Skip to main content
Normal View

Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 180-199

Better Energy Homes Scheme

Questions (180)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

180. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes on the waiting list in counties Longford and Westmeath for the better energy warmer homes scheme. [36392/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The aim of the scheme is to deliver efficiency measures in a way which represents the best use of Exchequer funding. Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for residential and community retrofit programmes next year to be funded by my Department through the SEAI. This represents an additional €100 million, or 82% increase, on the 2020 allocation and is the largest ever budget for the schemes. Of this allocation, €109 million (€100 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme) is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty.

SEAI originally estimated that works would be completed in approximately 3,500 homes under the scheme this year. Delivery has however been negatively impacted by Covid, particularly between March and June when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. In line with the wider construction sector, retrofit works are continuing, subject to a full risk assessment and compliance with all available guidelines. Completions under this scheme is now expected be closer to 1,500 homes this year.

The following table presents the number of homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme in Longford and Westmeath, as of 30 October 2020, that:

- are currently undergoing works,

- have been allocated to contractors for works,

- have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor, or 

- are awaiting the initial survey of their home.

Warmer Homes Scheme Work Programme by County

County

No. of Homes

Co. Longford

69

Co. Westmeath

161

National Broadband Plan

Questions (181)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

181. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement to have an Eircode for broadband installation can be removed temporarily to allow those awaiting an Eircode to have the broadband installed in their new homes to allow them to work remotely during level 5 restrictions. [36457/20]

View answer

Written answers

While Eircodes are used by many telecoms service providers as an effective basis for identifying the location to which a service is to be delivered, I understand that this is not a regulatory requirement. Having regard to the importance of connectivity for people in so many aspects of their lives, even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be desirable that provision of such services is not delayed where an address has yet to be assigned an eircode, or where the operator has yet to update its systems to include the latest Eircodes. My Department has communicated this matter to ComReg.

Environmental Policy

Questions (182)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

182. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if local authorities have protocols in place for dealing with oil spills; if so, the local authorities concerned; and his plans to bring forward a harmonised and agreed response from his Department in relation to the way in which local authorities manage oil spills. [36527/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, I have no function in this matter.   Any arrangements and protocols that may be in place with the Local Authorities to deal with oil spills would be a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Broadband Service Charges

Questions (183)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

183. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding engagement with Internet providers in respect of the cessation of the application of excess usage charges during periods of enhanced restrictions considering the increase in the number of persons working and studying from home; his plans to request a further cessation of the application of excess usage charges by Internet providers during aforementioned periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36647/20]

View answer

Written answers

As I stated in reply to question No [PQ 34493] of  5 November 2020, providing telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I recognise how vital telecommunications services are to citizens for so many aspects of their daily lives, including remote working, studying and staying in touch with family members during the Covid-19 crisis. In April of this year, all major telecommunications providers in Ireland committed to a number of measures to help people stay in touch and work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, a number of operators have implemented further supports for consumers, such as for students in education, who require a high data usage package, by increasing data limits on many existing packages and by the introduction of new packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings. As a result, the market for mobile packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings, is becoming increasingly competitive, which is a positive development for consumers.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (184)

Robert Troy

Question:

184. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when properties (details supplied) will be able to avail of efibre broadband. [36850/20]

View answer

Written answers

The area referenced in the Question is located in the AMBER areas on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.   I am advised by NBI that, as of 9 November 2020, over 126,000 premises across every county in Ireland have been surveyed, which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company. This activity involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This is informing design solutions for provision of the fibre network. This detailed design is then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with eir for the area, where eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose. It is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area. The first fibre to the home connections are expected next month in Carrigaline, Co Cork and they will be subject to technical testing and validation prior to a wider release of the area. I am advised that from the end of January retailers will be able to resell the service and householders in these areas will be able to order high speed broadband provided via the NBI network. In County Westmeath, I can advise that surveys have commenced in the areas of Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown and Athlone. Surveys are due to start in areas around Devlin in early 2021. I am advised that build works are scheduled to begin in the summer 2021 in the Mullingar area. Further details are available on specific areas within Westmeath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the Intervention Area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence. Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 6 November, some 190 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 59 of these are now connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. In County Westmeath, BCPs have been installed at Streete Parish Park and Community Hall, Whitehall Community Centre, Milltown Emper Community Centre and Ballycomoyle GAA Club. Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride has been connected to high speed broadband, for educational access only, as part of the BCP initiative, with Scoil Naomh Michael to be connected in the coming months. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (185)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

185. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which his Department’s annual amount for contingent liability is set; the factors considered when setting contingent liability; if forecasting is undertaken regarding setting future amounts; the contingent liability figure for his Department for 2020; and if the contingent has been utilised to date in 2020. [36902/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department discloses details of contingent liabilities in its annual Appropriation Account, in accordance with Public Financial Procedures and guidance issued by Government Accounting Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This Account is subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General each year. In its 2019 Appropriation Account, my Department reported the potential for liabilities in 2020 and subsequent years arising from ongoing and future legal cases. As the Department cannot predict the outcome of such cases, it is not possible to forecast a value for these contingent liabilities.

No contingent liabilities have materialised to date in 2020.

Communications Market Regulation

Questions (186)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

186. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the development of legislation to provide significant additional powers (details supplied) to ComReg in the form of greater powers of enforcement in particular focusing on customer service as committed to in the Programme for Government; the timeline for such legislation to be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36954/20]

View answer

Written answers

ComReg currently has a suite of enforcement and sanction powers available to it in regulating the telecommunications sector. Transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code, a new European regulatory framework will, inter alia, further ensure effective protection of consumers. Against the backdrop of the transposition of the Code, my Department, in collaboration with ComReg, is developing proposals to further strengthen ComReg's enforcement regime, as committed to in the Programme for Government, with a view to developing draft legislative proposals.

Energy Efficiency

Questions (187)

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

187. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the income limit will be increased to allow for more home energy efficiency upgrades in low-income households using carbon tax revenues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37089/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland operates a number of schemes which support low-income households to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes:

- The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty.

- The Warmth and Wellbeing Pilot Scheme aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions and measure the impact. Energy efficiency upgrades are provided free of charge for eligible homeowners in the pilot areas of Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24.

- The Community Energy Scheme funds community-based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area and is available to homeowners, Housing Associations and Local Authorities. Grants of up to 80% are available for low income homeowners as part of wider community projects.

Applicants to these schemes must be in receipt of certain Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) payments. There are currently no plans to change from this eligibility requirement.

Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes next year. This represents an additional €100 million on the 2020 allocation with the increase funded through carbon tax revenues. Of this allocation, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes. This is a €47 million increase on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and will allow for more home energy efficiency upgrades in low-income households. Further information on SEAI grant schemes is available at: https://www.seai.ie/.

In addition to the above, Budget 2021 also allocated €65 million to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to support the retrofitting of local authority homes.

Driver Test

Questions (188)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

188. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an appointment for a driver test will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36240/20]

View answer

Written answers

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.  I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Questions (189)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

189. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of full and learner driver licences surrendered following conviction for a driving offence in 2019 and to date in 2020; and the number of full and learner driver licences not collected following a direction to surrender it following conviction of a driving offence in 2019 and to date in 2020. [36528/20]

View answer

Written answers

The following table provides the data requested by the Deputy. The data provided for the Penalty Points Disqualification is based on the notice date of the disqualification as agreed with the Deputy.

Year 

Number of Drivers with Court Disqualification

Number of Driving Licences Surrendered

Number of Drivers with Penalty Points Disqualification

Number of Driving Licences Surrendered

 2019

 10,594

 999

 1,755

 668

 2020

(15th Nov 2020)

5,510

550

1,336

471

Greenways Provision

Questions (190)

Michael Ring

Question:

190. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the purpose of recently announced funding (details supplied); the locations within County Mayo in which the funding will be used; the number of kilometres it will include; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/20]

View answer

Written answers

I was delighted to be able to announce increased funding for greenways next year, including €5.15m allocated toward the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo.

This increased funding ensures that the full costs of the project will now be met by the Exchequer and will support construction on a 4.8km stretch of the Westport to Louisburgh section near Belclare and Murrisk and also a separate 8.35km stretch on Achill, from Achill Sound toward Bunnacurry. These sections will eventually form part of a Greenway around the entire Bay and will see Greenway from Roonagh via Louisburgh to Westport and from Achill Sound to Keel.

I look forward to supporting the continued development of this important infrastructure.

Driver Test

Questions (191)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

191. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a truck licence test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36878/20]

View answer

Written answers

The scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

During the Level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work. The Road Safety Authority has set up a dedicated email, urgentdrivingtest@rsa.ie, where applicants can request to be given priority and supply supporting documentation.  These requests are prioritised during the scheduling process with cancellation slots being offered where possible. 

Road Projects

Questions (192)

Michael Ring

Question:

192. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport when a couple (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment that is due to them; the reason for the delay in payment being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36887/20]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.  This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.   In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Questions (193)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which air and sea rescue aircraft and vessels quality and safety checks are done on a regular basis with a view to keeping standards here in line with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/20]

View answer

Written answers

Maritime Search and Rescue services are provided in accordance with the National Search and Rescue Plan (NSP)  as published by my Department in July 2019. The Coast Guard, a Division of my Department, is required to discharge Ireland’s SAR obligations by implementing the NSP for all incidents occurring in the maritime domain, or as otherwise requested by SAR authorities in other domains. SAR aviation services are provided under contract to the Coast Guard by CHCI Ireland DAC. CHCI’s operating arrangements are regulated and overseen by the IAA in accordance with established national and international procedures. In addition  the four CHCI bases are subject to an annual audit by an independent Coast Guard appointed aviation consultant.

The Coast Guard may also on a ‘request and availability basis’ request Search and / or Surveillance assistance from the Air Corps who are responsible for their own safety oversight. Other SAR services are provided by what is categorised as declared resources who are responsible for operating their own safety management systems. Such resources are tasked by the Coast Guard in accordance with the national SAR plan on the basis of  such resources operating  in accordance with their operational published procedures.

Search and rescue vessels provided by the Irish Coast Guard are maintained and serviced in line with best practice through established service providers and as part of an internal safety management system. Internal quality and safety checks are carried out at regular intervals and are subject to an annual internal audit for verification purposes.

Driver Test

Questions (194)

Duncan Smith

Question:

194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to resolve the situation in which the RSA will not allow fully licensed accompanying drivers of learners to their tests to wait in the test centre while the test is being conducted (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36192/20]

View answer

Written answers

While it is case that a learner driver must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver at all times, I would like to make clear that there is no requirement in law for this driver to remain at the test centre for the duration of the test.

As the Deputy is aware, driver testing is continuing under current Level 5 restrictions, but only for candidates involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. The Road Safety Authority has thus been presented with the challenge of facilitating these essential tests while at the same time safeguarding the safety of its staff and those taking the test while minimizing the risk of spreading the virus.

Operational arrangements at test centres, including the availability of waiting facilities, are a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I understand from the Authority that, given the rise in confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country and the general tightening of public health restrictions more generally, the current policy of closing waiting rooms at centres where they exist, is unlikely to be relaxed in the near future.

Driver Test

Questions (195)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

195. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36212/20]

View answer

Written answers

The scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

During the Level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work. The RSA have set up a dedicated email, urgentdrivingtest@rsa.ie , where applicants can request to be given priority and supply supporting documentation.

These requests are prioritised during the scheduling process with cancellation slots being offered where possible.   

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (196)

Neale Richmond

Question:

196. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the restriction of travel to and from Denmark due to the Covid-19 developments there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36218/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the Government has developed a framework around the EU “traffic light” system, which was adopted at EU level on 13th October.  As part of this, people arriving into Ireland from EU green regions do not have to restrict their movement for 14 days. All other passengers must continue to restrict their movements for 14 days unless they are exempted essential workers. The Government also aligned with the updated list of exempted categories of traveller with essential function or need within the EU recommendation.  

The requirement for those arriving from EU orange regions to restrict their movements can be waived, if they have a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken up to three days before arrival.

From  midnight 29th November, arrivals from an EU red/grey region and third countries will not be expected to restrict movements following receipt of a negative/not-detected result from a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken a minimum of five days after arrival in Ireland. This provision will also be available to arrivals from orange regions who may not have availed of a pre-departure test. 

There are a number of COVID-19 testing technologies currently available or emerging on the commercial market. However, subject to the ongoing review of testing by NPHET and Government, a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test is the only test result that means the passenger is not expected to follow advice to restrict movements. Testing technology and delivery options for facilitating international travel will be kept under review. 

Testing provision under Ireland’s framework for international travel will not be provided through the public health system, but rather will be met by the private commercial sector testing supply on a user pays basis.  As the availability of testing cannot be guaranteed intending passengers wishing to avail of a test should seek an early appointment for a test in advance of travel.

The Passenger Locator Form, administered by the Department of Health, remains in place for all persons arriving into the State regardless of the "colour" of the location they are arriving from.  Essential transport workers continue to be exempt from completing the form.  The introduction of an online form supports an enhanced system of engagements with arriving passengers. The main purpose of the form is for the targeting of key public health messages to arriving passengers through SMS and email.

Passengers arriving into Ireland from Denmark are advised of the need to take additional precautions aimed at limiting the spread of the newly discovered virus variant in Denmark of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Anyone arriving to Ireland from Denmark should ensure that they follow the existing guidance to restrict movement for a period of 14 days following their arrival into Ireland. This requirement does not apply to international transport workers in the aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors.

In addition, should any traveller from Denmark develop any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 they should phone their GP immediately and alert them of their recent visit to Denmark. Information on arriving in Ireland from abroad, will be made available h`ere .

Air Accident Investigations

Questions (197)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

197. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 360 of 3 November 2020 and 74 of 5 November 2020, the nature of the work which will be conducted by the review panel to which he refers given that its one member has no technical expertise; the timescale to that review; if the review is limited to considering only the process of the investigation; if it will conduct a full review of that investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36274/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Review Board’s re-examination will be carried out in line with Regulation 16 of Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents) Regulations 2009 (SI 460 of 2009). 

The 2009 Regulations provide that the Board’s re-examination shall be in private and the timeframe for the Board to carry out the re-examination is a matter for the Chairperson to determine.  As the Deputy is aware, on completion of the re-examination the Chairperson of the Review Board shall make a report to me.  I have not yet received a report from the Chairperson.

Driver Licences

Questions (198)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

198. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if there is another option for vulnerable persons turning 70 years of age to renew their licences if they are not deemed eligible for a postal application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36275/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) , through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), has expanded the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a  Public Services Card, will be needed to access the online system.

For those calling to the NDLS centres, I wish to assure customers that the centres have been assessed and measures have been put in place to align with the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocols.  Appropriate signage, sanitation and hand washing, and social distancing measures, such as reduced seating in waiting areas and customer touch point cleansing, have been introduced. Customers will be accompanied into and out of centres and will be required to adhere to necessary health and safety guidelines.

Driver Licences

Questions (199)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

199. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a driver licence renewal for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36283/20]

View answer

Written answers

All applications for a driving licence must be made through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). The Department of Transport cannot schedule such appointments.

All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity through a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime.

Applicants who can avail of the newly extended online service have been asked to cancel appointments they may have made at an NDLS centre. This, and the steps mentioned above, will help ease the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie.

Top
Share