Written Answers Nos. 1246-1267
1246. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts made by his Department to help distressed suckler and commonage farmers in the north west with financing the sourcing, transport and obtaining ownership of fodder and meal for their animals; his views on whether there is now a crisis on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1927/18]
View answerWeather conditions for much of last autumn and early winter were challenging for farmers, particularly in parts of the West/North West. This resulted in the earlier housing of stock and challenges for some farmers in terms of Fodder conservation. On foot of these challenges, I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to my request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme and Agri-environment schemes. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October, and balancing payments issued in early December.
These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, injected over €1.3 billion into the Irish rural economy by the end of last year and are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance fodder purchase where necessary.
Last autumn as poor weather conditions continued, I then asked Teagasc to work locally in areas with fodder difficulties, supporting good budgeting for fodder supplies on farms over the winter ahead.
Furthermore, in order to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the issue of fodder availability in affected areas, I convened a fodder group chaired by Teagasc and comprising of all the main stakeholders including feed merchants and co-ops, banking, farm bodies etc. The group held its first meeting in December and again on Monday of this week. The group's objective is to actively monitor the situation and to ensure co-ordinated expertise and guidance is available to affected farmers regarding their options. These may include sourcing alternative feed, reducing non-breeding stock numbers and ensuring they continue to carry out fodder budgeting.
As outlined at the weekend, my Department is engaging with stakeholders, including through Fodder task force, with a view to providing a targeted contribution towards long-distance transport of fodder to those areas most impacted by the adverse weather. As the deputy can appreciate, fodder sale and purchase is a normal and significant trade between farms on an annual basis and it is important that any prudent measure brought forward is appropriately targeted to those most impacted whilst not impacting negatively on this trade.
I would also stress that if a situation arises where the welfare of livestock is at risk, herdowners should contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare helpline or Regional Veterinary Office for support.
1247. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a transfer of entitlements application by a person (details supplied) will be finalised in order that the person can receive Basic Payment Scheme, BPS, payments for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1934/18]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2015 Transfer of Entitlement Allocation Right and Reference Value application to my Department seeking the transfer of entitlements by inheritance as a transferee. This transfer has now been finalised following the receipt of outstanding testamentary documentation. Payment under the Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly in respect of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 scheme years.
1248. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in a Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme payment being issued to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1939/18]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received full payments in respect of the 2016 scheme year.
The Department is aware of an issue with this case that resulted in the 2017 advance payment not being made. A solution has been identified and is scheduled for implementation this week. It is expected that the payment will issue shortly. GLAS 2017 advance payments began in November 2017 and are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.
1249. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1958/18]
View answerThe named person was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015. The applicant has received all payments in respect of scheme years 2015 and 2016
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear these checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks to minimise delays in payments. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments commenced in November 2017 and are issuing on a weekly basis.
1250. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Bord Bia plans to open a new office in Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1995/18]
View answerBord Bia currently has its head office in Dublin, and 13 offices worldwide in Amsterdam, Dubai, Dusseldorf, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, New York, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm and Warsaw.
The inquiry regarding the possibility of an office in Australia is an operational matter for Bord Bia. Should the Deputy require further information on the subject he should contact Bord Bia directly at info@bordbia.ie.
1251. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is expected to have final approval secured for the export of beef to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/18]
View answerSecuring beef market access to China is a very high priority for my Department. My Department has made significant progress in moving towards agreed access in recent years. Important steps include the lifting of the BSE ban in respect of Irish beef in early 2015, and the systems audit carried out by the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) in January 2016. The report for that visit was received following my Trade Mission to China in September 2016. In April 2017, together with the AQSIQ Minister Zhi Shuping, I signed a Protocol on the requirements for Frozen Beef to be exported from Ireland to China.
A plant inspection visit by the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) took place in August/September of last year. CNCA have recently provided us a draft report on their visit, which is now under consideration by staff in my Department as a matter of priority. My Department met with the industry last week to discuss the next steps, and will continue to work closely with industry to ensure that the requirements outlined in the Protocol are met.
My officials continue to liaise closely with their Chinese counterparts to provide every assurance in relation to the quality and safety of Irish beef. We hope that Ireland is now in the final stages of the market access process with China. However, despite this significant progress, the pace of market access will be largely determined by the Chinese authorities and not by my Department.
1252. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide funding in 2018 to reopen the national reserve and provide for priority access to the categories of young farmer and new entrant to farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2065/18]
View answerThe position on the amount of available funding for a 2018 National Reserve is currently being finalised. This involves assessment of the funding that remains in the National Reserve fund following allocations to successful applicants under the 2017 National Reserve and also the proceeds from clawback on the sale of entitlements without land and the value of unused entitlements that revert to the National Reserve fund. It is expected that the position on funding will be finalised shortly and a decision on a National Reserve for 2018 will be taken at that stage.
1253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department uses anti-profanity software on its email systems and online contact forms; if so, the level of human oversight that is applied to the monitoring of this software and its effectiveness; his views on whether persons' legitimate right to petition Government may be blocked unintentionally by errors in the use of such software in determining that which qualifies as profanity being communicated in email and/or online contact forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2078/18]
View answerAs a large public sector organisation this Department receives circa 170,000 external emails per week and therefore uses filtering software to block dangerous and malicious emails. As part of and in line with the Department’s ISO 27001 Information Security certification procedures, the Department uses dictionaries of profanity terms provided by our email gateway software vendor to quarantine emails containing certain terms. These emails will be kept in quarantine for 90 days and can be released to the intended recipient on request. No profanity filtering is in place on the ‘‘Contact Us’’ page on the Department’s website www.agriculture.gov.ie.
1254. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to alleviate the fodder crisis, particularly in the west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2101/18]
View answerWeather conditions for much of last autumn and early winter were challenging for farmers, particularly in parts of the West/North West. This resulted in the earlier housing of stock and challenges for some farmers in terms of Fodder conservation. On foot of these challenges, I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to my request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme and Agri-environment schemes. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October, and balancing payments issued in early December.
These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, injected over €1.3 billion into the Irish rural economy by the end of last year and are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance fodder purchase where necessary.
Last autumn as poor weather conditions continued, I then asked Teagasc to work locally in areas with fodder difficulties, supporting good budgeting for fodder supplies on farms over the winter ahead.
Furthermore, in order to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the issue of fodder availability in affected areas, I convened a fodder group chaired by Teagasc and comprising of all the main stakeholders including feed merchants and co-ops, banking, farm bodies etc. The group held its first meeting in December and again on Monday 15 of this week. The group's objective is to actively monitor the situation and to ensure co-ordinated expertise and guidance is available to affected farmers regarding their options. These may include sourcing alternative feed, reducing non-breeding stock numbers and ensuring they continue to carry out fodder budgeting.
As outlined at the weekend, my Department is engaging with stakeholders, including through Fodder task force, with a view to providing a targeted contribution towards long-distance transport of fodder to those areas most impacted by the adverse weather. As the deputy can appreciate, fodder sale and purchase is a normal and significant trade between farms on an annual basis and it is important that any prudent measure brought forward is appropriately targeted to those most impacted whilst not impacting negatively on this trade.
I would also stress that if a situation arises where the welfare of livestock is at risk, herdowners should contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare helpline or Regional Veterinary Office for support.
1255. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Government's initiatives in his Department in 2017 that promoted State services or welfare payments, public awareness of regulatory changes and public consultations that involved advertising and promotion on television, radio, newspapers and online, in tabular form; and the level of expenditure for each such initiative. [2255/18]
View answerIn 2017, my Department ran 2 radio advertising campaigns, 1 for the Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) encouraging farmers to submit their Nutrient Management Plans and the other campaign encouraging Backyard Poultry Owners to register with the Department. All other advertisements in 2017 were either in print format or online.
In the main, my Department advertised through MediaVest, who held the central Government contract for the provision of advertising services, but occasionally dealt with the service provider directly. The expenditure with regard to promoting the Department’s schemes and services, regulatory changes and public consultations is set out in the following table.
Advertising & Publicity 2017
|
Event/Campaign |
Company |
Total € |
Media Type |
|
Backyard Poultry campaign in response to Avian Influenza Outbreak |
Agriland |
923 |
Online |
|
MediaVest* |
25,722 |
||
|
Basic Payment Scheme Campaign encouraging farmers to use the Departments online application system, www.agfood.ie, to apply for their Basic Payment. |
Agriland |
2,460 |
Online |
|
Ear to the Ground |
1,875 |
Quarterly Magazine |
|
|
ICMSA Dairy Digest |
2,500 |
Annual Publication |
|
|
ICSA Magazine |
1,000 |
Quarterly Magazine |
|
|
Irish Farmers Journal |
19,188 |
Newspaper |
|
|
Irish Farmers Monthly |
13,068 |
Monthly Magazine |
|
|
MediaVest |
6.795 |
Newspaper |
|
|
MOB Media |
799 |
Annual Publication |
|
|
Farm Hazardous Waste Campaign |
Agriland |
7,380 |
Online |
|
Irish Farmers Monthly |
1,538 |
Monthly Magazine |
|
|
Dog Purchase Radio Campaign – Campaign giving advice to people intending to purchase a puppy or a dog. – Ran in December 2016, paid for in January 2017 |
MediaVest |
19,265 |
Radio |
|
Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment (GLAS) Scheme radio advert encouraging Farmers to submit their Nutrient Management Plan in order for their payment to issue. |
MediaVest |
30,350 |
Newspaper |
|
New Tree Felling Requirements – Campaign informing of updated legislation with regard to Tree-Felling. |
Irish Farmers Monthly |
2,614 |
Monthly Magazine |
|
Poultry Registration Radio Advert – Campaign to encourage Backyard Poultry Owners to register with the Department |
MediaVest |
22,592 |
Radio |
|
Advertisement of Statutory Instruments |
MediaVest |
12,504 |
Newspaper |
|
Public Consultations |
Mediavest |
9,813 |
Newspaper |
|
Adverts about different Scheme Funding available from the Department |
Mediavest |
12,489 |
Newspaper |
*Mediavest held the central Government contract for the provision of the majority of advertising needs. They are currently a framework member on the Framework Agreement for the Media Planning Strategy & Buying in Lots 2 & 3. Adverts typically included under this contract are afforestation notifications, aquaculture license applications, Department schemes and services, Recruitment and Public Notices.
1256. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to extend grant aid from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to cover energy efficient re-equipment in poultry, pigs and horticulture not already covered by the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme. [54472/17]
View answerA Dairy Sector Pilot Project run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in collaboration with Teagasc, and funded by my Department, was conducted in 2017. It targeted areas of high energy use and supported installation of variable speed drives on vacuum pumps and milk pumps in milking parlours which can reduce energy consumption considerably on a farm.
Separately, my Department undertook a consultation on energy efficiency with the wider commercial sector in late 2017. The objective was to outline the benefits energy efficiency delivers for businesses, supports currently available to improve energy efficiency, and to provide an opportunity for businesses to have their voices heard on how they could be better supported to improve their energy efficiency.
The impact and learnings from the 2017 dairy sector pilot project together with findings from the consultation will inform development of any further specific support measures for implementation in 2018. SEAI will also need to have regard to the considerable range of supports available from Department of Agriculture Food and Marine under the TAMS II Programme so as to optimise complementarity and avoid duplication.
I would point out that the Government, through SEAI and others, currently provide a range of energy efficiency support measures which may be of interest to agricultural businesses including farms. These include:-
- structured energy management training for large business and small business training for SMEs;
- free information, including best practice guides and online energy management strategies tailored to different sectors and online self–assessment energy “map” training;
- The EXEED (excellence in energy efficiency and design) scheme which can provide advice and grant support for businesses to establish a systematic approach to design, construction and commissioning processes for new investments and upgrades to existing assets;
- Project assistance grants to help businesses developing energy performance contract (EPC) solutions to finance the delivery of energy efficiency projects.
The SEAI also produces the “Triple E” Register of products approved as being energy efficient. Coupled with the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme operated by Government through the Revenue Commissioners this allows businesses to identify and buy the most energy efficient equipment and write down the cost of such equipment in the year of purchase rather than over 8 years. More detail of qualifying products can be found on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie.
My Department is also working, through the EPA, with key stakeholders, including the SEAI, on the IFA led Smart Farming initiative which helps farmers improve their energy and resource management and reduces emissions. More information can be found in the Smart Farming progress report published in October last.
1257. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the value for money reports that exist for the return from investment in energy projects supported by the public service obligation levy. [1555/18]
View answerThe increased use of renewable energy is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Ireland, renewable energy projects are supported under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy through a charge on all electricity customers as determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The legal basis for the PSO and its method of calculation by the CRU are set out in Regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (S.I. 217 of 2002). Typically the CRU publishes, for consultation, a draft of its proposed calculation of the Levy for the subsequent year in early summer with a view to finalisation before the Autumn.
The levy has been in place since 2001, and consists of a set of support schemes designed to facilitate national electricity policy objectives for renewables, indigenous fuels and security of supply. Ireland has a target of increasing renewable electricity penetration to 40% by 2020 and to date the PSO has supported the connection of over 3,000 MW of renewable energy to the electricity grid and will continue to support the development of renewable energy so that we can meet our target.
In terms of the value for money achieved, international studies have shown that Ireland has had one of the lowest per unit supports for renewable energy in the European Union. The PSO currently represents around 10% of the average household final electricity bill, or approximately €7.69 on a monthly basis for domestic customers from October 2017.
All schemes funded through the PSO were notified to the European Commission for state aid approval supported by economic assessment of the amount of aid required.
1258. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 422 of 5 December 2017, the position regarding the issue; his views on whether the proposed €75 annual support will be sufficient to support the households in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1675/18]
View answer1274. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the figure of €75 was determined in respect of the grant allocated to qualifying families under the pay-by-weight scheme; if this is the maximum grant figure; the consultation process undertaken or to be undertaken with relevant stakeholders; the procedures in place for the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55069/17]
View answer1302. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the specific terms of a scheme (details supplied); when it will be fully introduced; the number of persons who have received payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1534/18]
View answer1343. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he will finalise and issue the criteria and application process for the annual support scheme for persons who have lifelong or long-term medical incontinence in the context of a move to pay-by-weight bin charges (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2099/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1258, 1274, 1302 and 1343 together.
In line with the commitments set out in A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, published in 2012, and in the interest of encouraging further waste prevention and greater recycling, flat-rate fees for kerbside household waste collection are being phased out over the period autumn 2017 to autumn 2018, as customers contracts come up for renewal. The necessary regulatory steps have been put in place to give effect to this measure.
It is worth noting that this measure is not ‘new’ for about half of kerbside household waste customers, who are already on an incentivised usage pricing plan, i.e., a plan which contains a per lift or weight related fee.
As announced in mid-2017, mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging is not being introduced. Allowing for a range of charging options, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste, provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Consequently, a pure kilogramme charge for waste collection may not be selected by some households. Instead, some households may use a ‘per lift’ type charge or a ‘weight allowance’ collection service.
An annual support of €75 will be introduced as soon as possible this year and made available for persons with lifelong or long-term medical incontinence. This will help people meet the average annual cost of disposal of medical incontinence products. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive with a view to finalising the details and arrangements of the support as soon as possible, following further consultation with stakeholder groups.
1259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which his Department has compared the quality of mobile telephony here with that in other jurisdictions and, arising from the scope of the mobile telephone and broadband task force, the action anticipated; the likely interventions needed to improve quality, scale and efficacy of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2041/18]
View answer1260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the degree to which his Department identified deficiencies in broadband and mobile telephone technology throughout the country affecting the services available to the public; if he anticipates an early intervention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2042/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1259 and 1260 together.
Providing telecommunications services, including mobile phone services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services and make specific investments in particular locations. The ComReg consumer helpline is accessible at consumerline@comreg.ie and I would urge consumers who feel they have not received an appropriate response from service providers to make contact with the Regulator.
Notwithstanding ComReg’s independence, I recognise the frustration felt by Irish consumers where telecommunications networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Accordingly, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July 2016, I established the Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention.
The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report available on my Department’s website, which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Implementation Group I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. This includes ComReg, who attend as both an action owner, and in an observer capacity in their role as the independent Regulator. Three meetings of the Implementation Group were held in 2017 on 8 March, 5 July and 22 November.
I published the third Taskforce Quarterly Progress Report in November 2017, which demonstrates that good progress has been made in delivering the actions. I plan to publish an Annual Report shortly. These reports show continuing progress and also the sustained level of engagement between actions owners and industry. The Annual Report will also contain a work programme for 2018, with new actions identified that will lead to improvements for consumers across Ireland.
The positive engagement between action owners and industry was clear in October 2017 at the first National Stakeholder Forum in Athlone, which I hosted with Minister Kyne. It arose from the Taskforce’s recognition that, given the rapid technological change and the emergence of new equipment and solutions to deliver telecommunications services, stakeholders needed an opportunity to raise concerns on impediments to the rollout of services. Issues impacting on rollout were discussed at the Forum, and there were also some new recommended actions for the Taskforce to help improve services to consumers and in preparing for roll-out of the National Broadband Plan network, once contracts are in place.
The Taskforce’s achievements to date include:
- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;
- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies, including Government working closely with local authorities to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs to be connected at an early juncture after award of the NBP contract;
- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map.
- Most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development.
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for the introduction of 5G, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage. Mobile operators’ commercial investment has also resulted in improved services, following ComReg's 2012 multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.
In terms of tackling broadband deficiencies, the Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020.
In April 2017, I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017.
All of these initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.
1261. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Inland Fisheries Ireland's contingency plan for the management of pike introductions into waters which they do not currently inhabit, for example, Lough Lein, County Kerry, Lough Melvin, County Fermanagh, and so on; the person or body that will be tasked with the removal of these pike; the way in which the removal of illegally introduced pike will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54323/17]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has in place a standard operating procedure for stock management operations, including pike management, where such management activities are deemed necessary.
The standard operating procedure outlines methods, equipment, health and safety requirements among other issues. The procedure would be followed in the event of any IFI stock management operation being required to attempt to address any recent introduction of species accidentally or deliberately introduced to waters.
IFI has collated, over many years, baseline fish survey data for a significant number of lakes and rivers and also follow up on sightings of unusual fish records when reported. Funding and resource requirements for stock management in public waters are currently provided by IFI on a prioritised basis.
1262. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the sanctions in place to deter those who may be contemplating introducing invasive fish species into waters they currently do not inhabit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54324/17]
View answerThe Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is the statutory authority for the legislation governing Invasive Alien Species (IAS) including aquatic species.
1263. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 534 of 21 September 2017, the status of the introduction of a renewable heat incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54366/17]
View answer1273. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the renewal heating scheme will be implemented; the timeframe for the process of applications and deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54953/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1263 and 1273 together.
The development of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat has involved detailed economic analysis, extensive engagement with industry and two public consultations. The scheme was approved by Government last month and €7 million has been allocated to the scheme this year.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will administer the Scheme and will be responsible for its operation, including evaluating and processing applications. The SEAI will develop the Terms & Conditions for the Scheme which will set out the application and project approval process. My Department is engaging with the European Commission regarding the State Aid process; the scheme will commence operation this year once State Aid approval has been secured.
1264. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the roll-out of fibre connections in Donegal town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54388/17]
View answerThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) will ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland via a combination of commercial investment and State Intervention. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecommunications sector so that to date over 1.5m or 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband. By 2020 it is expected that 90% of premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband.
In April 2017, I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April.
The map shows that the provision of high speed broadband in County Donegal will be realised through mix of commercial investment and through the State Intervention under the NBP. There are over 101,000 premises in County Donegal, over 67,000 of which fall within a BLUE area and will be covered by commercial operators. Of the 67,000 premises that fall to be covered commercially, almost 12,000 premises form part of eir's planned rural deployment. The remaining 33,000 premises in County Donegal fall within an AMBER area and will be part of the State led Intervention under the National Broadband Plan.
I note that the townland of Donegal town, as identified in the High Speed Broadband Map, includes approximately 514 premises, located in the BLUE area. Therefore commercial operators are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services to this townland.
Delivering connectivity to the 542,000 premises (including more than 33,000 premises in County Donegal) that fall within the State led intervention under the NBP remains a Government priority. In the public procurement process, the NBP specialist team is continuing its evaluation of the two bidders’ Detailed Solutions’ received in September last. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage early this year, and subsequently the appointment of a preferred bidder or bidders. My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the NBP contract.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
1265. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a location (details supplied) will receive an improvement in broadband speed. [54441/17]
View answerThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020.
In April 2017 I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide broadband to an additional 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie. The Eircode referenced by the Deputy forms part of this deployment.
While the full programme of work is due to be completed by the end of 2018, more precise information on eir's planned rural deployment is available from eir at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. Citizens can access this website to determine the connectivity availability status for their premises using their eircode. The website also provides a list of retail service providers who offer services using high speed fibre network in the area.
1266. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures his Department is taking to ensure the viability of the rural post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54555/17]
View answer1267. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of discussions that are taking place between his Department and postmasters with regard to ensuring the post office network is protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54556/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1266 and 1267 together.
In response to the challenges facing An Post, the Board has overseen the preparation of a comprehensive strategic plan, the objective of which is to secure the long term viability of both the post office and mails businesses and return the company to a sound financial footing. Government is fully supportive of An Post in its endeavours. Reflecting its commitment to sustaining a nationwide post office network and daily mails service, the Government has made €30m available in State funding to An Post to support the renewal of the post office network and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service.
The strategic plan harnesses the company's existing strengths such as its nationwide reach, trusted brand and the relationship of postmasters with communities, both rural and urban. At the same time, An Post has recognised that it must embrace the digital agenda and this is reflected in the plan, especially in the emphasis on growing the parcels business. Enhanced banking services are becoming available through the post office network with the smart bank account. It is expected that further such opportunities will be available across the network, especially as high-speed broadband becomes widely available through the roll-out of the national broadband plan. The Government has also committed to exploring the potential for extra Government business, including motor tax, to be channelled through the network and my Department is engaging with other relevant Government Departments in this regard.
Discussions on the future of the post office network are a matter for An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union. I understand discussions are ongoing between both parties and I continue to encourage the parties to work closely to find an agreed solution to the renewal of the network.
