Written Answers Nos. 1-19
1. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if garden centres fully qualify as essential retail outlets under level 5 restrictions; if not, if partial restrictions apply; and if his attention has been drawn to concerns within the industry with the arrival of spring which is a traditionally busy time for the sector. [13613/21]
View answerS.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 and S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/) clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/.
Under Level 5, only essential retail outlets will remain open and all measures in Level 5 will stay in place until at least April 5 2021. Further information can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
It is a matter for each business to review the regulations and decide if they can or cannot operate under the current temporary restrictions.
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores, including clothes stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus. Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect from non-essential retail outlets is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
We are asking retailers to fully get behind the spirit of the regulations. In particular, we are asking retailers with mixed retail offering which have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retail to make arrangements for the separation of relevant areas.
An Garda Síochána are engaging with retailers and enforcing the regulations where necessary.
Minister English has met regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to continuously assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The Work Safely Protocol’ incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces. The Protocol is available on www.gov.ie. The HSA is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In addition, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have also produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector and one for Shopping Centres. Both documents can be found on www.nsai.ie
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
2. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if matters in relation to funding for businesses (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13649/21]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties that the necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on businesses right across the country. With this in mind the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. Details of the wide range of supports available are on my Department’s website.
I am committed to helping businesses respond to the economic challenges arising from the pandemic with a particular focus on firms that do not qualify for the weekly CRSS grant from the Revenue Commissioners or existing sectoral schemes in areas such as the arts, transport and tourism.
Today (11th March) I announced that applications are now open for Phase 1 of the Small Business Assistance Scheme (SBASC). This is a new €60m business assistance scheme. The aim of this scheme is to provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government’s other existing schemes such as CRSS and is designed to help with fixed costs. Wholesalers, suppliers, caterers down 75% or more in turnover and in receipt of a rates bill may benefit, including those that commenced after the 1st November 2019 where their turnover is below projections.
Businesses, will, however, be required to be in receipt of a rates bill from their local authority for their business in order to qualify. The intention behind this provision is to assist businesses operating from fixed premises to meet some of the ongoing fixed costs of maintaining those premises.
In relation to the eligibility requirement of €50,000 turnover. It is important to remember that this scheme has been introduced to meet the unavoidable costs that businesses operating from a fixed premises incur whether they are open or not. Analysis carried out for similar schemes has shown us that where annual turnover is less than €50,000, then it is likely that most costs will be payroll based. As you know, Government already provides subsidies or other income supports in the form of the EWSS and the PUP.
While there will undoubtedly be exceptions, it is probable that at these lower levels of turnover, the ongoing costs will generally not impact on the business’s potential to re-open as and when restrictions ease.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business.
Further details of the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID are available on my Department's website www.enterprise.gov.ie
3. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider extending the COVID business aid scheme to include businesses that have significant maintenance and fixed costs but do not operate on fixed premises such as private coach operators for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13685/21]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties that the necessary ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are putting on businesses right across the country. With this in mind the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.
I would urge business owners to seek the supports outlined above if they have not already done so. I would also suggest they contact their Local Enterprise Office who can signpost them and advise them of supports that may be available for their business.
Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. Details of the wide range of supports available are on my Department’s website.
The new €60m Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID will provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government’s other existing schemes. It is designed to help with fixed costs and will be of benefit to those in the transport sector that may have a rated parking or other maintenance facilities for their vehicles. The scheme is now open.
You may also wish to consult with the Department of Transport who have overall responsibility for licensing of private coach operators.
The Government is very much open to proposals as to how we can help businesses further. However, our schemes are there to help meet fixed costs that cannot be avoided and to provide basic weekly income support up to maximum of €350 per week. We are not providing compensation for loss of personal income above this level or compensation for loss of profits for any sector.
4. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in Cork city and county in each of the years 2011 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13716/21]
View answerThe table below shows employment in agency client (IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta) companies in County Cork over the period 2011-2020.
Over the period 2011 to 2020, 25,792 total net jobs have been created in agency client companies in County Cork.
Employment data for 2021 is not yet available. The Deputy may wish to consult CSO figures for a broader picture of employment in the region.
Table 1: Employment in Industry and Services in All Agency-assisted Companies in County Cork, 2011-2020
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
PFT Jobs |
39,110 |
41,084 |
42,573 |
45,184 |
49,458 |
53,359 |
55,577 |
58,904 |
61,477 |
63,097 |
|
Other Jobs |
5,340 |
5,455 |
5,877 |
5,888 |
7,071 |
6,059 |
6,432 |
6,105 |
5,915 |
7,145 |
|
Total Jobs |
44,450 |
46,539 |
48,450 |
51,072 |
56,529 |
59,418 |
62,009 |
65,009 |
67,392 |
70,242 |
(Note: PFT is permanent full time jobs. Other jobs is part time, temporary jobs)
5. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the length of time shops selling essential items including children’s clothes which are not easily purchased online can remain closed without having a disproportionately negative impact on young families. [13748/21]
View answerI understand this is an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses across the country and I would like to thank them for their efforts at this difficult time. By each of us following the spirit of the rules and working together we can hopefully ease some restrictions soon.
S.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 and S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/) clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/.
Under Level 5, only essential retail outlets will remain open and all measures in Level 5 will stay in place until at least April 5 2021. Further information can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead, which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/, sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation. All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores, including clothes stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus. Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect from non-essential retail outlets is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies, e.g., admission to hospital.
We are asking retailers to fully get behind the spirit of the regulations. In particular, we are asking retailers with mixed retail offering which have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retail to make arrangements for the separation of relevant areas.
An Garda Síochána are engaging with retailers and enforcing the regulations where necessary.
We are asking retailers to operate staggered opening and closing hours, as well as facilitating starting and finishing hours, in order to minimise the impact on public transport and to continue to provide dedicated hours for vulnerable customers.
We are also asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.
Minister English has met regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to continuously assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The Work Safely Protocol’ incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces. The Protocol is available on www.gov.ie. The HSA is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In addition, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have also produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector and one for Shopping Centres. Both documents can be found on www.nsai.ie.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
6. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the details of the Covid-19 business aid scheme will be announced, the qualifying criteria outlined and funding paid out. [13796/21]
View answerToday (March 11th) I announced that applications are now being received by Local Authorities for phase 1 of the new €60m small business assistance scheme. The aim of this scheme is to provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government’s other existing schemes such as CRSS and is designed to help with fixed costs e.g rent, utilities and security.
Wholesalers, suppliers, caterers down 75% or more in turnover and in receipt of a rates bill may benefit, including those that commenced after the 1st November 2019 where their turnover is below projections.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 21st April, 2021.
A payment grant of €4,000 is available for the first quarter of this year A decision on payment for the second quarter of this year will be made in due course. To qualify for the scheme, enterprises must have:
- 250 employees or less;
- Turnover of over €50,000; and
- The turnover of the business over the claim period is estimated to be no more that 25% of previous levels
- the scheme is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships;
- the business is not eligible for CRSS or Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity Scheme or other sectoral grant scheme;
- they are in receipt of a rates bill from their local authority for business which operates from a building, or similar fixed physical structure on which business rates are payable (mobile premises, or premises which are not permanently fixed in place, do not meet the definition of business premises nor do premises on which no rates are payable);
The scheme will be run on a first-come-first-served basis. Further details of the scheme are available on my Department's website www.enterprise.gov.ie.
I am committed to helping businesses respond to the economic challenges arising from the pandemic. Business owners have made sacrifices right across the country in order to protect their communities. The Government continues to monitor the situation and the schemes available.
7. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount Enterprise Ireland and or local enterprise offices have by way of either funding or investment (details supplied) to start-up microbreweries, alcohol enterprises and or distillery businesses in Ireland in 2018, 2019 and 2020. [13816/21]
View answerEnterprise Ireland has approved grant funding to start-up micro-breweries, alcohol enterprises and or distillery businesses as follows:
|
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
Grand Total |
|
€1,873,843 |
€976,471 |
€609,678 |
€3,459,992 |
Local Enterprise Offices have approved grant funding to start-up micro-breweries, alcohol enterprises and or distillery businesses as follows:
|
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
Grand Total |
|
€295,864 |
€328,751 |
€431,513 |
€1,056,128 |
8. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if urgent consideration will be given to the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to insurance costs for a sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13819/21]
View answerI recognise that the cost of insurance, particularly the impact of high claim pay outs, is a major issue for consumers and businesses. I welcome the adoption by the Judicial Council on the 6th March of the new Personal Injuries Guidelines. The Minister for Justice intends that the new Guidelines will apply to all cases that have not yet been assessed by PIAB. This approach will ensure that the law is robust and the Guidelines can take effect as soon as possible as we seek to reduce the cost of insurance.
While I appreciate the points raised in the correspondence received with this PQ, the new Guidelines clearly represent a shift in the manner in which general damages are awarded and in the level of those damages. Awards across all ranges and in all courts should be less than heretofore, with the exception of awards for the most serious types of injury and catastrophic injury. In addition, the Guidelines will apply to all cases that have not yet been assessed by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. This should facilitate an increased level of consistency in awards, more frequent early resolution of claims, and ultimately a reduction in award levels.
The Report of the Law Reform Commission on the Capping of Personal Injury levels considered that a scheme under which general damages are capped and all awards for lesser injuries are indexed to the cap would be constitutional. However, it concluded that it would be appropriate that the Personal Injuries Guidelines be given some time to be applied in practice. As per Action 15 of the ‘Action Plan for Insurance Reform’, Minister McEntee will make a report on the implementation and initial impact of the Guidelines by the end of 2021.
I would point out that there is no silver bullet to deal with insurance costs. That is why Government developed the ‘Action Plan for Insurance Reform’ with 66 actions to drive reform across Government. While the Guidelines are important, they represent only one part of our plan. Other important actions include:
- Examination of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 to increase protections for consumers, businesses, sporting clubs and community groups in relation to duty of care.
- Reducing insurance fraud including placing perjury on a statutory footing, making the offence easier to prosecute.
- Enhancing the role of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, for which my Department will be initiating a public consultation before the end of this month and I would welcome contributions from members.
The Action Plan shows that the Government is serious about insurance reform and I am confident that through the actions outlined in the Plan we can bring about substantive change for consumers and businesses, which will make a real difference to people’s lives and livelihoods.
9. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which he continues to support and drive the creation of new enterprises in the indigenous sector nationally with particular reference to the need to encourage the generation of employment in all regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13844/21]
View answerAs Irish enterprise navigates the impact of COVID-19 and Ireland’s new trading relationship with the UK, my Department’s 2021 focus will be on building a resilient enterprise base to sustain jobs and exports. With the support of our development Agencies, my Department's strategic priorities include:
- Strengthening Irish enterprise to respond to market shocks and disruption in response to COVID-19 and Brexit.
- Driving transformational change and the pace of innovation transitioning to new business models, digitalisation and the low carbon economy.
- Scaling and growing the export and start-up base, across regions and sectors and grow companies of all sizes.
Enterprise Ireland enterprises employ over 220,000 people nationally of which 65 per cent of this employment is located outside of Dublin.
Scaling and growing the export and start-up base, across regions and sectors, continues to be a priority of this Government. Through Enterprise Ireland, my Department provides assistance to entrepreneurs and start-up companies to help with business planning, mentoring and development advice, feasibility funding and finance. Programmes and initiatives include:
- Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Development Programme, the national entrepreneur development programme for early stage start-ups. This programme runs in partnership with Institutes of Technology throughout the country. In 2020, EI supported 157 entrepreneurs across the country on this programme.
- A Competitive Start Fund to support start-up companies to reach key technical and commercial milestones. In 2020, Enterprise Ireland approved 45 new early stage businesses with investments of up to €50,000 each through a series of Competitive Start Fund calls.
- Support for High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) companies with the potential to develop an innovative product or service for sale in international markets and the potential to create 10 jobs and €1m in sales within 3 to 4 years of starting up. In 2020, Enterprise Ireland assisted 80 HPSUs with equity investment.
My Department has provided over €250 million in funding to assist over 270 enterprise centres to provide the infrastructure for companies to start and scale in regions. This funding has been administered by Enterprise Ireland under schemes such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, the Border Enterprise Development Fund, the Community Enterprise Centres Schemes and the Campus Incubator Programme.
The process to develop a series of new Regional Enterprise Plans commenced recently and will see new Plans developed for each region covering the period through to 2024. The Plans are based on a ‘bottom-up’ collaborative approach, involving development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, Local Authorities, higher and further education bodies and businesses. Each Regional Committee is chaired by a senior figure from industry within the region.
My Department continues to ensure diversity in programme delivery which is addressing the needs and challenges of under-represented cohorts. In that regard, Enterprise Ireland has been working for over a decade to address the deficit in female entrepreneurship. This targeted focus on female entrepreneurship has resulted in an increase in the percentage of female founded High Potential Start Ups from 7 per cent in 2011, to 23.75 per cent in 2020. Enterprise Ireland’s 2020 ‘Action Plan for Women in Business’ seeks to build on this success to increase levels of women-led businesses and women in strategic management positions through a targeted programme.
10. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if An Post employees and their pension entitlements are covered by the provisions of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13700/21]
View answerUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
Under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983 and the rules of the An Post Pension Scheme, pension increases or alterations to the schemes are subject to the authorisation of the Minister given with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Under section 20 of the An Post Main Superannuation Scheme appeals by individuals relating to decisions made by the Trustees of the schemes are subject to determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
11. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of rural addresses are inaccurately recorded by An Post which is causing difficulties to residents especially when applying for certain services given the majority of service providers require an Eircode which use An Post addresses; his plans to address the issue given the negative impact this is having on rural dwellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13706/21]
View answerAn Post records postal addresses of new and changed buildings in its CAD database. A postal address is a routing instruction to An Post and the post town is associated with an address for postal delivery purposes only and allows for delivery of post as efficiently as possible.
The most comprehensive address database available in the country is the postal address database, which is owned by Geo-directory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland. Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
If an individual has a query regarding their eircode they should contact eircodes@anpost.ie.
For general issues including claims around addressing, individuals should make contact with An Post Customer Services at 01-7056000 or the various online options available at www.anpost.com.
12. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to encourage beef farmers to engage in the production of biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13735/21]
View answerThe agriculture sector has the potential to supply biomass fuels and feedstock that can be used to sustainably produce biofuels and biogas. Direct s upports for the agriculture sector are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme, which is a policy matter for my role as Minister for Transport, stimulates demand for the use of sustainable biofuels in the transport sector. This can provide an incentive for the supply of feedstock to produce sustainable biofuels.
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, supports the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users. This support, which is funded by my Department and operated by the SEAI, supports the adoption of heating systems that use solid biomass fuels and heating systems that produce and use biogas via a process called anaerobic digestion. As the uptake for this support increases in future years, it is expected to increase the demand for solid biomass fuels and feedstock to sustainably produce biogas.
Biogas can also be produced via anaerobic digestion and injected into the gas grid - at which point it is described as biomethane. My Department, over the course of this year, is considering potential options that could support this activity. While I do not envisage a direct Exchequer support, the National Energy and Climate Plan sets out the potential for a renewable energy obligation to be introduced in the heat sector similar to the obligation that is already in place in the transport sector. If such an obligation were to be introduced, it could further increase the demand for feedstock to sustainably produce biogas.
13. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when homes in the Garristown and Oldtown area of north County Dublin will be connected to fibre broadband given the current pipe laying work being carried out in the area for fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13736/21]
View answerAwaiting reply from the Department.
14. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions being taken to prepare the electricity network for the increase in the use of electric vehicles and the need for more charging points. [13746/21]
View answerESBN Networks, as the sole Distribution System Operator (DSO) licensed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under section 14(1)(g) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (ERA 1999), is responsible for discharging the functions of the DSO under the Act. Accordingly, ESBN is responsible for operating and maintaining a secure, reliable and efficient electricity distribution system in line with the CRU licence, including any measures necessary to prepare the network for, inter alia, an increase in the use of electric vehicles. I have no role in this independently regulated function.
In 2020, ESBN published an Electrification of Heat and Transport Strategy, which can be found on the ESBN website, https://esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/2020_electrification-of-heat-and-transport-strategy-updated.pdf?sfvrsn=c28f01f0_4.
The Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan 2019 which sets a target of 936,000 EVs by 2030, supported by the rollout of additional high capacity EV charging points on the inter urban network and grants for the installation of home chargers.
The Programme for Government commits to publishing an electric vehicles infrastructure strategy. Once completed, the strategy will provide a key framework for ensuring we continue to have sufficient infrastructure in place to keep ahead of demand, while also ensuring that appropriate planning and development guidelines are followed in providing the necessary capacity. I will publish the strategy this year in my role as Minister for Transport.
15. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the assessment that has been conducted into the impact of remote working on year-on-year household electricity and energy usage, year-on-year overall electricity and energy usage; the implications of same for climate policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/21]
View answerThe Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are the competent authorities for national greenhouse gas emissions statistics and national energy statistics respectively. In January 2021, the EPA and SEAI jointly published 'The impact on 2020 greenhouse gas emissions of COVID-19 restrictions' which provides early estimates of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption for 2020. This report can be found on the SEAI and EPA websites.
In summary, the report estimates that overall greenhouse gas emissions fell by 5.9% in 2020 compared to 2019, driven by a 17% reduction in the Transport sector and a 14% reduction in the Energy Industries sector (largely composed of the electricity generation sector), with the reduction in greenhouse gases from electricity generation driven by the reduced use of coal and peat and increased use of renewable electricity in the sector.
The report estimates that Residential sector emissions increased by 9% in 2020 largely due to an increase in working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. From a greenhouse gas emissions accounting perspective, residential sector emissions account for household heating needs where those needs are met using fossil fuels rather then electricity, which is accounted for in the Energy Industries sector.
The SEAI also publish monthly energy statistics bulletins on the impact of COVID-19 on energy demand trends for electricity, gas and oil, which can also be found on the SEAI website.
Next month the SEAI will publish the 2020 Provisional Energy Balance, which will provide further statistical detail on energy supply and use in 2020, including an estimate of the year-on-year change in electricity use.
Climate and energy policy is being pursued on the basis of achieving a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Temporary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in some sectors due to the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be a substitute for the necessary polices and measures required to decarbonise each sector of our economy and society.
16. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the stage plans are at to introduce the bin waiver as announced in 2017; the steps being taken to introduce the bin waiver; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13773/21]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question [8998/21] of 17 February 2021. The position is unchanged.
17. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if funding will be provided for local authorities to assist with educating and preventing dog fouling which is a major issue in many areas; the action he can take to support communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13787/21]
View answerThe Litter Pollution Acts, 1997 to 2009, provide the statutory framework to combat littering and include provisions relating to dog fouling. Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering (including dog fouling) rests with Local Authorities. It is a matter for each Local Authority to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution locally within the legislation provided. This includes the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to litter and dog fouling, taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
With regard to litter awareness and education, my Department has, since 1997, co-funded the Local Authority Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS). Under the scheme, local authorities are responsible for selecting suitable awareness raising and educational projects for funding and deciding on individual grant allocations. Where possible, the focus is on voluntary initiatives by community and environmental groups, and also on involving schools and young people in anti-litter and anti-graffiti action. Typically, eligible projects include local media campaigns, clean-ups, primary/secondary school competitions, exhibitions, and the production of videos, posters and leaflets. Local authorities will continue to be encouraged, where practical under the scheme to expend a portion of their grant on dog fouling awareness projects.
18. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the options available to persons to avoid penalties and arrear payments in the event they are unable to afford their motor tax at the time of renewal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13718/21]
View answerWhile there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road in advance if it not going to be in use, thus avoiding a liability for motor tax, motor tax is payable where a vehicle is in use, and has been in use in a public place.
Arrears of motor tax are payable where more than a month has elapsed since the expiry of the most recent tax disc. For example, if a tax disc expires at the end of June, motor tax can be taken out at any time during July without incurring a penalty. If the same vehicle is not taxed until August, arrears of motor tax will be payable in respect of the month of July and a disc will be issued from August onwards.
Motor tax legislation does not provide for exemptions from the payment of arrears of motor tax in individual cases.
19. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle charging points that will be added in Dublin by the end of 2021. [13745/21]
View answerThe Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 936,000 EVs by 2030.
To support these EVs, a network of 690 publicly accessible charge points is already available including circa 100 fast chargers, which are mainly found on national routes. The majority of these chargers have been rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme, with some public chargers being provided by local authorities, retail outlets and private companies. There are currently 160 charge points and 15 fast chargers in Co Dublin.
The Climate Action Fund (CAF) has also allocated up to €10 million to a project from ESB eCars that will further enhance its current network and complete a nationwide EV charging network capable of facilitating large-scale electric vehicle uptake over the next decade. In addition to the CAF project, the Government is also providing support for home charging and on-street charging.
Home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally-friendly means of charging, especially when using night-rate electricity. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future. The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger, up to a maximum of €600.
Currently, work is being progressed to expand the EV Home Charger Grant to include shared parking (e.g. in apartment blocks). There are a number of complex planning issues to address before it will be possible to finalise operation of such a grant and the Department and the SEAI are working to address the issues involved.
Since September 2019, the Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place to provide funding to local authorities for the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate those owners of EVs who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles on public streets to charge their EVs near their homes. Infrastructure installed could also provide the opportunity for people visiting the area to park and charge their EVs.
While several private operators such as Tesla, Ionity & EasyGO are involved in providing charging infrastructure, my Department does not hold information on the location of charging infrastructure which has been installed without government support. I am aware, however, that ESB has partnered with Tesco Ireland to install 22kW Standard AC Chargers at 33 Tesco locations around the country in the last number of months. More than 50 of these are planned in total. The Department is also making €2 million available this year through the SEAI to support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as hotels and shopping centres. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
In addition, the four Dublin local authorities are currently examining their approach for a network of charging infrastructure in the metropolitan area. The Department is working closely with a number of key stakeholders, including Local Government, to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. This includes developing appropriate guidance for local authorities in line with the Programme for Government which will ensure we can continue to expand our national charging network through supports for local authority provided chargers.
Finally, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government published in June last year, commits to publishing an electric vehicles infrastructure strategy. Once completed, the strategy will provide a key framework for ensuring we continue to have sufficient infrastructure in place to keep ahead of demand, while also ensuring that appropriate planning and development guidelines are followed in providing the necessary capacity. It is envisaged that the strategy will be published this year.
