Written Answers Nos. 559-582
559. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications that have been made for the forest road grant scheme in County Limerick in 2016 to date; the number of these that have been approved; the number that have been paid; when those which have not been paid are expected to receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39981/16]
View answerIn 2016, 39 applications were received from County Limerick for grant-aid under the Forest Road Scheme; of these, 29 have been approved. The remaining 10 are in various stages of the application process and a decision will issue on these when that process is complete.
On the payments side, 10 of the applications made in 2016 have received payment, an additional two have payments in progress and a further application from a previous year received payment in 2016. Of the remainder, payment will be processed when applications are received.
560. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has appealed a decision in respect of payment under the young farmers scheme and national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39988/16]
View answerThe person named submitted an application under the 2015 National Reserve ‘Old Young Farmer’ category to my Department. This application was not successful as the person named did not meet the educational criteria required under the terms and conditions of the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme. He was notified of this decision and was offered the opportunity to submit an appeal.
The person named subsequently submitted an appeal. This appeal was considered on the basis of the information provided by the person named and the records held by my Department. The outcome of the appeal was that the original decision was upheld. The person named was notified of this decision in writing and was offered the opportunity of a further appeal to the Basic Payment Scheme Appeals Committee. The person named has submitted this appeal to the Appeals Committee. The Agricultural Appeals Office is currently dealing with this appeal and the person named will be notified in writing of the outcome of his appeal once completed.
561. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in processing young farmers payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40022/16]
View answerThe person named submitted applications under the ‘young farmer’ category of the 2015 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme. He also submitted a 2015 Transfer of Entitlements Allocation Right and Reference Value application. Issues relating to the registration details of the above herd number have caused a delay in processing these applications. These issues have now been resolved, processing has been finalised and payment is due to issue shortly.
562. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40059/16]
View answerAn application in respect of the 2013 Single Farm Payment was received from the person named on 11 May 2016 thus incurring a 100%late penalty. An appeal was submitted and has been reviewed.
It has been decided to waive the late penalty in this case. The application will now be processed on this basis and any payments due will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named as soon as possible.
563. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , in view of the announcement of significant funding for the greyhound industry, if he will provide the attendance figures at greyhound meetings for each of the years 2005 to 2015 and the number of active owners of racing greyhounds here. [40065/16]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established in 1958, under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.
As the information requested is an operational matter for Bord na gCon, the body has been requested to forward the relevant information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Information regarding attendances at race meetings is contained in Bord na gCon's published annual accounts.
564. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to initiate legislation to ban animal circuses here, in view of the fact that other countries are introducing legislation to ban these circuses. [40085/16]
View answerThe conditions under which all species of animals in circuses are kept and managed come under the scope of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which contains rules relating to the welfare of all animals, including wild animals in circuses. Section 25 of the Act provides for the adoption of codes of practice in relation to, inter alia, matters concerning the welfare of animals, and this is being kept under review in the context of use of animals in circuses. My Department continues to engage with stakeholders, including circus groups, animal welfare organisations, in relation to the welfare of wild animals in circuses. According to the information available to my Department, there are in fact very few wild animals currently performing in Irish circuses. I have no plans at this juncture to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
565. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the name and number of Bills in preparation in his Department and published by his Department since May 2016; the stage each Bill is at in the Houses of the Oireachtas; the number of Bills from his Department signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40128/16]
View answerMy Department has not published any Bills during the period in question. In the coming session there are plans to make two amendments to the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 and to introduce the Greyhound Industry Bill in January 2017. Details are outlined in the following table:
|
Name of Bills |
Expected date of Pre-Legislative Scrutiny |
|
Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2016 |
As soon as possible |
|
Draft General Scheme of the Greyhound Industry Bill 2016 |
January 2017 |
566. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the policy considerations that are undertaken by his Department in relation to the application of glyphosate as part of the dessication process; if his Department has had consultations with the Department of Health in relation to its safety from a health perspective and its efficacy; if its use has been reassessed in the context of reports from the WHO, New Zealand, Australia and the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40195/16]
View answerMy Department is the “Competent Authority” responsible for the approval of pesticides (Plant Protection Products & Biocide Products). A cohort of specialists including human toxicologists, environmental toxicologists, chemists, environmental chemists, efficacy experts and biologists enable all necessary decisions to be made without routine consultation with the Department of Health.
The use of products containing Glyphosate as a desiccant is currently restricted to use in oilseed rape. All risk assessments supporting this use, conducted internally or by our EU or international equivalents, support the fact that this use is safe not only from an environmental perspective but also from a human toxicology point of view.
To facilitate continued approval of glyphosate in the EU, an evaluation was performed by Germany and peer reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Member State experts. This review clearly identified the safety profile of glyphosate and considered a recent review conducted by World Health Organisation (WHO). Reviews conducted by the relevant authorities in New Zealand, Australia and the United States derive similar but less conservative conclusions. In addition a further review of glyphosate by the European Chemicals Agency is currently on-going. This review will consider the classification of the active substance and should be available in the later part of 2017.
567. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide all examples of entire units that have been recentralised back to Dublin from within his Department; his Department's rationale for such moves; and if Cabinet approval was sought and given in each case. [40472/16]
View answerNo entire units have been re-centralised back to Dublin within my Department.
568. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of a compensation scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39394/16]
View answerIreland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) under EU Regulation 1100/2007, which included a closure of commercial fishing, was approved by the European Commission in 2009. Ireland's EMP and its conservation measures were reviewed in 2012 and again in 2015 in accordance with the EU Regulation. Both reviews involved an examination of the latest scientific data and the conservation measures, the results of which were the subject of public consultation processes. Based on management advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and having considered all aspects of the 2015 review, the existing conservation measures remain in place up to mid-2018 at which time a further review is required. IFI have been provided funding for 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. This scientific fishery was commenced this year and is expected to continue for three years to increase data and knowledge ahead of further review of eel management measures in 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 status of the stock as being critically endangered".
While I recognise fully the difficulty facing eel fishermen, there is no property right attaching to public eel licences and currently there are no plans to introduce a hardship scheme as outlined by the Deputy, given that the closure of the fishery was applied for conservation reasons under the Fisheries Acts.
569. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the introduction of the pay by weight system for refuse collection, both in Dublin and the remaining counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39409/16]
View answer570. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding households paying for recycling material per kg (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39410/16]
View answer571. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a commitment given at the time of the disputes regarding refuse collection earlier in 2016 by the refuse collection industry that no household would pay more in 2016 than in 2015 is binding; if so, the person or body the companies are answerable to if they are non compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39424/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 569 to 571, inclusive, together.
My Department is currently reviewing, together with the regulatory authorities and industry representatives, the introduction of an incentivised pricing system, such as pay by weight, for household waste collection. The review is due to be completed by July 2017. Incentivised pricing aims to encourage householders to prevent, reduce and segregate their waste and also facilitates the industry in providing householders with a range of options to manage their waste costs. Given that we are undertaking a broader review than was originally envisaged, there is no necessity for companies to now provide for ‘dual billing’ and ‘opt in/ opt out’ arrangements from January 2017 for the “pay per kilogramme” arrangement that had been envisaged in mid-2016.
The charges applied by waste management companies are a matter between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation. However, the waste collection industry in general has indicated that it will not increase regular charges for the 12 months to 1 July 2017 for the same level of service.
In advance of the planned introduction of per kilogramme pay by weight charging last summer, it was indicated that there would be no mandatory per kilogramme charge for mixed dry recyclate, effectively maintaining the status quo in terms of how collectors charge for this type of material.
572. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding waste facilities that continue to receive and process commercial waste after their licence has expired. [39436/16]
View answer573. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on and the position taken with regard to commercial waste being accepted and processed in a facility that An Bord Pleanála has adjudicated does not have the benefit of planning permission and requires an environmental impact assessment. [39440/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 573 together.
The treatment and management of waste material is subject to a registration and permitting system by local authorities or licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as appropriate, and governed by the Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 or the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004, as appropriate. Environmental standards in relation to the collection of waste, and their enforcement, are the responsibility of local authorities and are governed by the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007.
The primary purpose of the registration, permitting, and licensing system is to facilitate appropriate controls on waste facilities and activities so as to ensure good and consistent waste management practice and the implementation of high standards of environmental protection.
Enforcement of conditions attaching to waste collection permits, certificates of registration, waste facility permits or waste licences are matters for the relevant local authority or the EPA as appropriate. Under section 60(3) of the 1996 Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by a local authority or the EPA of their statutory functions under the Act.
574. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total photography costs for his Department per annum since March 2011 inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39466/16]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the engagement of photography service providers by my Department operates within the parameters of value for money. Where possible, every effort is made to minimise costs. The policy of selection and contracting of photography services for the Department is carried out as part of competitive procurement processes in line with Office of Government Procurement guidelines. The following table sets out the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment photography costs in relation to media services since March 2011:
Photography Costs – Department of Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment March 2011 – to-date
|
Company |
Event Date |
Event |
Cost € |
|
Maxwell Photography |
13/06/2011 |
Government convenes Next Generation Broadband Taskforce |
340.92 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
27/07/2011 |
Age Action Silver Surfer Launch (pre shoot) |
274.97 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
23/09/2011 |
Minister Rabbitte stock photos available for widespread media use |
409.58 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
24/10/2011 |
Minister Rabbitte welcomes EU Commission Telecoms specialists to Dublin |
552.67 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
(1) 27/11/11 |
Publication of the Government’s Affordable Energy Strategy |
|
|
(2) 16/11/11 |
Launch of Irish Anti Botnet Website (anti cyber crime initiative) |
1,052.70 |
|
|
2011 Total |
2630.84 |
||
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
10/01/2012 |
Launch of Community Outreach Campaign - Digital TV Switchover |
492 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
13/01/2012 |
Launch of the SMS 112 emergency service |
492 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
06/02/2012 |
Nationwide rollout of high speed broadband to second level schools |
492 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
01/03/2012 |
Minister Rabbitte welcomes 23 Digital Outreach Champions |
492 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
02/05/2012 |
Next Generation Broadband Taskforce launch |
485.85 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
28/05/2012 |
Launch of the Renewable Energy Strategy Report |
492 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
22/08/2012 |
Third Central & North Atlantic Conjugate Margins Conference |
492 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
30/08/2012 |
Launch of the National Broadband Plan |
492 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
15/10/2012 |
Minister Rabbitte visits Kippure TV mast for Digital Switchover with media |
492 |
|
Phocus |
08/11/2012 |
Minister Rabbitte inspects high speed broadband in St. Colman’s School |
359.78 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
17/12/2012 |
Announcement of Ireland’s Digital Champion |
492 |
|
2012 Total |
5273.63 |
||
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
24/01/2013 |
Signing of Energy MoU with Britain |
492 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
28/02/2013 |
Launch of National Energy Efficiency Action Plan |
499.38 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
05/03/2013 |
Announcement of phase II of Schools Broadband in Warrenmount School |
361.62 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
11/07/2013 |
Launch of the National Digital Strategy |
327.18 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
26/11/2013 |
Appointment of the New Chairman and Commissioners in Comreg |
137.76 |
|
2013 Total |
1817.94 |
||
|
Maxwell Photography |
12/05/2014 |
Launch of Energy Green Paper |
327.18 |
|
Hany Marzouk (freelance photographer) |
25/04/2014 |
Announcement of National Broadband Plan state intervention |
273 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
11/06/2014 |
Launch of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme with Local Enterprise Offices |
309.96 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
24/06/2014 |
Launch of the report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group |
309.96 |
|
JMAC Photography |
26/06/2014 |
100,000th participant receiving digital training under BenefIT scheme – Arranmore Island |
227 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
22/12/2014 |
National Digital Strategy Award of Grants to Benefit IIII projects |
499.38 |
|
Fennell Photography |
26/06/2014 |
National Digital Strategy Showcase, Dublin Castle |
411.50 |
|
2014 Total |
2357.98 |
||
|
Photography Costs – 1 January 2015 – 3rd December 2015 |
|||
|
Maxwell Photography |
02/02/2015 |
Post Office Network Business Development Group – press event at Rathangan Post Office |
533.82 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
01/07/2015 |
National Broadband Plan |
447.72 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
15/07/2015 |
1000th Trading Online Voucher |
551.04 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
16/12/2015 |
Launch of Energy White paper |
430.50 |
|
2015 Total |
1963.08 |
||
|
Photography Costs – 1 January 2016 – 31st July 2016 |
|||
|
Maxwell Photography |
18/1/2016 |
Post office Network group |
585.48 |
|
Maxwell photography |
25/05/2016 |
Hodson Bay Hotel Athlone |
717.92 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
31/05/2016 |
Digital Economy Report |
602.70 |
|
2016 Total |
1906.10 |
||
|
Total 2011-2016 |
15,949.57 |
||
575. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 per annum, in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [39482/16]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 800 of 19 July 2016 relating to this matter which gives details of reports commissioned between March 2011 and July 2016. The additional information required in relation to reports commissioned since then is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
My Department administers a very diverse, complex and technical brief across critical and strategic sectors of the Irish economy. While it has a total complement of around 250 full-time equivalent staff of whom a number are technical personnel, the technical, commercial, legal complexity and evolving nature of sectors with which the Department deals requires access to external professional expertise to assist in discharging its functions. In procuring these specialised services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and that these services contribute to project delivery and informed, robust and evidence based policy making.
The bulk of the studies are technical and specialist in nature and were necessary to address specific issues as they arose and enable the Department to discharge its policy and project responsibilities in the areas concerned.
For completeness details of external consultant reports commissioned by my Department since March 2011 are set out in the table.
Details of the external reports commissioned by my Department
|
Consultancy Name |
Title |
Cost to date |
Date of Commission |
Date or expected date of publication |
|
Environ UK Limited |
Corrib gasfield project – monitoring compliance with the Conditions of the Department’s Letter of Consent dated 25 February 2011 |
€924,111.81* |
June 2011 |
Report published on the Department’s website Dec 2015. |
|
Dr Michael Johnson |
Silvermines Vegetation Study |
€5,848 |
August 2011 |
This Report will not be published until completion of land purchase. |
|
Camp Dresser McKee CDM |
Sampling of Gortmore and Silvermines Vegetation |
€13,890 |
July 2011 |
This Report will not be published until completion of land purchase. |
|
Purvin & Gertz |
Strategic Case for Oil Refining requirements |
€193,997 |
August 2011 |
July 2013 |
|
PA Consulting Group |
National Digital Research Centre |
€29,040 |
July 2011 |
Published on the Department website. |
|
OHH Energy Ltd |
Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line |
€41,120 |
July 2011 |
17/1/2012 |
|
Elimark |
Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line |
€38,786 |
July 2011 |
17/1/2012 |
|
2B Energy |
Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line |
€32,284 |
July 2011 |
17/1/2012 |
|
SLR Consulting |
Core Library Holdings Review |
€39,688 |
Sept 2011 – Dec 2011 |
Jan 2012 |
|
Jenny Deakin |
Preparation for the Graigue Group Water Scheme Report |
€1,750 |
April 2011 – Sept 2011 |
Sept 2011 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Economic/Socio-Economic Analysis of options for rollout of next generation broadband |
€28,167 |
May 2012 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive and may impact on Government procurement in Broadband provision. |
|
Analysys Mason |
Analysis of options for potential State intervention in the rollout of next generation broadband |
€30,522 |
May 2012 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive and may impact on Government procurement in Broadband provision. |
|
Thornton’s Chartered Surveyors |
Provision of land valuation and negotiation services |
€3,690 |
July 2012 |
This Report will not be published until completion of land purchase. |
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Assessment of Economic Contribution of Mineral Exploration and Mining in Ireland |
€53,690 |
October 2012 |
Published September 2013. |
|
Indecon (Ireland) |
Provision of a Macro-Economic Research Exercise under the National Digital Strategy to Determine the Value of Internet/Digital to the Irish Economy |
€72,474 |
November 2012 |
Published July 2013. |
|
CDM Smith Ireland Limited |
Environmental Monitoring at former mining areas of Silvermines, Co. Tipperary and Avoca, Co. Wicklow |
€575,670 |
December 2012 |
On completion of scheduled reports. |
|
AMEC Earth & Environmental (UK) Ltd |
Expert Services to Monitor Mining Activities and Compliance with terms of State Mining Leases/Licences. |
€140,621 |
December 2012 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
Wardell Armstrong LLP |
Provision of Expert Services for Mine Inspection, Environmental Advice and Compliance with terms of State Mining Leases/Licences. |
€18,268 |
May 2016 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
Pricewaterhouse Coopers Ltd |
Scheduled review of INFOMAR Project |
€59,505 |
Dec 2012 – May 2013 |
Published September 2013. |
|
BEC consultants |
Assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements accompanying applications for (1) a 2D regional seismic survey and (2) an offshore exploration well (Dunquin) (2 reports received) |
€11,211 |
February 2013 |
Reports published on the Department’s website. |
|
Det Norske Veritas |
Expert technical advice to the Department in connection with offshore drilling |
€52,088 |
March 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive. |
|
Neary Marketing & Communications |
Review of Irish Geoscience Sector |
€10,000 |
March 2013 – June 2013 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
BEC consultants |
Assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements accompanying applications for geophysical surveys including 2D/3D offshore Seismic Surveys and exploration drilling applications (six reports completed in 2013) |
€18,266 (€3,044 fee payable for each report received) |
April 2013 |
Reports published on the Department’s website. |
|
Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd |
Market analysis of backhaul infrastructure in Mayo and Galway |
€10,500 |
May 2013 |
Published June 2013. |
|
Selgovia Limited |
Offshore exploration well technical assessment |
€4,429 |
July 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive. |
|
Doyle Kent Planning Partnership Ltd. |
To provide draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report for the Renewable Energy Policy and Development Framework |
€95,940 |
September 2013 |
This report has not been published but is expected to be published shortly. |
|
Environ UK Ltd |
Establishment of an Administrative Framework for the Conduct of an Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment |
€23,247 |
November 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive. |
|
Environ UK Ltd |
Establishment of an Administrative Framework for the Acquisition of Baseline Information on Marine Species |
€21,973 |
November 2013 |
Not published. Commercially sensitive. |
|
AECOM Ltd. |
Economics and Financial Consultancy |
€52,988 |
November 2013 |
This Report will not be published as it remains confidential. |
|
Indecon (Ireland) |
Economic Analysis of the Advertising Market in Ireland |
€71,438 |
December 2013 |
Report published on the Department’s website. |
|
BEC consultants |
Assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements accompanying applications for geophysical surveys including 2D/3D offshore Seismic Surveys and exploration drilling applications (five reports completed to date in 2014). |
€66,124 (€3,653 fee payable for each report received) |
February 2014 |
Reports published on the Department’s website. |
|
Wood Mackenzie |
Review of Ireland’s Oil and Gas Fiscal System |
€212,873 |
12/3/2014 |
Published June 2014 |
|
Neary Marketing & Communications |
Review of Geoscience Ireland Business Cluster |
€5,000 |
March 2014 – July 2014 |
This Report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
PA Consulting |
Post Project Evaluation of the Tellus Border project |
€24,750 |
March 2014-July 2014 |
Published July 2014 |
|
Perspective Associates Ltd |
The provision of independent expert advice relating to the identification of an appropriate framework for determining whether a compilation of programme material offered by a contractor under s. 71 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 has the ‘character of a public service’. |
€5,000 |
18/07/2014 |
Report published on the Department’s website |
|
Environ UK Ltd |
Assistance with the Production of the Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA) 5 |
€218,399.51 |
October 2014 |
Report published on the Department’s website Sep 2015 |
|
KN Network Services |
To provide a due diligence assessment on the current status of the Galway-Mayo telecoms duct. |
€62,500 |
2014 |
The report will not be published, it will be used to assist with the appointment of a Management Services Entity for the duct. |
|
Gemserv |
To provide a privacy impact assessment for the National Postcode System. |
€59,340 |
August 2014 |
The report is published and available on the Departments website. |
|
Ricardo - AEA |
REFIT 3 Review |
€4,500 (excl VAT) |
2014 |
This document remains part of the deliberative process and contains commercially sensitive information. |
|
Doyle Kent Planning Partnership Ltd. |
Assistance with the screening of the National Broadband Intervention Strategy for Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. |
€4,500 |
25/08/2014 |
This report will be published on completion of the consideration of the SEA/AA assessments. |
|
RPS Group Limited |
To undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment / Appropriate Assessment on the Draft Bioenergy Plan |
€54,930 (ex VAT) |
September 2015 |
March 2016 |
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Review of Designated Events of Major Importance to Society under the Broadcasting Act 2009. |
€82,719 |
23 October 2015 |
The report will not be published, it is used to assist in the review of designated events. |
|
Tekenable |
Provision of TV Licence Database and System Review. |
€36,017.48 |
29 October 2015 |
This report is commercially sensitive and confidential, and will not be published. |
|
Compass Informatics, |
Scoping Study for a National Geological Data Centre |
€29,625 excluding VAT |
October 2015 |
December 2015 |
|
Ramboll Environ UK |
Corrib Pipeline Consent environmental consultancy services for gap analysis for Corrib pipeline consent to operate |
€85,634 |
August 2015 |
Report published on the Department’s website December 2015. |
|
BEC consultants |
Assistance with statutory assessment of Environmental Statements and Natura Impact Statements accompanying applications for geophysical surveys including 2/3D offshore seismic survey and exploration drilling applications. |
€21,918.60 (€3,653 fee payable for each report received. |
April 2016 |
Reports published on the Department’s website. |
|
Norcontel |
Financial advice relating to the concessionaire model for the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANS) |
€22,950 (exclusive of VAT) |
30 March 2016 |
This report is commercially sensitive and confidential, and will not be published. |
|
Indecon |
Assessment of the Macro-Economic Impact of Internet/Digital on the Irish Economy |
€74,070 (exclusive of VAT) |
30 November 2015 |
Published on the Department’s website on 31 May 2016. |
|
Eamon Halpin & Co. Ltd |
Valuation Report and advice on Waterford & Dungarvan MAN Networks |
€5,000 (exclusive of VAT) |
25 November 2015 |
This report forms part of an ongoing legal process and will not be published. |
|
Element Energy |
Provision of consultancy services to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) for an economic analysis of the Renewable Heat Incentive for Ireland |
€105,500 |
17 May 2016 |
This report will not be published as it is commercially sensitive. |
|
SLR Environmental Consulting Ireland |
Expert Consultancy Services to provide environmental guidance documentation in respect of mineral exploration activities |
€23,616 |
10th October 2016 |
Ongoing |
|
Crowleys DFK |
Review of the Tax Implications of the Formation of the Digital Hub company |
€12,000 (exclusive of VAT) |
31 July 2015 |
This report is commercially sensitive and will not be published. |
|
Indecon |
Review the Impact of Opt-Out Advertising on the Irish Broadcasting Sector |
€22,723.33 (exclusive of VAT) |
11th October 2016 |
Ongoing |
*These costs are recouped from the Operator of the Corrib gasfield project.
576. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department per annum since March 2011, in tabular form; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39498/16]
View answerMy Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy, public broadcasting and the environment, and regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on public relations from time to time.
In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary.
The information which the Deputy requested is outlined in the following table:
|
Company |
The year in which the companies services were procured |
Purpose of Consultancy |
|||||
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
||
|
Morrow Communications Ltd |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Provision of services in relation to outreach in rural communities with respect to low flying geophysical survey and soil geochemical survey. |
|
Murray Consultants |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Media Services to the Department. |
|
McConnells Advertising Agency |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Public information campaign on the Digital Switchover moving from analogue TV to Digital TV. |
|
Communications Consultants Ireland |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Management of two Public Information Meetings on new Inland Fisheries Legislation
|
577. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding mobile phone coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39532/16]
View answerThe management of radio spectrum is a statutory function of the independent regulator of the telecommunications sector, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Licences issued by ComReg impose terms and conditions on mobile network operators – including minimum population coverage obligations. ComReg monitors compliance in this regard by means of biannual drive tests.
I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Any customer, including those in County Kerry, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.
Mobile operators have 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 Terms of Reference of the Taskforce state that it will identify and recommend practical actions that can be taken to improve mobile reception and broadband access. The Taskforce has already met approximately twenty 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 later this month, on foot of its work. This report will set out specific timelines for the delivery of the recommendations and actions, including a key role for Local Authorities in supporting the rollout of telecoms infrastructure.
Under the Programme for Government, Minister Humphreys has also established 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 allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services.
In my Department's estimates for 2017 I have secured an €8m provision for RTÉ to allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band. ComReg in turn will make plans to allocate 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.
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 broadband 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.
578. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding television reception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39533/16]
View answerRTÉ is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of the SAORVIEW digital terrestrial television (DTT) network and I, as Minister, have no function in this matter. The Broadcasting Act 2009 requires RTÉ to provide digital coverage to the same extent as provided over the previous analogue network, i.e. 98% population coverage, and I am advised by RTÉ that this level of coverage is being provided by the SAORVIEW TV network.
For the remaining 2% of the population, RTÉ launched SAORSAT in March 2012. The development and provision of SAORSAT, which is a “free to air” satellite system providing access to the RTÉ channels and TG4, was undertaken by RTÉ on its own initiative and, as in the case of the SAORVIEW DTT network, is not a matter in which I have a function.
Ireland is not the only country to have introduced a national TV network on both a terrestrial and satellite platform. Many countries, including the UK, have developed their digital networks on both the traditional terrestrial platform and also over satellite. The reason for this is simple. It is technically and financially impossible to provide 100% coverage using a terrestrial TV platform. However, through SAORVIEW and SAORSAT, Ireland now has 100% “free to air” coverage of the RTÉ channels and TG4.
I would advise the Deputy that any signal reception issues should be directed to 2rn in the first place. 2rn can be contacted at 2rntech@2rn.ie or at (01) 2082175.
Officials from my Department contacted 2rn on this individual’s behalf, who in turn made contact to discuss the reception issues. She was advised that she would need to hire a competent local installer to fix any issue.
579. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when high speed broadband will be fully operational throughout Thomastown, Enfield, County Meath with particular reference to the needs of local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39542/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the extent of the State Intervention area:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
My Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises, approximately 31,000 premises of which are in Co. Meath, covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland.
The area referred to by the Deputy falls within the AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State intervention procurement process.
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 can expect speeds of at least 30 megabits per second and potentially much higher with businesses potentially availing of symmetrical upload and download speeds.
The timeframe for 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. In addition, bidders need adequate time to get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at key stages of the process. It is also important to ensure that risks in this multi-million euro procurement are carefully managed. I do not propose to comment any further on timelines at this juncture, given that discussions are on-going in the procurement process. I can assure the Deputy, however, 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. The Government considers the NBP to be one of the most significant investments in rural Ireland for decades, and one which will transform society, akin to rural electrification in the last century.
During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. 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.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In a further positive initiative, last July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with my colleague Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. I expect the Taskforce to report by end 2016.
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 €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country, including County Meath.
580. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has used any private unsecured e-mail accounts for official business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39580/16]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that I use both my Department and Oireachtas email accounts for work purposes. I do not use an unsecured account to receive or send official business emails.
581. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to have in place broadband in all parts of the State as part of the national broadband plan by the year 2023 in view of the fact Ireland may be in the position of hosting the Rugby World Cup (details supplied) in that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39614/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested c. €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of telecoms services.
It is estimated that up to 70% or c. 1.6 m premises in Ireland will have access to commercial high speed broadband services provided by telecommunications operators, while the remaining 30% consisting of just over 750,000 premises will fall within the proposed State led intervention under the National Broadband Plan. Currently approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can access high speed broadband from commercial service providers.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the extent of the State Intervention area:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
My Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises, 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. 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. In addition, bidders need adequate time to get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at key stages of the process. It is also important to ensure that risks in this multi-million euro procurement are carefully managed. I do not propose to comment any further on timelines at this juncture, given that discussions are on-going in the procurement process. I can assure the Deputy, however, 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. The Government considers the NBP to be one of the most significant investments in rural Ireland for decades, and one which will transform society, akin to rural electrification in the last century.
During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. 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.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In a further positive initiative, last July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. I expect to publish the report of the Taskforce in the coming weeks.
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 €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
These initiatives should assist in significantly improving the quality of broadband and mobile phone services across Ireland, putting Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity, and directly benefitting major sporting events such as that referred to by the Deputy.
582. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the proposed outsourcing of children’s programming from RTÉ to private production companies; his views on this decision and the manner in which it was presented to staff members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39711/16]
View answerRTÉ 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.
While it remains subject to discussion with the RTÉ Trade Union Group, RTÉ’s recent announcement that it intends to commission its young people’s programmes from the independent sector is solely a matter for the Board and management of RTÉ and, as such, it is not one that I, as Minister, have a role.
