Mick Barry
Question:4. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy, trade and jobs last met. [31819/16]
View answerCabinet Committee Meetings
Questions (4)
Written answers
The Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Jobs last met on Tuesday 4th October 2016.
It is next scheduled to meet on Monday 7th November.
Questions Nos. 5 and 6 answered orally.
Brexit Issues
Questions (7)
Bernard Durkan
Question:7. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the extent to which he has had discussions with the UK authorities and his EU colleagues in the context of the UK's proposed exit from the European Union; the extent to which the full implications for Ireland, the UK and the European Union continue to be evaluated; if any parameters have been established within which the feasibility of an EU without the UK has been examined in view of the contradictory positions indicated and established; if any progress has been made with a view to addressing these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31807/16]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, Brexit and its implications for Ireland is an issue of the highest priority for me personally and for this Government.
At political and official level, there has been close and regular engagement with the UK administration through existing frameworks. I spoke with Theresa May on the day of her appointment, and had a bilateral meeting with her in London shortly thereafter. More recently, at the European Council meeting in Brussels on 20-21 October, although the UK's decision to leave the EU was not formally on the agenda for this meeting, Prime Minister May updated EU leaders on recent developments in the UK, as an information point. She confirmed that the decision to leave the EU is irreversible for her Government, and that the UK will invoke Article 50 before the end of March next year.
At EU level, I have also had extensive discussions with partners and the Institutions both in bilateral exchanges and in the wider format of the European Council itself, most recently last week in Brussels. At every opportunity in these exchanges I raise the well-known priority issues for Ireland, in relation to Northern Ireland, the Common Travel Area, our economy and the future of the EU itself.
As agreed among EU leaders in June, there can be no formal negotiation with the United Kingdom until Article 50 is triggered.
We also await more detail from the UK on what kind of future relationship it will seek with the EU. The current lack of clarity however does not preclude us from preparing for the negotiations and, indeed, this work began over 12 months ago. Since the referendum result, work has intensified across Government with a view to safeguarding Ireland's interests, minimising any adverse impacts on our economy and on the free movement of people, goods and services on these islands, and ensuring that stability in Northern Ireland is maintained. We will also continue to work with our EU partners and with the UK with the aim of ensuring a strong EU-UK relationship and a well-managed withdrawal.
Questions Nos. 8 to 14, inclusive, answered orally.
Media Mergers
Questions (15)
Catherine Murphy
Question:15. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered the influence of a media group (details supplied) on the overall Irish media landscape and, in particular, the local media landscape, when analysing the proposed purchase by the group of a newspaper; his views on the proposed acquisition of the newspaper by the media group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31835/16]
View answerWritten answers
While I am aware that the proposed purchase of the Celtic Media Group by Independent News & Media is currently being considered by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, I have no role in relation to the proposed transaction until the CCPC has made its determination in this case.
Should the proposed purchase receive clearance from the CCPC, it must then be notified to me as Minister. It would not be appropriate for me, therefore, to comment on the case until that process and my Department's initial assessment is completed.
I can, however, describe in general terms how the Media Mergers regime functions.
Upon receipt of notification from the Parties, 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.
This examination process concentrates on a number of important criteria or measures, including diversity of ownership in the relevant media sector and in the wider media market, editorial management, diversity of content, and the financial standings of the parties to the proposed merger.
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, following the phase 1 examination, I opt to send a case to the BAI then the BAI will, following its examination of the proposed merger, provide me with a report detailing its 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.
In accordance with the Guidelines on Media Mergers, my Department facilitates pre-notification meetings with the parties to a proposed media merger. The purpose of such meetings is to answer questions the parties may have about the media mergers process and the notification form. A pre-notification meeting was held with the legal representatives of INM and Celtic Media on 22 September 2016.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Questions (16)
Thomas Pringle
Question:16. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will expand on the measures announced in budget 2017 in relation to broadband, including an update on the technological solutions emerging through the tender process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32058/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service and will stimulate businesses and communities across villages and towns across Ireland.
The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services have not been fully demonstrated.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network to the over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland.
The procurement process aims to identify an entity or entities to build, rollout, operate and deliver high speed broadband of at least 30 Megabits per second download and 6 Megabits per second upload speeds to all premises within the intervention area. I recently announced that the three bidders in the procurement process have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution for rural Ireland under the National Broadband Plan intervention. Householders and businesses may potentially get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but potentially 1,000 Megabits per second with businesses potentially availing of symmetrical upload and download speeds. This is a solution that will endure for 25 years and beyond and put Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.
€15m has been provided in my Departments Estimates for next year for the for NBP and a further €8m to assist RTÉ in migrating from the 700MHz spectrum band. Freeing up the 700MHz spectrum band will allow the band be used for advanced mobile services and my Department has already established a working group comprising the Department, RTÉ and ComReg, with a view to advancing this project as a matter of priority.
In addition to this allocation, last week I signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to proceed with an auction of spectrum within the 3.6GHz band. This auction will provide an 86% increase in spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless broadband services.
The €15m for the National Broadband Plan is to provide for early stage mobilisation payments that may be required by the winning bidder(s). The Government's Capital Investment Plan includes an initial provision of €275m for the NBP up to 2021. This represents an initial stimulus for the first five years of the NBP intervention, with remaining payments being spread over the full 25 years of the contract. The amounts required by bidders will only be known after bidders provide their initial estimates of cost and subsidy requirements.
The procurement process for NBP is ongoing and it is not appropriate to comment any further at this juncture.
Question No. 17 answered orally.
Waste Disposal Charges
Questions (18)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:18. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the arrangements in place to monitor the agreed price freeze on waste collection charges; if he will provide details of the intensive public awareness, information and promotion campaign that was announced on 21 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28475/16]
View answerWritten answers
As the waste industry began releasing, in June 2016, its proposed prices under the introduction of a mandatory pay-by-weight charging structure, the Government relayed its concern to the industry regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies. On foot of this, my Department engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that results in customers paying no more for the same level of service than they were paying in June 2016, for waste collection over the 12 months to 1 July 2017.
Regulations were signed on 30 June, 2016 to remove the requirement for mandatory pay-by-weight charging for household waste collection. However, it is still open to a company to charge on a pay-by-weight basis. If they are charging the same fee for the same level of service, then this does not run contrary to the agreement. Indeed, many companies already had a pay-by-weight element to their charging structure before the agreement was reached and many of their customers had opted for this approach. The Irish waste industry were directly involved in the discussions which led to the agreement. Any concerns or evidence of a company breaking the agreement can be brought to my attention or to the attention of my Department officials.
My Department, in consultation with the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, had designed a public awareness campaign to coincide with the introduction of a mandatory pay-by-weight charging structure. However, with the removal of mandatory pay-by-weight charging, this campaign was withdrawn. As previously announced, a review of pay-by-weight is to take place prior to the end of the agreement in July 2017. Depending on the outcome of this review, a new publicity campaign will be rolled out as appropriate, which will highlight the importance of waste segregation and reduction in light of our need to reduce our reliance on landfill.
Questions Nos. 19 to 22, inclusive, answered orally.
Mobile Telephony Services
Questions (23)
Brian Stanley
Question:23. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps being taken to improve the quality of mobile telephone coverage here. [32043/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Mobile operators have, however, invested significantly in rolling out improved services, following ComReg's multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage. The rate of demand for data services has however increased by 500% in the last four years and this presents a continuing challenge for mobile operators, regulators and policy makers both in Ireland and internationally.
Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government, a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July, I established the Taskforce, together with Minister Humphreys, which aims to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. The Taskforce has already met 11 times, with a number of helpful initiatives emerging in the areas of planning, local authority engagement, and consumer information and engagement.
The Taskforce involves Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with ComReg and telecoms operators. I anticipate that we will bring a report to Government by end 2016, on foot of its work.
Under the Programme for Government, Minister Humphreys is also establishing two regional action groups to work with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies in helping accelerate the rollout of broadband and mobile services at local level.
In addition, I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 auction of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, to provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services.
I have also secured an €8m provision for RTE in my Department's estimates for 2017 to allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band. ComReg in turn will make plans to auction this spectrum, to provide for significantly enhanced mobile coverage. The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances. I also intend to discuss with ComReg, the possibility of introducing elements within the auction process, which would ensure that blackspots are identified and adequately addressed.
These initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services across Ireland, and particularly in rural Ireland.
In parallel, the National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland, through private investment and a State intervention in areas where commercial investment have not been fully demonstrated.
The procurement process is underway and the three bidders in the process have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution for rural Ireland. Intensive dialogue with bidders is ongoing, with a view to putting in place contract(s) that will deliver the NBP network and put Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (24)
Brian Stanley
Question:24. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to ensure Ireland meets its targets under the Paris agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32045/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Paris Agreement aims to tackle 95% of global emissions through 188 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement via the INDC tabled by the EU on behalf of its Member States which commits to 40% reduction in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The specific details of the contribution to this 40% to be made by each Member State in respect of the non-ETS sector was the subject of a European Commission proposal published on 20 July 2016. The full implications of this proposal from a domestic perspective are currently being examined.
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments including the Paris Agreement, is well understood by Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
The overall outcome of the Paris Agreement means that the long-term objective that Ireland has established in the National Policy Position, and underpinned by the Act, namely to pursue substantial decarbonisation of the energy, transport and built environment sectors, as well as pursuing carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land sector, will now be undertaken within a broader international context.
This means that the more ambitious actions that will be required over time can be taken on the basis of shared experience and co-operation with other States and regions, in the knowledge that all countries will be moving in the same direction, crucial for a small open economy like Ireland's that competes in global markets.
In accordance with Section 4 of the Act, I intend to make a draft of the first statutory National Mitigation Plan available for public consultation by the end of the year followed by submission of a final plan to Government for approval by June 2017.
The ultimate objective of successive five-yearly National Mitigation Plans is to incrementally achieve the low-carbon transition vision, set out in the policy position, by 2050. In that context, the National Mitigation Plan will have regard to Ireland's obligations under the current 2009 Effort Sharing Decision, the Paris Agreement and any likely future EU and international obligations that may arise, including new national targets to be agreed under the 2030 Climate and Energy Package. The first iteration of the National Mitigation Plan, a draft of which will be published for consultation later this year, will place particular focus on tracking implementation of measures already underway, putting in place the necessary measures to address the challenge to 2020 and also on planning ahead to ensure that appropriate policies and measures are in place beyond that.
Air Pollution
Questions (25)
Bríd Smith
Question:25. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the potential health and environmental effects of the misuse or defective use of particulate filters on diesel cars and other vehicles and the fact there currently is no effective testing by the NCT system for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32127/16]
View answerWritten answers
Road transport is a significant source of harmful emissions in Ireland and across Europe. Emissions from transport, including particulate emissions, can have a detrimental impact on environmental ecosystems and on human health. Inhalation of Particulate Matter (PM) can increase respiratory morbidity (including exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma) as well as contributing to cardiovascular disease.
The European Environment Agency report Air Quality in Europe - 2015, estimated that in Ireland alone 1,200 premature deaths could be attributed to PM2.5, the smallest type of particulate matter that can penetrate deepest into the lungs. While transport and diesel engines are not the only source of particulate emissions affecting our health, they are a significant contributor in urban areas. Any practice that exacerbates this situation and the exposure of the population to damaging emissions, including tampering with particulate filters on diesel cars, is of serious concern.
The management and administration of the national NCT is a matter for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. I am, of course, conscious of the links across different policy sectors. With this in mind, my Department is in the process of preparing a paper for consultation on Ireland's first ever national Clean Air Strategy. The strategy will provide a framework for a formal set of cross-Government policies and actions to reduce harmful emissions from all sources, including transport, thereby improving our air quality and public health. I look forward to engaging with Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and his Department through the strategy consultation on any and all practical means of reducing emissions from the transport sector, including any necessary measures to enhance emission abatement checks during the NCT, on-road vehicle testing and the possibility of accessing information in the on-board diagnostic system.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (26)
Mick Wallace
Question:26. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide details of the expected fines Ireland will be subject to if the EU 2020 climate change mitigation targets are not met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31964/16]
View answerWritten answers
For each year between 2013 and 2020, Ireland has a greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. This is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated under the Effort Sharing Decision and one shared only by Denmark and Luxembourg. The 2013 target is based on the average of emissions for the years 2008-2010. The target for each of the years 2014 through 2019 is on a straight-line trajectory between the targets for 2013 and 2020, and surpluses in one year can be used to cover deficits in any subsequent year. The average incidence of these targets is a 12% reduction relative to 2005.
In March 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency published projected emissions for 2020 which indicate that Ireland's emissions at that stage could be in the range of 6-11% below 2005 levels. On a cumulative basis over the period 2013-2020, Ireland is projected to have a deficit of between 3 and 12 Megatonnes Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MtCO2e).
The extent of this challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
In accordance with Section 4 of the Act, and in line with responsibilities assigned to me as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I intend to make a draft National Mitigation Plan available for public consultation by the end of the year followed by submission of a final plan to Government for approval by June 2017. Work is well underway on the development of the National Mitigation Plan, the primary objective of which will be to track implementation of measures already underway and identify additional measures in the longer term to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and progress the overall national low carbon transition agenda to 2050. The first iteration of the National Mitigation Plan will place particular focus on putting the necessary measures in place to address the challenge to 2020 but also in terms of planning ahead to ensure that appropriate policies and measures will be in place beyond that.
The ultimate objective of successive National Mitigation Plans is to incrementally achieve the long-term vision of low carbon transition, set out in the National Policy Position, by 2050. In that context, the National Mitigation Plan will have regard to Ireland's obligations under the current 2009 Effort Sharing Decision, the Paris Agreement and any likely future EU and international obligations that may arise, including new national targets to be agreed under the 2030 climate and energy package.
Notwithstanding the efforts outlined above to address the challenge to comply with the 2020 targets, in the event that a gap to target still exists in 2020, retirement of Annual Emissions Allocations and units from the Kyoto Protocol Flexible Mechanisms carried forward from 2008-2012 can be offset against the deficit. In the event that this would not fully address any potential deficit, further carbon units could be purchased. It is not possible to accurately quantify the cost to purchase notional carbon units at this stage as the cost is dependent on both the quantum and price of carbon units to be purchased at the time.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Questions (27)
Brian Stanley
Question:27. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the procurement process for the national broadband plan will be complete; and the estimated ratio of public to private spending on the project. [32044/16]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan represents a very significant capital investment project for the State and aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network to the over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. Householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but potentially 1,000 Megabits per second with businesses potentially availing of symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Earlier this year, before I came into office, the Department announced that it would be June 2017 before contract(s) were awarded under the NBP. The bidders in the process have recently indicated that they may need more time to conclude the procurement process. The timing of each stage of the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team, and bidders, during the procurement process. Bidders need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at key stages of the process. I do not propose to comment any further at this juncture given the sensitivity of discussions in the procurement process.
I can confirm that the Government's Capital Investment Plan includes an initial provision of €275m for the NBP up to 2021. This represents an initial stimulus for the first five years of the NBP intervention with the remaining payments being spread over the full 25 years of the contract. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the potential ratio of public to private spending on the project while a competitive process is underway.
I can assure the Deputy that the procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years.
National Mitigation Plan
Questions (28)
Bernard Durkan
Question:28. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he proposes to take to ensure adherence to international agreements in respect of carbon reduction while at the same time ensuring the agrifood sector is not negatively impacted; the extent to which he expects carbon-free electricity generation to develop with a view to meeting targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32056/16]
View answerWritten answers
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development and underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
In accordance with Section 4 of the Act, I intend to make a draft National Mitigation Plan available for public consultation by the end of the year followed by submission of a final plan to Government for approval by June 2017. The preparation of the Plan is statutorily designed to be a whole-of-Government approach to tackling greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, each Minister with responsibility for the largest emitting sectors namely, agriculture, transport, electricity and the built environment is required by Government to develop sectoral mitigation measures for inclusion in the Plan.
Development of the National Mitigation Plan is being guided by a long-term vision of low carbon transition as set out in the National Policy Position on Climate Action based on:
- an aggregate reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors; and
- in parallel, an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.
The first iteration of the NMP will focus on tracking implementation of measures already underway, putting in place the necessary measures to address the challenge to 2020 and also to ensure that appropriate policies and measures are in place beyond that. Work on this task is being co-ordinated by the National Mitigation Plan Steering Group, chaired by my Department, and is well underway by all Departments concerned. Departments with responsibility for the four largest emitting sectors are currently developing sectoral mitigation measures in tandem with Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) processes and financial analysis during which measures will be further developed and prioritised.
The ultimate objective of successive five-yearly National Mitigation Plans is to incrementally achieve this low-carbon transition vision by 2050. In that context, the National Mitigation Plan will have regard to Ireland's obligations under the current 2009 Effort Sharing Decision, the Paris Agreement and any likely future EU and international obligations that may arise, including new national targets to be agreed under the 2030 Climate and Energy Package.
The Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, sets out a vision and a framework to guide Irish energy policy and the actions that Government intends to take in the energy sector from now up to 2030, aimed at transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050.
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. A range of support measures designed to meet our binding target has been adopted and although good progress has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. Work is ongoing in my Department to examine the design and cost of introducing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) to encourage the development of Ireland's abundant and indigenous renewable energy resources.
Mobile Telephony Services
Questions (29)
Timmy Dooley
Question:29. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline the programme for Government commitments relating to improving mobile telephone coverage; the timetable for actions in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32064/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. I specifically included in the Programme for Government, a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July, I established the Taskforce, together with Minister Humphreys, which aims to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. The Taskforce has already met 11 times, with a number of helpful initiatives emerging in the areas of planning, Local Authority engagement, and consumer information/engagement.
The Taskforce involves a number of Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with ComReg and operators and I anticipate we will bring a report to Government by end 2016, on foot of its work.
Under the Programme for Government Minister Humphreys is also establishing two regional action groups. Working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies, these groups will help accelerate local level rollout of broadband and mobile services.
These new national and local level structures are designed to address as far as possible immediate issues relating to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage.
In addition, I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 auction of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, to increase spectrum available for mobile, nomadic and fixed wireless broadband services. I have also secured €8m for RTÉ in my Department's 2017 estimates to allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band. These initiatives should significantly enhance the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural Ireland. The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances. I also intend to discuss with ComReg, the possibility of introducing elements within the auction process, which would ensure that blackspots are identified and adequately addressed.
In parallel, the National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high speed services throughout Ireland, through private investment and State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
The procurement process to select a contract(s) to deliver the NBP network has commenced and intensive dialogue with the three bidders is currently underway. Ultimately, this should deliver a solution lasting 25 years and beyond and put Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Questions (30)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:30. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if any of the preferred bidders for the broadband scheme have indicated they are already rolling out high-speed broadband in areas proposed to be covered by the national broadband scheme; if so, if it will require his Department to adjust the areas to be covered; the delay this is likely to cause for the tendering process; the amount of money set aside in each of the next three years under the capital allocation to his Department for the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31833/16]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network to the over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. Householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but potentially 1,000 Megabits per second with businesses potentially availing of symmetrical upload and download speeds.
In 2015, my Department consulted on, and published the process for managing the high speed broadband map. This includes financial, technical and deployment criteria under which industry investment proposals would be assessed. The Department also published the Heads of a Draft Commitment Agreement which would ask operators to enter into a binding commitment with respect to their plans. Several operators submitted plans at that time which were assessed by the Department in accordance with the criteria. To date, no company has satisfied all of the criteria and signed a Commitment Agreement. This process for dealing with the Map is important for citizens and industry. The NBP aims to ensure that all premises, regardless of location, have access to high speed services. In order to achieve this objective, we must ensure that where investment plans for high speed broadband are promised, they materialise in full. As the Department is currently engaged in the procurement process it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any interaction with bidders in the process.
While the Government's Capital Investment Plan includes an initial provision of €275m for the NBP up to 2021, the level of exchequer funding required for the NBP will only be known after bidders provide their estimates of cost and subsidy requirements.
RTE Staff
Questions (31)
Clare Daly
Question:31. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider the adoption of legislation to curtail the practice by the national broadcaster of paying high-earning television and radio presenters through personal service companies rather than as full-time staff, in view of the fact that this practice has been curtailed in other jurisdictions. [31830/16]
View answerWritten answers
RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Section 114 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 states the principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ and Section 98 provides that it shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act. As such I, as Minister, have no function in RTÉ's management of day to day matters including general staff remuneration and contracts. These are purely matters for RTÉ management who in accordance with the company's obligations under Section 105 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, seek to manage their full cost base in a way that ensures the financial sustainability of the company.
There are no proposals to change these legislative provisions.
Public Service Obligation Levy Application
Questions (32)
Joan Collins
Question:32. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to phase out fossil fuel subsidies within the context of just transition; and if he has a timescale in place. [31828/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, sets out a long-term vision to guide Irish energy policy and actions to be taken in the energy sector from now until 2030, in order to transform Ireland into a low carbon society and economy by 2050 and reduce our fossil fuel dependency. The Programme for Government acknowledges that Ireland is too reliant on imported fossil fuels for our energy needs and commits to reducing this import dependency while maintaining energy security, affordability and reducing energy-related emissions.
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) Scheme was designed to reduce our fossil fuel import dependency through the introduction of support for the development of Ireland's indigenous energy industry - including for peat generation, security of supply purposes and renewable energy generation.
The peat element of the PSO was introduced from 2003 to support electricity generation from indigenously sourced fuel.
The White Paper on Energy policy has set out a vision to decarbonise the energy sector in Ireland in the coming decades. This will ultimately involve moving away from higher emission fuel types to lower emissions fuels (such as gas), or zero carbon renewable energy technologies.
This process has already started and is reflected in the fact that the PSO for the Edenderry peat-fired power station expired in December 2015. The Edenderry power station is now in receipt of support for biomass co-firing via REFIT 3 for up to 30% the size of the plant. The PSOs for the West Offaly and Lough Ree peat power stations expire in 2019.
Analysis by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland show that 9.1% of Ireland's overall energy requirements in 2015 were met from renewable sources and that this avoided €286 million of fossil fuel imports.
My Department is currently working on the development of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) that will aim to further stimulate our indigenous renewable energy industry and reduce our overall dependency of imported fossil fuels. This new support scheme for renewable energy is expected to become available in late 2017.
The introduction of measures to reduce Ireland's fossil fuel use and Green House Gas emissions over the long-term needs to strike a balance between meeting our overarching long-term decarbonisation objectives, with the need for low carbon, secure and affordable energy supplies.
Forestry Sector
Questions (33)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has engaged with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the role of forestry in addressing climate change; if he is satisfied there is sufficient coordination between his Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32123/16]
View answerWritten answers
Transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050 is pursued and overseen by Government through a hierarchy of committees and sub groups, with independent advice from the Climate Change Advisory Council. These committees and groups include the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action, the Senior Officials' Group on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action, Technical Research and Modelling Group (TRAM), National Mitigation Plan Steering Group, National Adaptation Steering Group and the Domestic Climate Finance Group.
Interaction between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is on-going on a continuous basis through these fora, as it is with all other relevant Government Departments and Agencies. In this regard I am very satisfied that there is sufficient co-ordination at all the required levels to address the role of forestry in addressing climate change. This is particularly important given the flexibilities that are now proposed, under the 2030 framework, between the proposed Effort Sharing Regulation and the proposal in respect of the Land Use and Land Use Change and Forestry sector, both of which were published on 20th July last.
Specifically in relation to my engagement with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I most recently met with my colleague Minister Creed last week to discuss climate-related matters and our deliberations covered a very comprehensive overview of matters relating to both agriculture and forestry. I fully intend to continue my engagement with Minister Creed and indeed other Cabinet colleagues in ensuring that there is a whole of government approach to how we address climate change.
Brexit Issues
Questions (34)
Brian Stanley
Question:34. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which it is estimated Ireland's gas supply will be affected by Britain's exit from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32041/16]
View answerWritten answers
Until the Corrib gas field came online in late 2015 Ireland was importing around 95% of our natural gas via the two gas interconnectors that supply gas from Scotland to Ireland. While natural gas supplies from Corrib have reduced this import dependency, Ireland will continue to be reliant on natural gas supplies from the UK.
Inter-Governmental Agreements relating to the transmission of natural gas by pipeline between the UK and Ireland for both interconnectors are in place, and there are also Interconnection and Transportation Agreements between UK and Irish Gas Transmission System Operators to ensure the security of gas supply over the gas interconnectors from Scotland to Ireland. These agreements will remain in place after the UK leaves the EU.
There is currently very good cooperation between the UK and Ireland, both at official level between Departments and Regulators, and between network operators on operational matters.
In relation to EU rules and obligations relating to gas, for example rules relating to the Internal Energy Market and gas security of supply, my Department, the Regulator and stakeholders are preparing for the consequences of the UK referendum as they arise, to ensure timely assessment and that the best possible outcomes will be achieved for our citizens and our economy. A key priority for Ireland will be to ensure that the current arrangements between the UK and Ireland continue.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Questions (35)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:35. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made to date with the roll out of the national broadband scheme; the minimum requirement in terms of megabits under the tender; the reason it has not been possible to require all tenders to bid to provide a minimum of one gigabit to each premises; if extra points will be awarded as part of the tendering process to those tenderers who offer higher speeds of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31832/16]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) represents a very significant capital investment project for the State and aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
The Government's updated Intervention Strategy, available on my Department's website at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Ireland's-Broadband-Intervention-Strategy-update.aspx, sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload and which must be future proofed. The development of the intervention strategy followed extensive public consultation and analysis in 2014 and 2015. Additional marks will be awarded for future-proofing of solutions.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network to the over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. Householders and businesses may potentially get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but potentially 1,000 Megabits with businesses potentially availing of symmetrical upload and download speeds.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout 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 rollout 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 rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
I can assure the Deputy that the procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years.
National Mitigation Plan
Questions (36)
Bríd Smith
Question:36. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to ensure Ireland reaches its CO2 emissions targets in all areas including energy production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32128/16]
View answerWritten answers
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by Government, as reflected in our National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 which was enacted in December 2015. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Act.
In accordance with Section 4 of the Act, and in line with responsibilities assigned to me as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I intend to make a draft National Mitigation Plan (NMP) available for public consultation by the end of the year followed by submission of a final plan to Government for approval by June 2017. The preparation of the National Mitigation Plan is statutorily designed to be a whole-of-Government approach to tackling greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, each Minister with responsibility for the largest emitting sectors (namely, agriculture, transport, electricity and the built environment) is required by Government to develop sectoral mitigation measures for inclusion in the Plan.
Development of the NMP is being guided by a long-term vision of low carbon transition as set out in the National Policy Position, based on:
- an aggregate reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors; and
- in parallel, an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.
The ultimate objective of successive five-yearly NMPs is to incrementally achieve this low-carbon transition vision by 2050. In that context, the NMP will have regard to Ireland's obligations under the current 2009 Effort Sharing Decision, the Paris Agreement and any likely future EU and international obligations that may arise, including new national targets to be agreed under the 2030 Climate and Energy Package.
The first iteration of the NMP will place particular focus on tracking implementation of measures already underway, putting in place the necessary measures to address the challenge to 2020 and also on planning ahead to ensure that appropriate policies and measures are in place beyond that. Work on this task is being co-ordinated by the National Mitigation Plan Steering Group, chaired by my Department, and is well underway by all Departments concerned. In particular, Departments with responsibility for the four largest emitting sectors are currently developing sectoral mitigation measures in tandem with Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) processes and financial analysis during which measures will be further developed and prioritised.
As stated earlier, I intend to make a draft NMP available for public consultation before the end of the year so as to ensure the views of all stakeholders are considered in taking Ireland's first NMP forward for approval and implementation.
Climate Change Policy
Questions (37, 39, 41)
Joan Collins
Question:37. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department targeted universities and companies here to sign up to the global divestment movement. [31829/16]
View answerClare Daly
Question:39. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the level of commitment his Department will make to fossil fuel divestment in line with Ireland's commitments to the Paris agreement. [31831/16]
View answerJoan Collins
Question:41. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has reviewed State investment and supports to bring them into line with international climate and sustainable development obligations; and if he has set a timescale to begin mandating the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to divert from fossil fuels, prohibit future investment in the industry and adopt a 100% renewable energy investment policy. [31827/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 39 and 41 together.
The global divestment movement refers to the removal of investment assets, such as bonds and investment funds, from companies associated with the extraction of fossil fuels. The policy of the global divestment movement is to address some of the root causes of climate change in this manner.
In an Irish context, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Finance, holds certain fossil fuel investments inherited from its predecessor, the National Pension Reserve Fund.
I am advised that these investments are in companies based outside Ireland and, as such, are held in ISIF's global portfolio. The global portfolio has been restructured and is being sold over time to fund Irish investment commitments as they arise, in keeping with ISIF's mandate to invest, on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment, in Ireland.
ISIF's total equity holdings in the Energy sector are valued at €11 million (0.14% of ISIF's assets under management). ISIF has also invested in circa. €97 million of short term fixed income investments in energy corporations, representing just over 1% of ISIF's assets.
As part of its on-going commitment to operate to high international standards ISIF has recently published its Sustainability and Responsible Investment Policy which is available online at the Strategic Investment Fund website. The Policy emphasises climate change as part of the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into its investment decision making which is in line with the Government's commitment to make the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and sustainable economy, as reflected in the Climate Change and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and the Paris Agreement.
I understand that many major funds internationally have made significant divestments from fossil fuels such as coal, while other such funds have adopted an approach of engagement with energy companies to establish their strategy and positioning for the transition to a low carbon economy. I am also informed that ISIF, which as I have stated, falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Finance, continually reviews its investment strategy and, in this regard the issues of decarbonisation and Ireland's long term transition towards a low carbon economy are being considered.
My Department has not engaged in targeting specific universities or companies to sign up to the global divestment movement.
Renewable Energy Incentives
Questions (38)
Joan Collins
Question:38. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ban fossil fuels here and immediately decrease domestic dependency on them by increasing investments in and the use of renewable energy alternatives. [31826/16]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 and businesses.
The Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, published in December last, sets out a vision and a framework to guide Irish energy policy and the actions that Government intends to take in the energy sector from now up to 2030, aimed at transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050.
The Government has a range of policy measures and schemes in place to accelerate the development and diversification of renewable energy in Ireland. These include the REFIT schemes which underpin the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies, including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind. Small scale renewable generation is also eligible for support under the REFIT scheme;
Two new renewables support schemes are under development. These are:
- a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) aimed at increasing renewables in the heat sector, and
- a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme aimed at providing support for renewable electricity (RESS).
An initial public consultation was initiated for both schemes in 2015. A further consultation for the RHI is planned before year-end, with the scheme being fully operational in the second half of 2017. A further RESS consultation is due to take place in the first quarter of 2017, with the broad details of the scheme being published later in 2017. Finalisation of these schemes is subject to Government and State aid approval from the European Commission.
In 2015, 9.1% of Ireland's overall energy requirements were met from renewable sources and SEAI has estimated that this avoided €286 million of fossil fuel imports. The introduction of measures to reduce Ireland's fossil use and GHG emissions over the long-term need to strike a balance between meeting our overarching long-term decarbonisation objectives, with the need for low carbon, secure and affordable energy today.
Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 37.