointment.
30. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plan for the development of the indigenous energy sector, with specific reference to meeting the future needs of industry and the domestic market, and carbon reducing targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21544/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out that Ireland’s long-term interests are best supported by further decreasing our dependence on foreign fossil fuels through the continued development of indigenous renewable energy. This is underpinned by the Energy White Paper which sets out a long-term vision and a framework to guide Irish energy policy up to 2030 including a range of actions to support the indigenous energy sector.
A new support scheme for renewable electricity is being developed which will incentivise the further development of Ireland’s renewable energy resources.
In the heating sector, a new Renewable Heat Incentive will be introduced to support the deployment of renewable energy for commercial and industrial users of heat in the non-Emissions Trading Sector.
Bioenergy encompasses a range of fuels including forest-based biomass, dry agricultural residues, energy crops, wastes, landfill gas and other biogases. A Draft Bioenergy Plan was published in December 2014 and Strategic Environmental Assessment is currently underway with a final Bioenergy Plan due to be published later this year.
As acknowledged in the Energy White Paper, oil and natural gas will remain significant elements of Ireland’s energy supply in the course of the transition. 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.
31. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland report entitled, Ownership and Control of Media Businesses 2012-2014, published on 22 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21621/16]
View answerI welcome the BAI Report on Ownership and Control of Media Businesses in Ireland 2012-2014, which is the first of its kind. Under the revised Competition Act 2002 the BAI are required to produce a report every three years that details the ownership and control arrangements of media business in Ireland and to describe any changes that may have taken place in the intervening years.
In this report, the BAI concludes that there has not been a material reduction in media plurality in the State due to the limited changes in ownership and control in the period 2012-2014. This report which is available on my Department's website, along with other research conducted by the BAI and other organisations, feeds into the Phase 1 examination of media mergers carried out by my Department.
32. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to increase the production of renewable energies to reach the European Union target of 16% of energy being produced through renewable sources; his views that the 16% is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21623/16]
View answerThe White Paper on Energy Policy sets out a vision of a low carbon energy system in Ireland, where greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector will be reduced by between 80% and 95%, compared to 1990 levels, by 2050, and where alternative and renewable energy will play a dominant role in Ireland’s future energy mix. In addition, the Programme for Government sets out a range of priority climate actions and interventions, a number of which have a direct bearing on the energy efficiency and the renewable energy sector. In combination, these will help to increase and diversify Ireland’s renewable energy mix across the electricity, heating and transport sectors. The clear focus of my Department is on implementing the range of actions set out in the White Paper and Programme for Government that are aimed at meeting our energy and climate change targets. The 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 and although good progress towards the target has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. 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 now on-going in my Department on the development of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant and indigenous renewable energy resources. This scheme will examine the viability of supporting a range of new renewable energy technologies in Ireland - including solar, bioenergy and ocean energy – and will help to further reduce emissions in the electricity sector.
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 help to 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. In 2015, provisional figures indicate 5.7% of our energy needs in the transport sector were met from renewable sources. Meeting our RES-T target will be largely met through the Biofuels Obligation Scheme, in place since 2010, which will increase the percentage of biofuels in transport fuels between now and 2020.
The Government also recognises that improved energy efficiency will play a vital role in supporting the future transition to a low carbon energy future.
33. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he will take to ensure future investment in the broadband network infrastructure, once ownership has been transferred to a private company after the 25 year national broadband plan contract has expired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21620/16]
View answerThe 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 a Partnership Government. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming. The Government has chosen the Commercial Stimulus model as the optimum approach for the National Broadband Plan intervention. The decision on ownership has allowed the procurement phase to move to the next stage, where three bidders have qualified and been invited to participate in formal dialogue with the Department. The Dialogue process with bidders will commence next week.
Following this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders, when final tenders have been submitted a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contact negotiations with the winning bidder(s), prior to award of a contract.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The contract(s) with the preferred bidder(s) will include robust governance provisions and an appropriate minimum set of risk management measures. Provisions will be in place for the State to claw-back a portion of any network build, or operating profits over and above those anticipated in the contract(s). There will also be mechanisms to deduct service credits from the contractor(s), where milestones or contract conditions are not met.
In addition to contract provisions, if the winning bidder(s) is deemed by ComReg to have significant market dominance in the Intervention Area, regulation will provide an added layer of control over and above the contract with the State. Through regulation, ComReg has the statutory obligation to incentivise re-investment in a regulated network, to promote competition and to protect the interests of end users. It must also ensure that regulation in Ireland and the activities of regulated companies in Ireland are consistent with other comparable Member States. ComReg will play a key role in monitoring the activity of the winning bidder(s), and may, subject to whether the winning bidder(s) has significant market dominance or not, regulate the winning bidder(s) during and post-contract.
I am conscious of the need to put in place strong contract governance structures to manage the contract(s) over a 25 year period. To this end, I will bring forward proposals in the coming months, including legislation, to establish a dedicated entity to manage this and other State telecoms contracts or to assign this role to an existing State entity.
I am also aware of the need to ensure continuity of service in 26 years, when the contract has expired. My Department has already had discussions with ComReg with a view to putting in place legislation that could enhance ComReg's regulatory oversight. I have also discussed with ComReg, the possibility of a Universal Service Obligation as an effective mechanism to ensure continuity of services beyond 2042 when the contract expires. In anticipation of the need for such an arrangement, I have raised this issue at European level in advance of the review of the Telecommunications Regulatory Framework which is scheduled to commence later this year.
34. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications of a British exit from the European Union on the electricity connection between the North and South. [21516/16]
View answerWhile 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. 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 Single Electricity Market remains in place and is based on national legislation adopted by the Oireachtas and the British Parliament.
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. This will ensure timely assessment, to minimise any negative impact on energy customers, while continuing to deliver a safe, secure, competitive and reliable supply of energy.
In this context, I do not envisage the result of the UK referendum will have any impact on existing or planned electricity interconnection with Northern Ireland.
35. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he is taking to drive down the cost of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21513/16]
View answerThe electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive and they operate within national and European regulatory regimes. I have no statutory function in the monitoring or setting of gas or electricity prices. Responsibility for the regulation of the gas or electricity markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body.
As outlined in the Energy White Paper, Government policy is to ensure that policy choices impacting energy costs are evidence-based with a focus on competitiveness, cost-benefit, security and sustainability.
At a national level, the competitive energy market results in choices for consumers and businesses in terms of suppliers, products and prices and exerts downward pressure on prices. As with any competitive market, it is hugely important that consumers would shop around to ensure that they get the best price and I would encourage all consumers to do so. Two CER approved websites, www.bonkers.ie and www.switcher.ie , are very helpful in aiding consumers to choose the products that best suit their needs and assisting them to switch energy suppliers.
Under various relevant Statutory Instruments, CER carries out statutory market monitoring functions and has the responsibility to ensure the market operates competitively for the benefit of the consumer. It also conducts regulatory scrutiny of the network costs component of retail prices.
Energy efficiency measures also represent a significant opportunity for consumers and businesses to reduce their energy costs. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) provides the policy framework for energy efficiency in Ireland. Energy efficiency measures are available via the SEAI, to assist both business and domestic energy consumers, with significant funding allocated to them.
36. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the potential of the marine renewable energy sector to provide energy as part of our energy mix. [21633/16]
View answerThe overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. A well balanced fuel mix that provides reliable energy, minimises costs and protects against supply disruptions and price volatility, is essential to Irish consumers as we make the transition to a low carbon energy system. Ireland has some of the best offshore and ocean energy resources in Europe, and the development of this abundant resource will be an increasingly important element of Ireland's future energy policies.
This is particularly relevant in the context of the Energy White Paper “Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030” which defines the Government’s vision of a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by 80% to 95 % relative to 1990 levels by 2050.
The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) sets out the Government’s policy in the ocean energy area. The plan identifies the sustainable economic opportunity for Ireland in the period to 2030 of realising the potential of our indigenous offshore wind, wave and tidal energy resources. The Strategic Environmental Assessment that underpinned the plan found that 4,500 MW of offshore wind and 1,500 MW of wave and tidal generation could be sustainably developed in Irish waters.
The recent Programme for Government recognises that wave and tidal energy will have an important role in Ireland’s future renewable energy mix and commits to supporting further research, development and demonstration of these technologies.
Exchequer support in terms of research, development and demonstration was increased under the OREDP. My Department’s multi-annual ocean energy development budget covering the period 2013 - 2016, was increased by €16.8 million, to bring total cumulative funding to €26.3 million. This funding supports Ireland’s commitment to world class infrastructure including the Lir National Ocean Test Facility in Cork, the quarter scale Galway Bay test site, and the full scale Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), off the coast of Mayo. Exchequer support also includes funding to support a grant scheme for ocean wave companies known as the Prototype Development Fund, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Eighty five projects have been awarded grants totalling €13m since the programme commenced in 2009.
37. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has concerns regarding News Corporation's purchase of Wireless Group radio stations; and his response to the Broadcast Authority of Ireland report on ownership and control of media businesses in Ireland. [21517/16]
View answerUnder the revised Competition Act 2002 proposed mergers or acquisitions that meet certain criteria must be notified to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The CCPC must then examine the notification and decide if the merger may proceed on competition grounds. Media mergers, as defined in the Act, which have received the CCPC’s determination must also be notified to me as Minister.
Upon notification, a Phase 1 examination of the merger is carried out by my Department. This examination is guided by the relevant criteria laid out in the legislation and by the Guidelines on Media Mergers , both of which are available on my Department’s website.
Following this examination, I have three options under the legislation, which are to allow the merger to proceed, to allow the merger to proceed with conditions or to ask the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to conduct a more in-depth or Phase 2 examination of the proposed merger.
If the latter is the case, then the BAI shall provide me with a report detailing their recommendations on the matter. It is also possible for me, as Minister, to establish an advisory panel to provide an opinion to the BAI on the application of the relevant criteria to the media merger in question.
Following receipt of the BAI’s report and recommendations, I must then make a decision either to allow the merger to proceed, to allow it to proceed with conditions or to refuse to grant my consent.
No notification has been made by the organisations referred to by the Deputy and, therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to provide further comment at this time. That said, I am aware that this merger is currently being considered by the CCPC.
I welcome the BAI Report on Ownership and Control of Media Businesses in Ireland 2012-2014, which is the first of its kind. Under the revised 2002 Act the BAI are required to produce a report every three years that details the ownership and control arrangements of media business in Ireland and to describe any changes that may have taken place in the intervening years.
In this report, the BAI concludes that there has not been a material reduction in media plurality in the State due to the limited changes in ownership and control in the period 2012-2014. This report which is available on my Department's website, along with other research conducted by the BAI and other organisations, feeds into the Phase 1 examination of media mergers carried out by my Department.
38. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to apply the Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2014 retrospectively, to ownership of Irish media outlets as recommended in the report entitled, Media Pluralism in Ireland; given the high the high risk posed by any one person or organisation holding more than a 20% stake in the sector. [21590/16]
View answerThe Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2014 gives the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the responsibility for assessing proposed media mergers, and empowers the Minister to prevent any merger that is deemed likely to be contrary to the public interest in maintaining the plurality of media in the State. This process is additional to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's role in assessing mergers in the State on competition grounds. There is no retrospective element to this legislation. Attempting to intervene in the operation of a media business when no merger is planned would be difficult, and given that the purpose of the legislation is to safeguard media pluralism, is also likely to be counter-productive.
Protection of media plurality and freedom of expressions are core tenets of a free press. Ensuring that this continues to be the case underpinned the change in the approach to the consideration of media mergers in the 2014 Act. Applying a retrospective element to the legislation would be substantially different to dealing with proposed mergers, both on a practical and legal level, and could, effectively, mean empowering a Government Minister to determine the fate of any media organisation at any given time.
This would raise a number of difficult questions about preserving the freedom and independence of the press, even before one considers the legal and constitutional complexities associated with retrospective action of this kind.
In my view, the reforms introduced in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2014 have struck the correct balance in this area and are working well.
39. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the emergency services are using the Eircode service as a location tool for emergency vehicles in rural and urban areas. [21506/16]
View answerThe Emergency Call Answering Service, which takes emergency calls made to 112 and 999 numbers, has integrated Eircodes into their systems and updated their processes to enable the use of Eircodes when presented by callers. The National Ambulance Service have also integrated Eircodes into their Computer Aided Dispatch System and this went live in February 2016. The National Ambulance Service consider Eircode to be very important information in responding to emergency calls, particularly rapid identification of the 35% non-unique addresses in the state. Previously this caused significant operational challenges in geographically locating these addresses as some are quite isolated and hard to find without a unique identifier. When contacting the National Emergency Operations Centre, a caller in any part of the country can give the Eircode as part of their address. This Eircode and address will be validated by the Computer Aided Dispatch System and allow the National Emergency Operations Centre call taker to locate the position of the patient’s property along with the location of the ambulance on digital mapping. The dispatcher will then direct the nearest available Ambulance to the correct location facilitating speedier access to care.
In addition, the National Ambulance Aeromedical Service also use Eircodes. Eircode use has proved useful to quickly verify and locate an address / incident location on the shared secure digital mapping system used by the Air Corps, Coast Guard and the Ambulance Service. This is particularly the case in rural areas where many houses have no house number and use the same Locality name in their address. As time is critical, a suitable landing site close to the incident can be selected quickly to co-ordinate a rendezvous between the ambulance and helicopter for the quick transfer of the patient to an appropriate hospital.
