Written Answers Nos. 464-485
464. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011. [40897/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. Some of the reports outlined are mandatory in the context of EU obligations.
2011: March- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Costs € |
|
University College Dublin |
Evaluation of the EU School Fruit Scheme/Food Dude Programme in Ireland 2011 - Commission Regulation 288 of 2009 |
10 January 2012 |
4,500 |
|
University College Dublin |
EU School Fruit Scheme/Food Dude Programme in Ireland – A review of evaluations completed to date - Commission Regulation 288 of 2009 |
6 February 2012 |
6,388 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2010 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2010 Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2010 |
May 2011 January 2012 Sept 2011 |
12,792 |
|
Rockwell Automation |
Hazard and Operability Study |
13 December 2011 |
3,740 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
Interm Evaluation, of 2007-2013 SDP |
3 June 2011 |
39,325 |
|
Brendan Riordan, Research Economist |
The Net Contribution of the Agri-Food Sector to the Inflow of Funds into Ireland: a New Estimate |
23 July 2012 |
6,000 |
|
Accenture |
An analysis of an internal review of procurement. |
Not for external publication. |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Accenture |
An examination of the opportunities and capacity for further shared services between the Department and its non-commercial state agencies. |
Not for external publication. |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Accenture |
A review of the Department’s role in regulating meat plants |
Not for external publication. |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
KPMG |
An examination of the administration of the Single Payment Scheme. |
13 October 2011 |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Fitzmaurice Tingle Ltd. |
Refrigeration Consultancy on 6 Fishery Harbour Centre Sites |
Not for external Publication |
3,505 |
|
Brian Scott |
Port Security Assessment- Castleownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external Publication |
4,680 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
To examine recommendations of the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities as applicable to this Department to value the assets referred to and to make a series of recommendations. For internal Departmental information |
Not for external publication |
Work done on a pro-bono basis |
|
Michael Dowling |
Beef 2020 Activation Group: Growing the Beef Sector |
June 2011 – for input into FH 2020 Committee |
10,000 |
|
Stiofan Nutty |
Report on the Development of Ireland’s Organic Industry and an Organic and an Irish Organic Trade Board. |
For internal Departmental information Not for external publication |
29,040 |
|
Briggs Environmental Services |
Oil Spill Contingency Plans |
Not for external Publication |
4,424 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – Annual Accounts Certification. Required by EU Legislation. |
Not for external publication. |
509,830 |
2012: January- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Costs € |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2011 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2011 Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2011) |
May 2012, 3 July 2012 Sept 2012 |
12,792 |
|
Irish Equine Centre |
Demographic study on the unwanted horse population in Ireland |
March 2012 |
10,000 |
|
Indecon |
Review of certain aspects of the Irish Horse Racing Industry |
20 July 2012 |
59,225 |
|
CMG Crime Management Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Plan- Castleownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external Publication |
3,198 |
|
Philip Farrelly & Co. Ltd |
Food Harvest 2020 – Environmental Analysis Report |
January 2014 |
229,610 |
|
Team BDS |
Lean Review of the Meat Inspection Service |
The report has not been formally published but has been issued to stakeholders in final draft version. |
98,597 |
|
Compass Informatics Ltd |
Independent specialist review of all Geographical Information based computer systems in the Department, carried out as part of the effective and efficient administration of the Department’s EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) based payment schemes. |
Not for external publication. |
16,254 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – Annual Accounts Certification. Requirement of EU Legislation. |
Not for external publication |
514,169 |
2013: January- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Costs € |
|
Norfolk Marine |
Survey works report to Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external Publication |
10,828 |
|
Brian Scott |
Port Facility Review, Killybegs |
Not for external Publication |
1,200 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2012 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2012 Market Report for Ireland for the UNECE Timber Committee 2012) |
May 2013 July 2013 October 2013 |
11,400 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants |
Ex Ante Evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of the 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Programme |
July 2015 |
48,401 |
|
Judith A Annett Countryside Consultancy |
Irish Deer Management Policy Vision |
Not for external publication |
2,500 |
|
Forest Solutions |
NPV and IRR analysis for New afforestation scheme |
Not for external publication |
1,968 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Annual Accounts Certification. Requirement of EU legislation |
Not for external publication |
468,277 |
2014: January- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or expected Date of Publication |
Cost |
|
Indecon |
Review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon |
7 July 2014 |
60,885 |
|
Deloitte |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine -Annual Accounts Certification as required by EU legislation |
Not for external publication |
452,699 |
|
RSM McClure Watters |
Ex Ante Evaluation, SEA and AA of Seafood Development Programme 2014-2020 |
24 June 2015 |
64,083 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes. |
Not for external publication. |
18,382 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2013 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2013 Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2013 |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire- completed May 2014 and submitted to the EUROSTAT/FAO Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2013- published as part of COFORD Woodflow 2013 in July 2014 UNECE report - was completed September/October 2014 for submission to the UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest industry. |
11,780 |
|
RSM McClure Watters (Consulting) |
Ex Ante Evaluation Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of 2014-2020 Forestry |
Published in 2014 as part of the consultative process on the new Forestry programme |
97,508 |
|
Forest Solutions |
NPV and IRR analysis for new forestry for Fibre scheme |
Was not specifically published but formed part of the deliberative and consultative process on the new Forestry programme |
2,214 |
|
Forest Solutions |
Cost Benefit Analysis- Forest Roads Programme 2014-2020 |
Was not specifically published but formed part of the deliberative and consultative process on the new Forestry programme |
2,952 |
|
Freshwater Bivalve Investigations Freshwater Bivalve Investigations |
Site Assessment of the River Lickey Site Assessment of the River Lickey |
Not for external publication Not for external publication |
5,040 2,769 |
|
Occupational Physiotherapy Solutions |
To conduct an ergonomic assessment of tasks in Cork Blood Testing Laboratory. Internal use only. |
Not for external publication |
1,347 |
|
Crime Management Services Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Assessment: Castletownbere FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,735 |
|
Crime Management Services Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Assessment: Killybegs FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,735 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
RDP 2014-2020 Ex Ante. Evaluation Strategic Environmental Assessment & Appropriate Assessment |
June 2014 |
48,401 |
2015: January- December
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or expected Date of Publication |
Cost € |
|
Philip Farrelly & Co |
Agri-Food Strategy 2025. Environmental Analysis Report (Provisional Title) |
December2015 |
89,790 |
|
Deloitte |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine -Annual Accounts Certification as required by EU legislation |
Not for external publication |
137,111 |
|
BDO |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine -Annual Accounts Certification. |
Not for publication. Report is a requirement of EU Legislation. |
381,743 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes |
Not for external publication. |
16,279 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
RDP 2014-2020 Ex Ante. Evaluation Strategic Environmental Assessment & Appropriate Assessment |
July 2015 |
50,130 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2014 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2014 Market Report for Ireland for the Timber Committee 2013 |
May 2015 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2014- published as part of COFORD Woodflow note. Sept/Oct 2015 |
12,398 |
|
Bearing Point |
Technical code review of the Animal Health and Welfare System |
Q1 2016 Not for external publication. |
126,198 |
|
Deloitte |
Technical code review of the Integrated Fisheries System |
Q1 2016 Not for external publication. |
79,827 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes |
Not for external publication. |
35,611 |
|
Captain Alan Coghlan |
Draft Report on the use of Tugs and Associated Pilotage at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for external publication |
4,800 |
|
CMG Crime Management Ltd |
ISPS Port Security Plan: Killybegs FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,245 |
|
CMG Crime Management Ltd |
Port Security Plan: Killybegs FHC |
Not for external Publication |
4,362 |
|
Martin Heraghty |
Confidential Report to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Commercial Mushroom Producers (CMP) participation as a Producer Organisation in the Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisation Scheme |
Not for external Publication |
2,000 |
|
Dr. Claire Sansford, Independent Plant Health Consultant, York, UK. |
Revised assessment of the risk of spread of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus on untreated wood of ash (Fraxinus spp., particularly Fraxinus excelsior). |
4 September 2015 Published on the DAFM website in January 2016 |
18,691 |
|
McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan |
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) of Freshwater Pearl Mussel Plan for Ireland |
27 May 2016 |
54,710 |
|
Smith Carter |
Structural Report on Amelioration Works |
Commissioned in December 2015. Not for Publication |
27,060 |
|
Presidion |
Aim Calf Survival Herd of Origin Deliverables Report |
Commissioned in December 2015. Not for Publication |
4,500 |
|
Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions Ltd |
Longford Slope Stability Appraisal |
Not for external Publication |
29,446 |
|
Clare Mulligan Consulting |
DAFM Culture and Gender Review |
Not for external Publication |
18,000 |
2016: January - To Date
|
Company |
Title of Report |
Date or expected Date of Publication |
Cost € |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes |
Not for external publication |
12,694 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent web application testing |
Not for external publication |
4,133 |
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Ex-Post Evaluation of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme |
November 2016 |
146,997 |
|
University College Dublin |
Evaluation of the Food Dudes Healthy Eating Programme (implementing EU School Fruit & Vegetables Scheme) |
January 2017 |
84,235 |
|
BDO |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine -Annual Accounts Certification. |
Not for publication. Report is a requirement of EU Legislation. |
338,555 |
|
PEFC (Ireland) Ltd (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) |
Pilot Project on Group Certification |
July 2016 |
2,500 |
|
Henry Philips |
Roundwood Production Forecast 2016-2035 Assessment of the impact of forest felling age on overall financial return to forest owners |
On web Q1 2016 Print Q3 2016 Commissioned March 2016 Completion Q4 |
12,000 46,800 |
|
Drima Marketing Ltd |
Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JSFO) 2015 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2015 Market Report for Ireland for the UNECE Timber Committee |
May 2016 Joint Wood Energy Enquiry (JWEE) 2015- published as part of COFORD Woodflow note. Expected date of publication July 2016. October 2016 |
14,071 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes |
Not for external publication |
6,790 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent web application testing |
Not for external publication |
1,181 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures and security review of the Department’s infrastructure. Required for EU accreditation purposes |
Not for external publication |
6,790 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Independent web application testing |
Not for external publication |
2,362 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd |
Application Security Testing 2015/16 |
Not for external publication |
1,181 |
|
Hydro-Environmental Services, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford |
Hydrological review and recommendations regarding felling licence consent conditions for water quality protection for 5 no. Forestry sites in Co. Kerry |
Jan/Feb2017 |
13,161 |
|
FERS Ltd |
Assessment and update of species and related trials on industrial cutaway peatlands with a view to afforestation |
July 2017 |
67,748 |
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Ex Ante Assessment for the use of Financial Instruments within Ireland’s European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development & European Maritime & Fisheries Fund Operational Programmes |
December 2016 |
71,826 |
|
McCutcheon Halley Walsh Chartered Planning Consultants |
Planning report on property at the pier, Dunmore East Harbour. |
Not for external publication |
9,391 |
|
ADAS UK LTD |
An Evaluation of the Green Low –Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) |
Final Report 2021 |
212,371 |
465. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce new measures to assist the mushroom sector due to the particular difficulties that have arisen for that sector since June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40938/16]
View answerI am keenly aware of the challenges that the mushroom sector is experiencing in the aftermath of the UK Referendum decision to exit the EU, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in currency. I am focused on working with the industry to meet these difficulties in the months and years ahead. I have also established in my own Department a dedicated unit to consider the direct impact of Brexit on our industry. Although it is still a serious situation, there has been a modest reversal in the decreasing Sterling exchange rate in the last two weeks, with Sterling now holding at around 84p to the Euro.
Budget 2017 underpins my Department’s efforts through strategic investment in key areas, such as in its agencies and in the agrifood sector. As part of Budget 2017 I have secured an additional €700,000 in funding for capital investments in the Commercial Horticulture sector. This will increase the budget for this scheme to €5 million in 2017. In addition, the Horticulture sector will have access to the €150 million low interest cash flow support loan fund announced in Budget 2017, providing access to highly flexible loans for up to six years, for amounts up to €150,000, at an interest rate of 2.95%.
My Department, along with the various State agencies, in particular Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland, is working closely with the industry to provide the necessary support and assistance. Bord Bia is actively supporting the sector in the areas of Market Intelligence, UK consumer research and Quality Assurance. They recently held a currency and negotiation workshop specifically targeted at the sector which I understand was very well received by the mushroom industry. In recent weeks, the CEO of Bord Bia and I have held a series of meetings with senior executives from the UK retailers, to highlight the obstacles that our producers are facing. I understand that in recent weeks, representatives of mushroom growers have met with a more positive reaction from their UK Multiple customers to their need for fair and reasonable returns for their produce from the marketplace.
Funding for a pilot programme on LEAN processes has been provided through Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. The programme is commencing with 6 mushroom growers to assess efficiency across all aspects of the business, including supply chain, innovation, marketing and logistics. It is hoped that a template could be developed through this programme that will enable growers to optimise their production costs further.
I would also draw attention to support being provided to the industry through National and EU Schemes.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007 – 2013 my Department implemented the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. During this period my Department paid out over €4 million in grant payments to mushroom growers which supported €10.1 million in investment.
To ensure ongoing support for the sector, my Department extended, under EU sanction, the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to run until 31 December 2019. In 2014 and 2015 a total of €1.64 million in grant aid was paid to mushroom growers. The grant aid paid supported some €4.1 million in investment by these growers.
Under the 2016 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department issued approvals in the amount of €1.33 million in aid to growers in the mushroom sector, supporting €3.3 million in proposed investment. I have also provided a commitment to ensure that payments under this scheme are made as early as possible, so as to try to alleviate any financial pressure that growers are currently facing.
In October, I arranged the payment of just under €1.57 million to one of our mushroom producer organisations.
466. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress on the opening of the market for beef and sheep meat to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40939/16]
View answerThe Iranian market is open for the importation of beef and sheepmeat from Ireland as we have agreed veterinary health certificates with Iran for both commodities. The agreement on the beef certificate dates back to 2013 while the sheepmeat certificate was agreed earlier in 2016, following on from the Trade Mission to Iran, which was led by my Department and Bord Bia.
However, no exports of beef have taken place due to current unfavourable trading conditions. Iran is the second largest consumer market in the Middle East and North Africa, after Egypt, with around 80 million consumers. Economic growth there is expected to intensify following the recent easing of economic sanctions and so it could potentially be an important destination for Irish beef and sheepmeat in the future.
My Department is constantly working in close collaboration with the industry, Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in gaining access to third country markets for Irish meats. The importance of market access is recognised by Food Wise 2025 and has been given an added impetus by the results of the UK referendum on Brexit. It is important to have as many alternative markets available to our exporters as possible.
467. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to widespread concerns in communities in County Cavan and elsewhere in relation to the purchase of land for afforestation by persons who are not dependent on farming as an income; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that in many cases farmers who wish to purchase adjoining holdings to make their own farms viable are deprived of these opportunities due to the demand for such land from non-farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/16]
View answerI am aware of some negativity surrounding forestry in County Cavan and neighbouring counties in recent months and particularly the planting of land by non farmers. A total of 24 landowners who classified themselves as non-farmers planted forests in Co Cavan so far during 2016; it’s worth noting that 17 of these had addresses in Co. Cavan itself. So far in 2016 there were no private institutional investors approved for payment under the afforestation scheme in the county. The total area planted by non farmers represented 53% of all new planting during the year which is above the national average. It is difficult to determine however if the 24 non-farmer individuals already owned the land or if they had bought the land specifically to plant. It is worth noting that farmers are entitled to sell their land to the highest bidder and if forestry is improving the price that farmers can receive for their land then these landowners stand to benefit.
According to the CSO Census of Agriculture 2010, the average farm size in Co Cavan is 26.4 hectares while the average forest established by non-farmers in Co Cavan since the launch of the new forestry programme is just 7.2 hectares. This suggests that in situations where non-farmers are buying land for forestry they are not buying entire farms for this purpose.
In 2016 alone, forestry payments worth over €2.6m were paid by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to just under 430 landowners with Cavan addresses. These payments are an important source of income not just for people in direct receipt of these payments but also for local shops, petrol stations and other local businesses which are a vital part of a rural community. According to the latest national forest inventory total forest cover in the county is just 8.7% which is well below the national average which stands at 10.5%. The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine therefore plan to continue to offer forestry as a land use option for farmers and non-farmers throughout the country.
468. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite the process of an oral hearing in the case of a person (details supplied); when the hearing might take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40999/16]
View answerThe applicant in question applied under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II. The application was rejected as the applicant was deemed to have been farming for longer than five years and therefore fell outside the eligibility conditions of the Scheme for the 60% grant rate but may remain eligible for the 40% grant rate under TAMS II.
In the letter of rejection the applicant was given the right to request a review of this decision to the TAMS Section within 10 days. No review request was received. The Department will contact the applicant directly to inform them of the option of appealing the decision to deem the application ineligible for the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
469. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite the process of an oral hearing in the case of a person (details supplied); when the hearing might take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41002/16]
View answerThe Agriculture Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal from the person named was received on 22 November 2016. The file and a statement on the appeal were requested from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine which has confirmed that the documents will shortly be received by the Agriculture Appeals Office. On receipt of the Department file and statement, the appeal will be immediately assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make direct contact with the person named regarding the scheduling of the oral hearing.
470. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a decision on an appeal for area aid by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41003/16]
View answerA decision on an appeal concerning the person named was issued on 12 August 2015 by the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. Further correspondence submitted since that decision requesting a review of the decision is currently being examined by that Office. I am advised that to date the examination of the case has not yet concluded.
471. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS 2 payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41005/16]
View answerAn application under Tranche 2 of GLAS was received in my Department on the 14 December 2015 and the person named was approved into GLAS 2 with effect from 1 January 2016.
The first payment due to the person named is in respect of the 2016 scheme year. The 2016 prepayment checking process is currently under way with a view to issuing the first instalment before the end of 2016 subject to the successful completion of all required checks.
472. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the current USO provided by An Post expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40824/16]
View answerThe Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act, 2011 designates An Post as the universal postal service provider in the postal services market until 2023.
This designation, which is for a period of twelve years, will be reviewed by ComReg in 2018 to decide whether the designation of An Post should continue for the remainder of the twelve years, whether other postal operators should be designated or that no designation is required in order to fulfil the universal service obligation. ComReg will require my prior consent, under the terms of the 2011 Act, to designate other postal operators or to remove the USO designation from An Post.
Designation requires An Post to provide a minimum level of postal service throughout the State, the essential element of which is the collection and delivery of mail to every address on every working day.
As previously stated I have no intention to change the obligation to deliver post every working day.
473. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter regarding broadband (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40497/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. 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.
While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to particular premises, the State Intervention under National Broadband Plan will ensure that those premises who do not get services from the commercial telecoms sector will be included in my Department's procurement process to deliver a new high speed broadband network in rural Ireland.
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 on the High Speed Broadband Map 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.
The area referred to by the Deputy falls within the AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State intervention procurement process, which is now underway. Over 750,000 premises are currently within the State intervention area, including approximately 51,000 premises in Co. Kerry, 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 can therefore expect speeds of at least 30 megabits per second and potentially up to 1,000 megabits per second 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.
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 to publish the Taskforce report shortly.
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 Kerry.
474. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40629/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. 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.
While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to particular premises, the State Intervention under National Broadband Plan will ensure that those premises who do not get services from the commercial telecoms sector will be included in my Department's procurement process to deliver a new high speed broadband network in rural Ireland.
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.
Alderwood Road, Tralee, Co Kerry falls within an AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State intervention procurement process under the NBP. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
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 51,000 premises of which are in Co. Kerry, 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. A fibre to the home solution is capable of delivering much higher speeds than the minimum requirements of at least 30 megabits per second to householders and businesses.
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 to publish the Taskforce report shortly.
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 Kerry.
475. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the renewable heat incentive scheme will be introduced; the rate to be paid per kilowatt hour; the rate to be paid per size of boiler; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40670/16]
View answerThe introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a commitment in White Paper on Energy and Programme for Government and will be the primary support mechanism in the heating sector designed to meet Ireland’s renewable energy obligations. The aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heating sector and to help reach Ireland’s 12% target by 2020. In 2015, 6.5% of heat was derived from renewable sources in Ireland.
The proposed RHI scheme is aimed at supporting larger industrial and commercial installations outside of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources.
Before a final decision is taken on the renewable heat technologies to be supported, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new support scheme. The next consultation will be published shortly, and details will be posted to the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. The overall costs and technologies to be supported including the rates to be paid per kilowatt hour relative to boiler size will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. I hope to be in a position to announce the introduction of the new scheme in the latter half of 2017.
476. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a broadband universal obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40671/16]
View answer491. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his proposals to improve broadband telecommunications service throughout County Cavan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that households and many small enterprises have concerns regarding the inadequate service that exists at present; if the necessary investment programme will be undertaken without further delay to bring this broadband service up to a proper standard; the improvements which can be expected in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40996/16]
View answer492. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his proposals to improve broadband telecommunications service throughout County Monaghan; if his attention has be drawn to the fact that households and many small enterprises have concerns regarding the inadequate service that exists at present; if the necessary investment programme will be undertaken without further delay to bring this broadband service up to a proper standard; the improvements which can be expected in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40997/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 476, 491 and 492 together.
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. The strategy for broadband rollout, the National Broadband Plan (NBP), aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. 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. To date, 1.4 million premises in the BLUE area can get access to high Speed Broadband.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, 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 to over 750,000 premises currently within the State Intervention Area covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area; including over 24,000 premises in Co. Cavan and 19,000 premises in Co Monaghan.
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.
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 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 Cavan and County Monaghan.
Currently there is no universal service obligation (USO) for high speed broadband provision or mobile voice services. The current EU and national regulatory framework for telecommunications relates solely to voice telephony and Functional Internet Access (28.8 kilobits per second) and is provided for under the current EU regulatory framework governing telecoms.
The National Broadband Plan will deliver high speed broadband networks, to connect all premises but there might be some instances, for technical or other reasons, where some premises might not be able to readily obtain those services.
I am in discussion with ComReg as to whether a universal service obligation (USO) may be a viable instrument in such instances, e.g. in areas where a high speed network is available but individual premises cannot access such services at an affordable price. This is similar to the arrangements which are already in place for fixed voice.
I have also raised the issue of a USO for high speed broadband at EU level. In September, the European Commission published an ambitious proposal for the regulation of the European telecoms sector, which aims to incentivise and encourage increased investment in high speed broadband networks. I have asked the Commission to consider a specific provision in the new framework that will allow Member States to apply a USO for high speed broadband, where such networks are available.
477. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the proposed North-South inter-connector project; if this project proceeds, if he will ensure that the transmission cables are placed underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40672/16]
View answerEirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, the Government does not seek to direct EirGrid in the development of energy infrastructure to particular sites or routes or technologies.
EirGrid made a formal application for the North-South 400kV Interconnector project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. This is the subject matter of a statutory independent planning process currently before An Bord Pleanála. As the planning process is still ongoing it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
The case is due to be decided by 21 December 2016, according to the An Bord Pleanála website.
478. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total use his Department has made of the Government jet since coming into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40677/16]
View answerSince coming into office I have travelled on the government jet twice, both times in the company of other Government Ministers. I travelled to Luxembourg on both occasions for Environment Council meetings and, on both occasions, the government jet had already been requested by colleague Ministers; its use by me meant that the time I spent out of the country on official business on these occasions could be kept to a minimum.
479. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total use his Department has made of the Government jet per annum from March 2011 to February 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40694/16]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
The table details out the use of the Government jet per annum from March 2011 to February 2016.
|
Departure Date |
Return Date |
Route |
Purpose |
|
20/06/2011 |
20/06/2011 |
Baldonnel – Northolt – Stansted – Baldonnel |
British Irish Council Summit, Northolt |
|
12/10/2011 |
13/10/2011 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
ANNI PODIMATA MEP (SOCIALISTS & DEMOCRATS) VICE CHAIR ITRE & VICE PRESIDENT EP CLAUDE TURMES MEP (LU-GREENS/EUROPEAN FREE ALLIANCE) & RAPPORTEUR EED HERBERT RAUL MEP (DE-EPP) & CHAIR ITRE MEETING FIONA HALL MEP (UK - ALDE) LEADER & SHADOW RAPPORTEUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY DIRECTIVE (EED) MEETING Mr ANTHONY WHELAN, HEAD OF CABINET OF COMMISSIONER KROES (DIGITAL AGENDA) |
|
22/06/2012 |
22/06/2012 |
Baldonnel – Edinburgh – Cork – Baldonnel |
British Irish Council Summit, Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
03/10/2012 |
03/10/2012 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
Meeting with Marita Ulvskog & Commissioner Kroes, Brussels |
|
20/12/2012 |
20/12/2012 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Dublin |
Telecoms Council, Brussels |
|
21/02/2013 |
22/02/2013 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
Meeting with Jerzy Buzek, brussels |
|
16/05/2013 |
17/05/2013 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
EPC Policy Dialogue, Brussels |
|
26/06/2013 |
26/06/2013 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
Financing & sustainable energy conference, Brussels |
|
28/01/2013 |
28/01/2013 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
Smart grid standardisation achievements conference, Brussels |
|
11/04/2013 |
11/04/2013 |
Baldonnel – Zurich – Baldonnel |
Lech energy forum, Austria |
|
30/05/2013 |
30/05/2013 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
European Broadcasting Union Annual Conference in Brussels |
|
19/09/2013 |
20/09/2013 |
Baldonnel – Vilnius – Baldonnel |
Informal meeting of Energy Ministers, Latvia |
|
08/04/2014 |
09/04/2014 |
Baldonnel – Northolt – Baldonnel |
President Higgins state visit with Queen, UK |
|
13/06/2014 |
13/06/2014 |
Baldonnel – Luxembourg – Baldonnel |
Energy Council Meeting, Luxembourg |
|
28/11/2014 |
28/11/2014 |
Baldonnel – Isle of Man – Baldonnel |
British Irish Council Summit, Isle of Mann |
|
25/11/2015 |
26/11/2015 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
Energy Council Meeting, Brussels |
480. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent of coverage of low income households that qualify for inclusion in the warmth and wellbeing scheme; the details of the areas completed to date; the uptake in each area; and the way in which he will proceed with this scheme. [40706/16]
View answerThe Warmth and Wellbeing scheme is a pilot initiative being delivered under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. The scheme seeks to demonstrate the positive effects that making their homes warmer and more energy efficient can have on the health and wellbeing of people in energy poverty who are living with a chronic respiratory condition.
As it is a pilot scheme, eligibility is limited. The operational area for the scheme was selected as Community Health Area (CHO) 7, following consultation with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This CHO encompasses Kildare/West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West. Within CHO 7 the need to build capacity in the local public health and SEAI teams, and establish communications on the pilot with the local community, meant that a further localisation was necessary and Dublin 12 and 24 were selected as the initial operational areas.
Within these areas the scheme was limited to people who:
- are aged over 55;
- suffering from a chronic respiratory condition;
- living in an owner-occupied or local authority home; &
- a member of the household is in receipt of the Fuel Allowance.
A dedicated HSE delivery team is in place and is working with Local Authorities and local health care professionals (from physiotherapists to general practitioners, consultants & public health nurses) to identify participants. Once referrals are received, the HSE team visits each eligible participant individually to guide them through the process. Each participant in the pilot scheme is eligible for an extensive energy efficiency upgrade. In each case the actual upgrade provided depends on an SEAI assessment of the home but is intended to make it much easier for the participant to heat their home adequately. The value of these upgrades could be up to €20k per home depending on the works to be carried out.
To date the HSE have had 339 applicants who meet the eligibility criteria across Dublin 12 (135) and 24 (204). These applicants are at various stages of their application and referral process. To date, 147 have already had their homes assessed by SEAI and upgrade works are in various stages of delivery. Chronic respiratory conditions the HSE are seeing in the referrals include COPD, asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis. These conditions can all benefit from improved indoor air temperature and air quality.
With the additional resources I have made available to the scheme in 2017, the steering committee for the scheme, made up of representatives from my Department, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Department of Health and the HSE, determined that the area covered by the scheme could be expanded to cover Dublin 8, 10 and 22 and that eligibility could be expanded to cover families with young children. By including families with young children it is hoped that the scheme can also show a positive impact on school attendance and social inclusion.
The scheme is intended to run for a further two years (2017-2018). In parallel with the scheme’s delivery, an independent research project will be commissioned by my Department, which will assess the impact the scheme is having. At the conclusion of the scheme and with independent evidence on its effectiveness, the potential for a wider rollout will be considered.
I would finally note that the Warmer Homes scheme is available on a nationwide basis to low income households who are at risk of energy poverty. More information on this scheme is available on SEAI’s website at: http://www.seai.ie/Grants/Warmer_Homes_Scheme/About_the_BEWH.html
481. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the gender balances on each of the State boards under his remit. [40723/16]
View answerThere are 19 State boards / agencies under the aegis of my Department. The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy:
|
State Body/Agency |
No. of positions on Board |
No of women on board |
No of men on board |
% of women on board* |
% of men on board* |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) |
9 |
3 |
5 |
37.5 |
62.5 |
|
BAI Compliance Committee |
8 |
4 |
3 |
57 |
43 |
|
BAI Contract Awards Committee |
8 |
3 |
4 |
43 |
57 |
|
RTÉ |
12 |
6 |
5 |
55 |
45 |
|
TG4 |
12 |
6 |
5 |
55 |
45 |
|
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
6 |
1 |
5 |
17 |
83 |
|
An Post |
15 |
3 |
10 |
23 |
77 |
|
Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg) |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
100 |
|
Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) |
14 |
2 |
6 |
25 |
75 |
|
Bord na Móna (BnM) |
12 |
2 |
10 |
17 |
83 |
|
Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
33 |
67 |
|
EirGrid |
10 |
2 |
4 |
33 |
67 |
|
ESB |
12 |
4 |
8 |
33 |
67 |
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (INPC) |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
100 |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) |
6 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
100 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
12 |
4 |
6 |
40 |
60 |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) |
10 |
3 |
7 |
30 |
70 |
|
Loughs Agency |
12 |
2 |
10 |
17 |
83 |
|
The Mining Board |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
100 |
A complete list of all current members and vacancies is available on the State Boards website at www.stateboards.ie.
*Based on current board membership
482. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all premises covered by the national broadband plan will be connected by the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40902/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) 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 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 over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland.
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 mobile phone and broadband coverage. I expect the Taskforce to report by the end of this month.
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.
483. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether current 2020 EV uptake targets are achievable in meeting climate change challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40903/16]
View answer489. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding meeting electronic vehicle targets for 2020 in view of climate change policy; the number of such vehicles which would have to be purchased between now and 2020 to attain these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40910/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 489 together.
Ireland's third National Energy Efficiency Action Plan to 2020, published in 2014, estimated that approximately 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) could form part of the transport fleet in 2020.
Apart from general macroeconomic considerations, technology advancement, affordability and consumer choice are the most important levers in triggering consumers to move from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles. Notwithstanding substantial exchequer support available for new electric vehicles, the reality of a halving of the price of oil and the pace of technology improvement has very significantly impacted electric vehicle market penetration.
Nevertheless we have seen increasing numbers of EVs registered in Ireland particularly in the last two years. More vehicles were grant aided in 2015 under the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme, which provides grants towards the purchase of new EVs, than in the previous four years of the scheme combined. The figure of 555 EVs supported in 2015 has already been surpassed this year with 615 vehicles grant aided to date in 2016.
In 2015, transport represented the largest sectoral share of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at 37% of the overall Energy-related total with private cars accounting for 43% of this figure. I believe that EVs, along with the increased deployment of biofuels, have a vital part to play in reducing GHG emissions in the transport sector. The Electric Vehicles Grant Scheme, which will continue in 2017, provides grant aid of up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new EV. These grants are in addition to the VRT reliefs of up to €5,000 that also apply to EVs. Budget 2017 extended VRT reliefs on Battery Electric Vehicles for a further 5 year period and on Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles for 2 years.
Additionally, in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have established and are Co-Chairing a Low Emissions Vehicles Task Force involving relevant Government Departments and agencies. A key task will be to examine as a matter of priority what further actions are necessary to further stimulate EV sales and other low emission vehicles to 2020 and beyond.
484. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the programme for Government commitments relating to improving mobile phone coverage and the timetable for actions in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40905/16]
View answer493. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his proposals to ensure the necessary measures are implemented without further delay to deal with the inadequate mobile telephone coverage in parts of the country and particularly in Border counties such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; the improvements which can be expected in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40998/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 493 together.
I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, including in Cavan, Monaghan and Clare, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect.
The 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 and customers can refer any complaints 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 2012 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. The report of the taskforce and accompanying action plan will be concluded this month and 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.
485. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on increasing the public service obligation levy on electricity bills; the rate at which it is levied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40906/16]
View answerThe Public Service Obligation Levy has been in place since 2001. The PSO levy consists of a set of support schemes designed to facilitate national electricity policy objectives for renewables, indigenous fuels and security of supply.
The PSO has supported the connection of over 2,000 MW of renewable energy to the electricity grid and it will continue to support the development of renewable energy so that we can meet our target of increasing renewable electricity penetration to 40% by 2020.
International studies have shown that Ireland has had one of the lowest per unit supports for renewable energy in the European Union.
The calculation of the level of the PSO is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation. The total PSO Levy for 2016-2017 is €392.4 million. This equates to less than €6 per month for domestic consumers and represents an increase of less than €1 per month. The biggest drivers for the proposed levy increase are the lower predicted wholesale market electricity price and the increased deployment of renewables.
I am very conscious of the impacts of energy costs on industry and households alike. As the wholesale electricity price is falling, this should be passed onto domestic electricity customers and more than outweigh the levy increase. In this regard I am pleased to see that most electricity suppliers have reduced their standard prices.
Customers can also avail of discounts available, either by contacting their supplier directly or by using the price comparison websites accredited by CER, such as bonkers.ie or switcher.ie to switch to discounted tariffs. A customer consuming the average amount of electricity could save over €200 by switching suppliers.
