Tuesday, 27 Jun 2017

Written Answers Nos. 1 - 70

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Questions (15, 16, 17, 18)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

15. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach if the Cabinet committee on health has met recently. [27560/17]

Gerry Adams

Question:

16. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health last met; and when it is scheduled to meet again. [27866/17]

Bríd Smith

Question:

17. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when he will convene the Cabinet committee on health. [28838/17]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

18. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health will next meet. [28863/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 to 18, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet Committee on Health last met on 30 May. A date for the next meeting is not yet confirmed. I have said that I intend to reconfigure the Cabinet Committees into a smaller number. I expect to do this shortly.

Question No. 19 resubmitted.

Ministerial Advisers Appointments

Questions (20, 21, 22)

Micheál Martin

Question:

20. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of advisers he will be employing in his Department; and the areas in which they will be working. [27834/17]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

21. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the changes he plans to implement in his Department. [27856/17]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

22. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the advisers he plans to appoint. [27857/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 to 22, inclusive, together.

Having appointed Ministers and Ministers of State to their various portfolios across Government, I will reflect on how my Department can best support the important work ahead for the Government. I will continue to meet officials in the Department and decide over the coming weeks what changes might be required.

I am also considering the advisory supports that I might need in my role as Taoiseach and Head of Government. While I have not as yet finalised the make-up of my team, I intend to recruit a number of Special Advisers, including a Chief of Staff. All such appointments will be, of course, subject to Government approval.

Questions Nos. 23 to 26, inclusive, resubmitted.

European Council Meetings

Questions (27)

Micheál Martin

Question:

27. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the issues he will want to discuss at the next EU Council meeting. [27836/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The European Council took place on 22 and 23 June. The agenda dealt with: security and defence; external relations; the Paris Agreement on Climate Change; jobs, growth and competitiveness; Digital Europe; and migration.

I spoke with most of the other leaders over the course of the two days. In my conversations, I reiterated my strong commitment to keeping Ireland at the heart of the Union, and I highlighted the unique difficulties the departure of the UK presents for Ireland. I was heartened to find broad sympathy for our situation and a commitment to work together to find workable solutions.

In my discussions with other leaders on the subject of security and defence, I offered Ireland’s continuing solidarity with Member States which have suffered from terrorist attacks, and our strong commitment to working closely with partners in combating the growing threat of terrorism.

On the external dimension of security and defence, the European Council was briefed on implementation of the EU Global Strategy, one year from its adoption. Ireland continues to work closely with our European partners in ensuring the full implementation of the Global Strategy, which underpins the Union’s contribution to international peace and stability.

On Brexit, Prime Minister May made a presentation, setting out some of her ideas around the issue of citizen’s rights. Later, meeting in its Article 50 format, the European Council heard an update from Michel Barnier on the negotiations with the UK which had commenced earlier that week. There was general agreement that these had got off to a positive start. I also updated my interlocutors on recent developments in Northern Ireland, and my meeting with Prime Minister May in London earlier that week.

On the broader agenda for the European Council, I expressed strong support for EU efforts in relation to jobs, growth and competitiveness, including the emphasis on free and open trade, and said that progress here could have real and positive impacts on the lives of our citizens.

I highlighted a letter to President Tusk calling for greater ambition in relation to the Digital Single Market that I co-signed with 16 other leaders, and I welcomed the focus of the incoming Estonian Presidency on digital issues.

The European Council also agreed to renew its commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. As I stated previously, I am determined that the Government should show new ambition on tackling climate change, and this will be the subject of a full day strategic meeting of the Cabinet.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Questions (28)

Micheál Martin

Question:

28. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to EU leaders since he was appointed; and if so, the issues that were discussed. [29053/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Following my election as Taoiseach, I spoke by phone with both Chancellor Merkel and President Macron. I updated both leaders on developments in Northern Ireland, and we agreed to work closely together to address the challenges facing the Union, including Brexit.

On Monday 19 June, I met with Prime Minister May in London. We discussed Northern Ireland and the need to re-establish devolved Government there; as well as Brexit, particularly the need to avoid any adverse impact on the rights and freedoms of our citizens, on trade and on the economy.

Over the course of last week’s meeting of the European Council in Brussels, I spoke with most of my EU counterparts. In my conversations, I reiterated my strong commitment to keeping Ireland at the heart of the Union and highlighted the unique difficulties the departure of the UK presents for Ireland.

In addition to these informal exchanges in the margins of the meeting, I had excellent bilateral meetings with President Tusk, President Juncker, Chancellor Merkel and Estonian Prime Minister Ratas.

These meetings addressed a range of issues, with a particular focus on Brexit. I expressed my thanks for their engagement and support in prioritising Ireland's particular concerns, and I stressed the need to make as much progress as possible on these in the first phase of the negotiations.

In my meeting with Prime Minister Ratas of Estonia, representing the incoming Presidency, I offered Ireland’s best wishes and support to that country as it begins its term-in-office next week, the first time that it will do so.

European Council Meetings

Questions (29)

Micheál Martin

Question:

29. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the main issues he will be hoping to address at his next EU Council meeting in June 2017. [29054/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The European Council took place on 22 and 23 June. The agenda dealt with: security and defence; external relations; the Paris Agreement on Climate Change; jobs, growth and competitiveness; Digital Europe; and migration.

I spoke with most of the other leaders over the course of the two days. In my conversations, I reiterated my strong commitment to keeping Ireland at the heart of the Union, and I highlighted the unique difficulties the departure of the UK presents for Ireland. I was heartened to find broad sympathy for our situation and a commitment to work together to find workable solutions.

In my discussions with other leaders on the subject of security and defence, I offered Ireland’s continuing solidarity with Member States which have suffered from terrorist attacks, and our strong commitment to working closely with partners in combating the growing threat of terrorism.

On the external dimension of security and defence, the European Council was briefed on implementation of the EU Global Strategy, one year from its adoption. Ireland continues to work closely with our European partners in ensuring the full implementation of the Global Strategy, which underpins the Union’s contribution to international peace and stability.

On Brexit, Prime Minister May made a presentation, setting out some of her ideas around the issue of citizen’s rights. Later, meeting in its Article 50 format, the European Council heard an update from Michel Barnier on the negotiations with the UK which had commenced earlier that week. There was general agreement that these had got off to a positive start. I also updated my interlocutors on recent developments in Northern Ireland, and my meeting with Prime Minister May in London earlier that week.

On the broader agenda for the European Council, I expressed strong support for EU efforts in relation to jobs, growth and competitiveness, including the emphasis on free and open trade, and said that progress here could have real and positive impacts on the lives of our citizens.

I highlighted a letter to President Tusk calling for greater ambition in relation to the Digital Single Market that I co-signed with 16 other leaders, and I welcomed the focus of the incoming Estonian Presidency on digital issues.

The European Council also agreed to renew its commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. As I stated previously, I am determined that the Government should show new ambition on tackling climate change, and this will be the subject of a full day strategic meeting of the Cabinet.

Questions Nos. 30 to 39, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Questions (40, 41)

Gerry Adams

Question:

40. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure, environment and climate action last met; and when it is scheduled to meet again. [27867/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

41. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure, environment and climate action last met. [28820/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action last met on Monday 15 May 2017. Consideration is currently being given to streamlining the Cabinet Committee structures.

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Questions (42, 43)

Gerry Adams

Question:

42. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on justice reform last met; and when it is scheduled to meet again. [27932/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

43. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on justice reform last met. [28821/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform last met on 7 March 2017. The date of its next meeting has not yet been confirmed. Consideration is currently being given to streamlining Cabinet Committee structures.

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Questions (44)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

44. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on regional and rural affairs last met. [28823/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on Regional & Rural Affairs last met on the 9th of May 2017.

Question No. 45 resubmitted.

Constitutional Amendments

Questions (46)

Bríd Smith

Question:

46. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach the referenda he is considering as a priority in the coming period. [28837/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Under the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government is committed to holding Constitutional referenda on the following matters:

- Article 41.2.1, regarding a "woman's life within the home"

- Article 40.6.1, on the offence of blasphemy

- Giving the office of Ceann Comhairle constitutional standing

- Ireland's participation in the Unified Patent Court.

Three of these proposals arise from the Convention on the Constitution which sat from January 2013 to February 2014. The Government has responded to all of the Convention's Reports. One of the Convention's recommendations, of particular importance, is in relation to amending the Constitution to give citizens resident outside the State the right to vote in Presidential elections. In March of this year, Government approved, in principle, to the holding of this referendum and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government is working on this matter.

In addition, the Programme for a Partnership Government committed the Government to establish a Citizens' Assembly with a mandate to look at a limited number of key issues, including the Eighth Amendment. In July 2016 the Houses of the Oireachtas approved establishment of the Assembly. The Assembly is chaired by a former Supreme Court Judge, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy. It operates independently of the Government and it will report direct to the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Assembly has concluded its deliberations on its first topic, the Eighth Amendment. The Assembly must now draft its report on the topic. Ms Justice Laffoy has indicated that she intends to have this completed by the end of this month. The Oireachtas will then refer it to the recently established Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment which in turn will bring its conclusions to the Houses for debate. As I have already indicated, it is my intention to hold a referendum on this matter in 2018.

The Programme for a Partnership Government also says that on foot of the recommendation of the Banking Inquiry, the Government will seek a review of the powers of Oireachtas Committees in conducting inquiries and, based on this review, will consider whether there should be a Constitutional referendum to strengthen Committees' powers.

Aside from a referendum on the Eighth Amendment taking place next year, no decision has been made as yet as regards timings for any other planned referenda. Before any referendum would be scheduled, I would of course bring a proposal to Government and hold discussions with Opposition Leaders.

Questions Nos. 47 to 49, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (50, 51)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

50. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will consider establishing a Cabinet committee on education. [28862/17]

Gerry Adams

Question:

51. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee which has responsibility for education. [29058/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform provides the basis for cross-Departmental co-ordination in delivery of Programme for Government commitments in areas of social policy and social inclusion, including commitments in the area of education.

As I have stated previously in the House, my intention is to reconfigure the Cabinet sub-committees with the aim of making them more focused. I will of course inform the House of my decision in due course.

Question No. 52 resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 53 to 59, inclusive, answered orally.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Questions (60)

Martin Heydon

Question:

60. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out by a company (details supplied) of high fibre broadband to areas marked light blue in the national broadband plan; the amount of interaction between the company and his Department regarding the roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29795/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a 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 NBP has catalysed Commercial investment. To date, 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.  As a result approximately 1.4m or 61% of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second.

In accordance with procedures set out by my Department in December 2015, in late 2016 my Department initiated a review of an eir proposal to rollout fibre to over 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis.  These premises were in areas that had formed part of the procurement process for the NBP State Intervention area. On 4 April, I signed a commitment agreement with eir in relation to those plans.  Eir has committed to completing the rollout over a 90 week period, an average of 500 premises passed per day.   

In line with the terms of the Commitment Agreement, the Department meets with eir each month to review their monthly report and to allow them set out progress against each project deliverable.  The Department has also undertaken a field inspection to witness the fibre optical cabling and splicing activities being carried out as part of the 300,000 deployment.  The Department also holds a Quarterly review with eir where the performance of their obligations under the Commitment Agreement is presented and discussed.  To date eir have achieved the aggregate milestones under the Agreement.  The next milestone is due at the end of June. 

A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department's website.  Quarterly updates will also be published on the Departments website.  My Department has informed me that in the period from 1 January to end March 2017, over 30,000 premises were passed by eir.  As at end of Q1 2017, this brings the total number of the 300,000 premises passed to just over 40,000 premises since work commenced in 2016.

Energy Resources

Questions (61)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps that have been taken or which are in progress to achieve the implementation of the policy to transition to a low-carbon energy system, particularly in view of Bord na Móna’s recent announcement to extend the operation of peat plants beyond 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29475/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Energy White Paper sets out a vision and a framework to guide Irish energy policy up to 2030. It is a complete energy policy update and its actions have been informed by a vision to transform Ireland into a low carbon society and economy by 2050. This vision is further reinforced by the Programme for Government.

In March, I published a draft of Ireland's first National Mitigation Plan for public consultation and I intend to shortly publish the final version of the Plan. The National Mitigation Plan will set out what Ireland is doing, and plans to do, to further our transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy, by 2050.

While Government policy is to reduce Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels, it is acknowledged that fossil fuels will have a role in the energy transition.

This is reflected in the draft National Mitigation Plan which notes the role of peat in power generation. While it is recognised that Ireland’s limited biomass resource would be more efficiently deployed in the heating sector long-term, the use of biomass in the peat stations will help to meet Ireland’s renewable energy target and reduce carbon emissions in the sector.  

In keeping with this policy, the public service obligation (or PSO) support for producing electricity from peat has already ended for Edenderry power station and will end for the West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations by 2020. A new PSO support under the REFIT 3 scheme was put in place to support all three peat fired power stations to transition to biomass co-firing.

Bord na Móna’s power station in Edenderry is now in receipt of this support for up to 30% the size of the plant. This has allowed the plant to transition from using peat as its only fuel to using increasing levels of biomass.

The West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations are supplied with peat by Bord na Móna but owned and operated by ESB. These power stations are technically capable of co-firing with biomass similar to Edenderry. Therefore a similar transition path towards increasing levels of renewable energy could be followed.

In addition, Bord na Móna has stated that it intends to cease harvesting peat for electricity generation by 2030. The company has committed to replace large-scale peat production with alternative indigenous energy sources such as biomass. This was outlined in Bord na Mona’s Sustainability 2030 report, published in October 2015. The strategy includes a target to achieve a 75% reduction in the company’s CO2 emissions intensity by 2020, compared to 2007 levels.

Questions Nos. 62 and 63 answered orally.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (64)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

64. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his British counterpart since the British election was held. [29877/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Given that the UK general election only took place on June 8th last, the opportunities for engagement have been relatively limited in that very short timeframe.  The responsibilities of my Department align with responsibilities across three separate ministries in the UK. Mr. Greg Clarke was reappointed as Secretary for Sate for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).  Mr. Michael Gove is the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Ms. Karen Bradley has been reappointed Secretary for State for Culture, Media and Sport.

  Since the formation of the new UK Government, I met with Thérèse Coffey MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment and Rural Life Opportunities, on Monday 19th June, at the Environment Council in Luxembourg. This is the latest in a number of bilateral meetings I have had with my UK counterparts.

Earlier this year, in February I attended two EU Council meetings, the Energy Council and the Environment Council. I used this opportunity to hold bilateral discussions on the potential impacts of Brexit on the Irish and European energy sectors with the UK Under-Secretary of State for Industry and Energy, Mr Jesse Norman.  I also held discussions with Simon Hamilton, Minister for the Economy in the Northern Ireland Executive, on the margins of the North South Ministerial Council in September last.

My officials also have regular engagement, and are in ongoing contact with their UK counterparts.  They meet at EU Councils and working groups and also at business meetings in Dublin and London. Officials from my Department have discussed the potential impacts of Brexit on the Irish energy sector with their EU and UK counterparts. This includes meetings with the European Commission task force for Brexit, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy and officials from the UK's Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Exiting the European Union.

Wild Fires

Questions (65)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

65. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the examination and action that have been carried out or are in the process of being carried out by his Department with regard to damage to the general environment following the fires which have caused extensive damage in substantial parts of Connemara threatening lives and livestock; the result of that examination; the extent of the damage; the steps necessary to avoid a repeat of this disaster; the extra resources that will be needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29476/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My Department has no statutory function for any follow-up actions in relation to the recent fires in Connemara, though as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, I am of course concerned about the potential impacts of these events on the environment and, of course, the communities, farms and businesses in the areas affected.

The statutory responsibility for fire mitigation and dealing with fire emergencies rests across a range of other Government Departments and Agencies. With regard to gorse fires in particular, as one of a number of measures to deal with the matter, I am advised that an Inter-Agency Gorse Fire Group has been established. The Group is charged with exploring issues including the development of risk mitigation strategies and resource deployment to tackle such fires should they occur. I understand the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will chair this group, and membership will include the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, particularly the National Parks and Wildlife Service of that Department, the Fire Services, and An Garda Síochána. The Department of Housing Planning, Community and Local Government will also participate in this Group, as it has primary responsibility for the response to fire emergencies.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responsible generally for the prevention and mitigation of wildland fires, as well as regulating permitted controlled burning of agricultural land. That Department has published a Prescribed Burning Code of Practice which sets out guidelines for farmers in this regard, together with details of when it is not permitted to start such controlled fires.  The Code of Practice is accessible on the Department of Agriculture's website.  I understand that the Department of Agriculture  has sanctioned farmers who have breached the controlled burning guidelines by suspending single farm payments.

The Wildlife Act, 1976, which is the responsibility of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, sets out further regulations with regard to burning of uncultivated land. Specifically, it is an offence under Section 40 of that Act(as amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act, 2000) to burn, from 1 March to 31 August in a given year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated. With regard to fires within National Parks specifically, the National Parks and Wildlife Service is in close liaison with both the Gardaí and the Fire Service on an ongoing basis. They remain ever-vigilant, particularly when weather conditions exist that might increase the likelihood of fires in our national parks. Breaches of the 1976 Act as amended, or cases of arson, are criminal matters and as such should be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation and prosecution.

Better Energy Homes Scheme Data

Questions (66)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

66. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of better energy home grants approved in 2016 and in the first half of 2017; his plans to enhance this grants process to give incentives to homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29817/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland  (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme on behalf of my Department.

The Better Energy Homes scheme provides fixed grants towards a range of energy efficiency interventions including roof insulation, wall insulation, heating controls, boiler upgrades, solar heating systems and the cost of Building Energy Rating assessments.

In 2016 15,265 homes were upgraded with grant of funding of just over €17m. To date in 2017, a further 6,537 homes have been upgraded with grant support of €7.3m. This investment has delivered an estimated 120 Gigawatt hours of energy savings, saving grant recipients nearly €9.4 million from their energy bills and reducing Ireland’s CO2 emissions by nearly 40,000 tonnes while supporting around 1,000 jobs in the construction industry.

The Better Energy Homes scheme is just one of a suite of measures that are available to people who wish to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home. The Better Energy Communities Scheme encourages community groups to come together and develop projects that can improve a range of homes and shared community facilities in a local area. This year an estimated €26m will support 42 such community projects.

In addition, I have made €5m available for a new scheme targeted at householders who want to upgrade their home to at least an A3 standard and install a renewable energy based heating system. Through SEAI, my Department will fund 50% of the cost of such projects on a first come first served basis.

For those people who cannot afford to invest in their home, the Warmer Homes scheme provides free energy efficiency upgrades on a national basis and the Warmth & Wellbeing pilot scheme offers deep renovations to people who are living in scheme’s area of operations and are suffering from respiratory conditions.  

In total around €80m will be dedicated this year to energy efficiency programmes. I anticipate that this funding will support the upgrade of around 25,000 homes in 2017 and hundreds of community facilities.

My Department and the SEAI are continually reviewing how best to support people who want to improve the energy efficiency of their home. As well as providing grant support we need to measure and communicate the other benefits that energy efficiency can bring such as improved air quality and health benefits. Alongside this additional capital spend, I have also secured funding that has provided for the creation of a new Behavioural Economics Unit within SEAI. This unit will bring an inter-disciplinary approach to the improvement of existing energy efficiency schemes and the design of new measures.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (67, 75)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

67. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the compliance costs that will be incurred for failure to meet the 20% reduction target in view of the projection of the EPA that the likely projected emissions for 2020 indicate that Ireland's emissions will be in the region of 6%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29841/17]

Joan Collins

Question:

75. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland will meet its climate change targets by 2020; and if not, his plans to ensure the targets are met between 2017 and 2020. [29800/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 75 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 58, 67, 82 and 585 of 9 May 2017 and to the reply to Question No. 56 on today's Order Paper.

As I indicated in my previous responses to these questions, the release of the latest projections of greenhouse gas emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency on 13 April last clearly indicated the enormous challenge facing Ireland to reduce its emissions. The projections indicate that emissions from those sectors of the economy not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) could be between 4% and 6% below 2005 levels by 2020, a deteriorating position in respect of the achievement of Ireland’s targets for 2020 when compared with previous projections. Though not unexpected, given the welcome return to economic growth in Ireland, it nevertheless confirms that Ireland’s greenhouse emissions continue to track broader trends in the economy and serves to underline the difficult decisions ahead of us as we try to reduce emissions in line with our international commitments.

In relation to the targets for 2020, Ireland has an emissions reduction target for each year between 2013 and 2020 under the 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their level in 2005. This will be Ireland’s contribution to the overall EU objective to reduce its emissions by the order of 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Ireland’s target is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated to EU Member States under this 2009 Decision, which is shared only with Denmark and Luxembourg. 

The projected shortfall to our targets in 2020 reflects both the constrained investment capacity over the past decade due to the economic crisis, and the extremely challenging nature of the target itself. In fact, it is now accepted that Ireland’s 2020 target was not consistent with what would be achievable on an EU wide cost-effective basis.

In order to maximise Ireland's emissions reductions and address the gap to the 2020 target, it will also be necessary to pursue other available options, in addition to the introduction of further policies and measures planned through the National Mitigation Plan.

The legislative framework governing the EU’s 2020 emissions reductions targets includes a number of flexibility mechanisms to enable Member States to meet their annual emissions targets, including provisions to bank any excess allowances to future years and to trade allowances between Member States. Using our banked emissions from the period to 2015, Ireland is projected to comply with its emission reduction targets in each of the years 2013 to 2018. However, our cumulative emissions are expected to exceed targets for 2019 and 2020, which will result in a requirement to purchase additional allowances. While this purchasing requirement is not, at this stage, expected to be significant, further analysis will be required to quantify the likely costs involved, in light of the final amount and price of allowances required.

Questions Nos. 68 to 70, inclusive, answered orally.