Written Answers Nos. 165-185
165. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8892/19]
View answerI understand that the cable in question was laid by the ESB for the purpose of transmitting data on wind farm electricity generation and not for the purpose of providing broadband services to members of the public. According to my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie, all premises in the townland of Knocknaboul are in the AMBER area and will receive access to a high speed broadband service through the NBP State intervention. This intervention is the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. I will bring a recommendation to Government in relation to the NBP in the coming weeks.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, 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. 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.
166. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of 14 November 2018, when a meeting (details supplied) will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8895/19]
View answerI understand that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) will contact the project promoters shortly to assess the technical aspects of the proposal from a fisheries perspective and to ensure they engage with all appropriate State Bodies, particularly Kerry County Council, as regards progressing their proposals. As previously advised, IFI submitted observations in relation to Kerry County Council’s road straightening plans in the area adjacent to Lough Fada and had suggested that access and parking could be improved during these works. IFI would be happy to consult with and assist the Council in the development of such facilities.
167. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a hazardous waste dump at Clonshaugh, Dublin 17 on the boundary of the operational areas of Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council which was discovered has still not been removed or remediated after almost two decades; the contacts his Department has had on this matter with the two local authorities concerned in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8897/19]
View answer168. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the illegal hazardous waste dump on the banks of the Mayne River is not a danger to public health and safety (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8898/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
The primary responsibility for the management of any waste, including costs for removal or disposal, lies with the holder of the waste, i.e. the natural or legal person in possession of the waste, or the producer of the waste. The Waste Management Act imposes a general duty of care on holders of waste, under which a person may not hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental pollution.
Each local authority is responsible for the supervision and the enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Waste Management Act in relation to the holding, recovery and disposal of waste within its functional area. Local authorities have specific powers under the Act to require measures to be taken, or to take measures directly, to prevent or limit environmental pollution caused or likely to be caused by the holding, recovery or disposal of waste, and to mitigate or remedy the effects on the environment of such activity.
Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
Furthermore, while enforcement action in this area is a matter in the first instance for local authorities, my Department encourages a multi-facetted approach to tackling the problem, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education and, as such, provides funding to support the activities of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities of approximately €1 million per annum and of the network of local authority waste enforcement officers of approximately €7.4 million per annum.
My Department has developed the Anti-Dumping Initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations in identifying high risk or problem areas, developing appropriate enforcement responses and carrying out clean-up operations. Since 2017 funding of €3.3 million has been made available from the Environment Fund in this regard which has supported over 400 projects across all 31 local authority areas, remediating black spots and equipping local authority enforcement officers with the latest technologies available to support SMART enforcement of our waste laws.
A review of this initiative is underway which will inform a 2019 anti-dumping work programme that will place an increased emphasis on all actors who facilitate the unauthorised movement and disposal of waste.
169. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grants available to agricultural contractors who are SMEs and not farmers and do not have a herd number who wish to purchase slurry-spreading machinery which has low emissions and is environmentally friendly in line with climate action policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8918/19]
View answerOn 18 February, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and I jointly announced 2019 funding for Energy Efficient Dairy Farm Equipment. Up to €500,000 is available for high efficiency milk pumps, saving the average farmer €1,440 in energy bills and 1.6 tonnes in reduced carbon emissions annually. The Energy Efficient Dairy Farm Equipment Scheme is administered through Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Up to 40% of total technology and installation costs may be covered by the grant. The technologies covered under the scheme include Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Vacuum Pumps and VSD Milk Pumps. The scheme is open to all dairy farmers supplying all major cooperatives. All herd sizes are covered, and both single and three phase electricity supply is eligible.
The SEAI assists farmers in other ways, such as through the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) Scheme. The ACA scheme is a tax incentive on a range of energy efficiency equipment.
It is important to note however that the Dairy Farm Scheme requires a ‘herd number’ and that at present slurry spreading machinery is not covered by the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme.
I am informed separately that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides grant aid for farmers or groups of farmers to purchase Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II). TAMS II is co-funded under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme. The EU regulations specify that beneficiaries under TAMS II must be farmers, or groups of farmers. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is precluded from funding the purchase of LESS equipment by contractors under TAMS II. That Department is, however, committed to the use of this equipment with more than 660 applications paid over €7.6m to date under the LESS measure of TAMS II.
170. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce legislation in the interest of health and road safety to regulate the use of electric and powered skateboards on streets and roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8819/19]
View answerAny mechanically propelled vehicle (regardless of the form of propulsion) which is used in a public place (as defined in road traffic legislation) must be registered, taxed, insured and roadworthy, and the driver or rider must be licensed.
As it is not possible for an electric or powered skateboard to conform with this legislation, it is not considered suitable for use in a public place.
I will be formally requesting the Road Safety Authority shortly to examine the feasibility of providing for such electric vehicles in our legislation, and when they have submitted the outcome of their research to me I will consider all the available facts and make a decision on how to proceed.
171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the ban on bus drivers over 70 years of age will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8877/19]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a refund will not be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8881/19]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
173. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a commitment given in September 2016 in Dáil Éireann to visit a railway station (details supplied) in County Westmeath to discuss possible ways and avenues of reopening same will be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8893/19]
View answerThis matter is under consideration and my office will revert back in due to course.
174. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure a community-funded bus service (details supplied) will not cease operation in September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8914/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme, which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
175. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will direct TII to provide an update on progress to carry out work at Turtulla Cross, Thurles, County Tipperary; the timeline for the work to be completed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8922/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
176. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the type and amounts of munitions he approved for transit through Shannon Airport on a plane (details supplied) on 4 February 2019; and the reason he approved this aircraft and these munitions to transit through Shannon Airport and Irish air space. [8939/19]
View answerThis particular civil aircraft was granted an exemption for the carriage of munitions of war in respect of the personal weapons of the troops on board with no ammunition present pursuant to Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989.
This exemption was granted as it met with the requirements for the grant of exemptions administered by my Department. No objections were raised by the Departments consulted as a part of the application process.
Matters relating to Ireland's policy of neutrality are the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which bus and rail accommodation can be augmented throughout the north County Kildare routes serving Sallins, Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock with a view to ensuring adequate space for commuters on both buses and trains and compliance with health and safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8955/19]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with the relevant Operators, the augmentation of bus and rail services throughout north County Kildare. The relevant Operators are obliged at all times to ensure the services provided are managed and operated safely in accordance with relevant legislation.
Noting their responsibility in the development and implementation of public transport in the GDA, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
178. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of child and adolescent counselling and psychotherapy sessions offered by organisations that received counselling and psychotherapy funding from Tusla in County Wexford in each of the years 2014 to 2018, in tabular form. [8778/19]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility to support and promote the development, welfare and protection of children.
Tusla provides funding to numerous organisations that provide child and adolescent counselling and psychotherapy services.
The Deputy's question refers to an operational matter for Tusla. I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
179. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) is operating its own helpline regarding retrospective abuse allegations against the organisation; and her views on whether this is appropriate. [8791/19]
View answer180. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she has taken to ensure that the staff operating a helpline (details supplied) are appropriately trained; if she has set out minimum operating guidelines for the helpline; and if she is satisfied that it is providing an adequate service to potential abuse victims. [8792/19]
View answer181. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a co-operation mechanism between a helpline (details supplied) and the Tusla helpline with regard to historic cases of abuse; if the helpline is mandated to share information with Tusla or another unit within her Department; and if arrangements have been put in place to that effect. [8793/19]
View answer182. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an organisation (details supplied) is using State funding in order to provide counselling supports to victims of alleged abuse within the organisation; and if the organisation is independently funding this service. [8795/19]
View answer183. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an organisation (details supplied) is using State funding in order to provide hardship to victims of alleged abuse within the organisation; and if the organisation is independently funding the service. [8796/19]
View answer184. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if counselling services are being offered to victims of historic abuse at an organisation (details supplied); and if other supports are being offered to these persons. [8797/19]
View answer185. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department is ensuring a minimum standard in terms of the quality and appropriateness of the counselling services being offered by an organisation (details supplied) to victims of historic abuse at the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8798/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 to 185, inclusive, together.
In early February, a detailed update was provided to my officials for my attention about the current status of the review of historic files and updated figures in terms of the number of victims of abuse, the alleged perpetrators and the reporting of same. I have been assured by Scouting Ireland that they are providing the necessary counselling supports to the victims of alleged abuse. Scouting Ireland established a helpline to respond to the needs of persons affected by the allegations of historic abuse within the organisation, the funding for which comes from within Scouting Ireland’s internal resources. The helpline is manned by trained members of the safeguarding team and when a person contacts the helpline they are offered a referral to an appropriate counselling service. Scouting Ireland has confirmed that it has been liaising with Tusla, the Garda Síochána and any other relevant police authority in respect of the calls received on all helplines.
