Written Answers Nos. 1-19
1. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if low interest loans will be made available through SBCI and Microfinance Ireland directly to the tourism and hospitality sector to assist them with reinvestment as part of a Covid-19 recovery strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21034/21]
View answerMy Department has introduced a range of business supports in response to the COVID-19 pandemic including loan guarantee facilities for businesses of different sizes.
The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme makes up to €2 billion in lending available to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. As a result of the high level of the State guarantee, loans are being provided at interest rates lower than the current market rate for similar loans. Interest rates can vary across lenders and also vary depending on the size and term of the loan. The latest data available in respect of interest rates charged on drawn loans shows that 96% of loans drawn under the scheme have been provided at interest rates of between 2.5% and 2.99%. These are significantly reduced rates on commercial loans rates of the same term and size.
While these loans are predominantly being used for working capital purposes (58%), they are also being used for reinvestment purposes such as purchase of equipment and premises fit-out (26%). To date (8 April), €36m of lending under the scheme has been to businesses in accommodation and food services.
Loans available under the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme range from €25,000 to €1.5 million and are for terms of up to three years. Loans are offered at favourable terms, including a maximum interest rate of 4% with no security on loans of up to €500,000.
Microfinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. It lends to business that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders and applies interest rate charges for its lending which are not reflective of its credit risk. Subsidised rates of interest have been applied in respect of the COVID-19 Business Loan and Brexit Business Loan with an interest rate of 4.5% available to all micro-enterprises where the application is made through the Local Enterprise Network or referred by a bank or Local Development Committees. The new rate for direct applications to MFI is reduced to 5.5%.
In July of 2020, the Future Growth Loan Scheme was expanded by €500m. This scheme offers state guaranteed loans to businesses seeking to make long-term investments. It has seen strong uptake since its expansion and this is an indication that businesses are planning and making investment for a post-COVID-19 environment. As of the most recent quarterly report (to end December 2020), businesses in the accommodation and food service sector account for approximately €21.68m of the lending drawn under the scheme.
I would strongly encourage businesses to avail of the low-cost lending facilities provided under the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme as they look towards reopening. This scheme is available until 31 December 2021 and supports both investment and liquidity needs for businesses affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland and is available through a range of lenders including commercial banks, certain credit unions and non-bank lenders.
2. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the return of click and collect options/for non-essential retail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20867/21]
View answerI understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Under Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4 May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie.
The decision to move to full scale Level 5 was not taken lightly and all factors were considered.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) 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/.
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential 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 of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4th May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
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.
As Chair of the Retail Forum, I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to discuss and assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
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.
3. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on classifying shops that exclusively sell underwear as essential retail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20868/21]
View answerI understand this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and I would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Under Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4 May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) 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/.
The decision on the categorisation of essential services and/or essential retail outlets is not primarily a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential 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 of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4 May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
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 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.
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.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
4. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the establishment of a taskforce for the Shannon estuary including north County Kerry as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20884/21]
View answerI understand the importance of this Programme for Government commitment for the Shannon Estuary and surrounding area. Terms of Reference for the Taskforce are being finalised and I hope to make an announcement shortly.
5. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a service (details supplied) is considered an essential service under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20928/21]
View answerAs you are aware, following the advice of NPHET, the Government made the decision to move the entire country to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 (COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead) and for essential retail and services (including childcare) to remain open.
This has been followed by the recent Government announcement of a phased easing of public health restrictions that commenced on 12th April. Further details of these phases can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/81029-government-announces-phased-easing-of-public-health-restrictions/.
However, all non-essential services must stay closed for now. This is to help reduce the number of people moving about as the variant of the virus, B-117, that we are dealing with now is more transmissible and it is significantly more dangerous. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
Businesses should carefully review the essential services list and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions.
The full list of essential services and activities currently permitted is set out in S.I. No. 168 of 2021, as amended, and does not include a general category of outdoor work.
The current public health measures will remain in place until 4th May. Government will meet in advance of that date to review the level of restrictions.
Government decisions are not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact they have on businesses. That is why the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes. Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes and measures for businesses are available on my Department’s website at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
6. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 24 March 2021, the supports provided by his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department to Irish persons who purchased property as part of the French leaseback property scandal, particularly in view of the fact that these persons have been waiting for several years for the outcome of the French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control investigation and many of them are facing serious financial difficulties and home repossessions as a result of the alleged fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21006/21]
View answerAs outlined in relation to PQ No. 13952/21 on French leaseback properties, one of the primary functions of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (‘CCPC’) is to enforce consumer protection law in Ireland. For cross border consumer protection issues, the CCPC is part of the European Consumer Protection Co-operation (CPC) Network, which is comprised of national authorities responsible for enforcing EU consumer protection laws. This network protects consumers when conducting transactions across national borders, and allows consumer protection agencies to co-operate to resolve particular consumer issues. The CPC Network is central to addressing this matter, which involved the purchase by consumers of properties in France. These properties were developed, marketed, sold and managed by French traders under a French ‘Residence de Tourisme’ scheme devised by the French Government to provide tourist accommodation in France. Under the European CPC network, the appropriate authorities to conduct an investigation in relation to this matter are the French consumer protection authorities – Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes (‘DGCCRF’).
When Irish persons who purchased property as part of this scheme first contacted the CCPC in 2017, they recognised the fact that the consumer protection mechanisms put in place through the CPC Network were the appropriate channel to effectively progress the matter. On this basis, the CCPC engaged with the DGCCRF with respect to the issues highlighted by Irish property purchasers. Over 2017 and 2018 the CCPC conducted and provided to the DGCCRF an initial preliminary assessment of over 150 Irish complainants and the issues raised by them. Following a request from the DGCCRF investigation service, the CCPC sought the transactional documentation of over 150 Irish property purchasers. This transactional documentation was collated by the CCPC and provided to the DGCCRF in 2019. In January 2020, the CCPC was able to advise complainants that the DGCCRF had commenced a criminal investigation. In April 2020, the CCPC was advised that due to COVID-19 the DGCCRF investigation had been disrupted and that this had delayed progress on the matter. The CCPC has dedicated a considerable amount of resources in order to progress this work in a timely fashion, in order to support complainants and ensure that all pertinent information was provided to DGCCRF.
The CCPC has provided and continues to provide significant time and resources to this matter and to supporting the DGCCRF investigation. They receive regular contact from complainants in relation to the matter and the CCPC has endeavoured to provide whatever information and support that is within their remit. In addition, throughout the period of engagement with the DGCCRF, whenever issues have been raised by Irish property purchasers, the CCPC has passed these on to DGCCRF and taken whatever additional steps requested by DGCCRF.
As outlined in the response to PQ No. 13952/21, in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and comply with relevant French criminal procedural codes, DGCCRF requested that the CCPC does not comment or communicate on the investigation other than the updates which have been provided. The CCPC has strictly adhered to this request. However, CCPC has continued to engage with them and to seek updates on progress. Should DGCCRF provide any update that can be passed on to complainants, the CCPC will action that as quickly as possible and ensure that all of the complainants are informed. The CCPC’s priority in relation to this matter is to continue to support the DGCCRF investigation and to ensure that they comply with the legal procedural requirements of the French criminal investigation process.
7. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to review redundancy legislation in relation to correspondence (details supplied). [21025/21]
View answerI fully appreciate the difficult circumstances that employees are facing. The purpose of the emergency measure which relates to redundancy entitlements following temporary periods of lay-off and short-time work due to Covid-19 was to mitigate the serious risks to businesses and jobs and to ensure employees have a continued link to their employment. The measure was brought into effect from 13th March 2020 and given the ongoing serious risks to businesses and jobs, the Government decided to extend the provision to 30th June 2021.
The decision to extend these provisions further has been a difficult one and the Government acknowledges that it will come as a disappointment for many employees who want certainty in relation to their redundancy entitlements. However, due to the ongoing public health situation and restrictions which remain in place, serious risks to businesses and jobs remain. If the Government did not extend the emergency provision further employers will be subject to significant redundancy claims which will damage the ability of a business to recover and result in insolvency situations which will only exacerbate the risk of further permanent job losses.
All other redundancy provisions remain unchanged and in force. If an employer is going to make an employee redundant, protections such as notice periods for redundancy and the payment of a redundancy lump-sum to the affected employee still apply and the existing suite of employment rights legislation remains in place.
Finally, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the organisation mandated to secure compliance with employment rights legislation. The Customer Service section of the WRC operates a telephone helpline at 1890 808090 and one of their functions is to assist employees in relation to their concerns or complaints regarding their employment rights. They can also be contacted via their website.
8. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21049/21]
View answerNotwithstanding the current public health advice for staff to continue to work from home at this time, my Department and its Offices, has a number of initiatives to promote staff wellbeing and our internal Green agenda, both areas which can involve using active travel as part of any commute to and from work for staff, depending on their circumstances.
In Spring 2020, the Department launched its Wellbeing Framework for staff which involves a series of measures spanning physical fitness, mental fitness, diet and nutrition and social connectivity. Clearly due to COVID-19 restrictions, implementation of the ambition in this Framework had to be pivoted to be delivered in an almost fully remote working environment providing a range of information through the internal intranet, Webinars including guest speakers that have focused on the importance of physical activity, including, where possible, incorporating that as part of staff’s daily routine including any commute to/from the office.
In June last year as part of our “Green Week” staff were encouraged to do a collective “Tour d’Irlande” with the distances cycled by staff, be it as part of their commute as an essential worker, or as part of their own physical activity on a daily basis, combined cumulatively to demonstrate the reduction of the staff’s carbon footprint.
The Department is also a participant in the Government’s “Bike to Work” scheme since its introduction in 2009 which encourages staff to cycle to work. There is no cost incurred to the Department’s vote in participating in this scheme and the bicycles and any related equipment which qualify under the Scheme are paid for by staff themselves by way of salary sacrifice spread over a single year.
The Department is also in the process of upgrading the basement area of its headquarters in Kildare Street to provide additional space for bicycles. We have also enhanced the shower facilities and will be doing more to upgrade facilities across our buildings, for staff who wish to walk, run or cycle to/from the office as part of their daily commute.
9. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a broadband connection for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20870/21]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 April 2021, over 204,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. In County Cork premises have been surveyed or are ongoing including in the areas Midelton, Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, Kilpatrick, Ballydesmond, Kiskeam, Umeraboy, Knocknagree, Rineen, Cullen, Coolinarna, Millstreet, Hollymount and Caherbarnagh. Build and pre-build works are underway in Carrigaline, Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown, Upper Rochestown and Midleton.The first fibre to the home connections have been successfully connected and are in a test and trial phase in Carrigaline, Co Cork and Cavan. I am advised that over 2,300 premises are now passed and available for connection in Counties Cork and Cavan.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 15 April, 302 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for schools. BCP sites installed in Cork are Ballindangan Community Centre, Aghabullogue Community Centre, Castletownkenneigh Community Centre, Lissavard Community Centre (located 8.44 Kilometres from the premises), Whitechurch Community Centre and T.O. Park Labbamollaga. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School are planned as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
10. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the benefits he envisages for north County Kerry arising from the recent off-shore wind energy project announcement in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20885/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to the achievement of 5GW of offshore wind by 2030 and the development of a longer-term plan to potentially take advantage of up to 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our deeper Atlantic waters.
These targets entail very large capital investments with the potential for a large number of long-term, high-value jobs in the installation and maintenance of wind farm assets and associated infrastructure and services. The development of offshore wind farms will offer a significant new business opportunity for large ports, for turbine assembly and deployment, and smaller ports, for operation and maintenance services.
Additionally, in the short-to-medium term, offshore wind projects are expected to be supported via the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). A requirement of this scheme is for supported projects to establish Community Benefit Funds prior to project operation and for specified contributions to be made to these funds. Owing to the larger scale of offshore wind developments, these contributions are similarly expected to be significantly larger than those of onshore projects.
11. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a broadband survey at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20900/21]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 April 2021, over 204,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. In County Kerry, premises have been surveyed in the areas of Muckross, Fossa, Kilcummin, Lissivigeen, Ballycasheen, Faha, Firies, Ballyhar,Curraheen, Abbeydorney, Kilflynn, Firies, Castlemaine and Ardfert. Surveys are underway in Rathmore, Knocknacopple, Mounthorgan, Kilquane Upper, Barraduff, Cloonteens, Gneevgullia, Tureenamult, Renasup, Castlegregory, Aughacasla, Camp, Knockbrack, Maum, Lougher, Inch, Annascaul, Derrygorman, Ballyglasheen, Brackluin, Ballintarmon, Drom, An Clochan, Kilshannig, Fahamore, Candeehy Breanainn, Ballyheigue, Glenderry, Ladywell, Banna, Lerrig, Ballymacandrew, Causeway, Foxfort, Ballymacaquinn, Ballincloher, Dromartin and Beenconeen. Build works have started in the areas around Tralee in Curraheen, Abbeydorney, Kilflynn, Firies, Castlemaine and Ardfert. Pre-build works in the Killarney area have also commenced.
In terms of the area referred to in the Question, I am not in a position to confirm when surveys are due to commence. Further details are available on specific areas within County Kerry 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 15 April, 302 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for schools. BCP sites installed in Kerry are Gneeveguilla (Tureencahill), Railway Station Heritage Centre and Community Space, Inch Community Centre, Kielduff Community Centre and Cillín Liath. Cable Station and Chapeltown Community Centre (located 8.43 Kilometres from the premises) are installed and connected. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Boheeshil National School, Dunloe Upper and Coars National School are installed as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
12. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the stage the proposed geothermal energy Bill is at; the further length of time his Department plans to take in finalising the Bill; when the Bill will be produced in view of the fact that the geological survey of Ireland is fully complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20981/21]
View answerI am keen to ensure that a modern, robust policy and regulatory framework is in place to support the increased use of geothermal energy in Ireland. In this regard, I announced plans for developing such a framework for the sector. On 18 November 2020 my Department published two papers, available at gov.ie
- An Assessment of Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Ireland; and
- Geothermal Energy in Ireland, A roadmap for a policy and regulatory framework.
As set out in the roadmap above and in Action 196 of the Interim Climate Actions published on 23 March, 2021 the next steps in progressing the policy and regulatory framework being undertaken by my Department include:
- further research and acquisition of additional data to improve our understanding of geothermal potential led by Geological Survey Ireland (Q3 2021);
- the development of a draft policy statement on geothermal energy to be published for consultation (Q4 2021);
- a final policy for Government consideration (Q2 2022); and, if approved;
- preparation of supporting legislation setting out the new regulatory framework (Q3 2022 onwards).
13. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21050/21]
View answerSince March 2020 the staff of my Department have been predominantly working from home as required under Covid 19 restrictions.
My Department’s Resource Action Efficiency Plan (REAP) encourages staff to consider the impact their chosen mode of travel to work and when travelling for work will have on the Department's carbon footprint.
My Department provides bike racks, lockers and shower facilities for staff who wish to walk, cycle or jog etc. when commuting to work and these facilities will be inceased when we relocate to our new headquarters in 2023. As an employer, my Department also participates in the Cycle to Work Scheme which provides a tax incentive for staff to cycle to work.
The information regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
14. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when Hands Lane, Rush, County Dublin will be provided with fibre broadband given that a number of commitments have been made to provide the area with fibre broadband going back as far as 2016. [21064/21]
View answerThe area referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Notwithstanding this, my Department has considered the matter raised and our investigations show that the area referred to in the Question should be able to access high speed broadband from their service provider. Initial checks suggest that premises in the area should be able to obtain speeds of up to 90Mbps.
Complaints about service provision are a matter for discussion between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted, without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
In the event that, having exhausted the above options, a premises located in the BLUE area remains unable to obtain high speed broadband from service providers in the area, they should contact my Department at broadband@decc.gov.ie with full details and the matter will be investigated further by my officials.
15. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the financial support and business assistance available specifically to the corporate transport and travel sector given that most supports have been focused on the sectors involved in the tourism element of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21067/21]
View answerThe Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic. Many firms in the travel sector have availed of various Government SME supports such as the Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). They may also be eligible to warehouse VAT and PAYE (Employer) debts and also excess payments received by employers under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the balance of Income Tax for 2019 and Preliminary Tax for 2020 for self-assessed taxpayers, if applicable. In addition, the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is providing grants to help cover some fixed costs such as rent and utilities for those firms that fall outside of the scope of CRSS and other direct sectoral grant schemes.
Furthermore, the State is also providing a special financial guarantee under a Refund Credit Note scheme for the licensed travel trade sector. This has been an important measure in protecting the cash position of travel firms - who are unquestionably stressed - allowing them to issue State-guaranteed notes to the aggregate cash value of around €19M.
I am mindful that the corporate transport and travel sector has been especially impacted by COVID 19 and Government’s position on international travel due to public health considerations. The Government remains fully committed to doing everything possible to support all those affected by this terrible virus, including continuing to help businesses survive until such times as they can being to trade again.
16. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the systems in place to allow returning emigrants from countries with which Ireland does not have driver licence exchange agreements to drive here given the level 5 restrictions and their impact on services provided by the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20882/21]
View answerWhen people come to Ireland with a non-exchange licence, we have no option but to require them to go through the process of obtaining an Irish licence. This is a matter of public safety. While many may have a safe driving record, we have no way of measuring this.
At present, people with a full but non-exchange licence go through the normal driver learning process but can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12, and they do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
The Level 5 restrictions and the impact on the services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) affect all learner drivers and not just returning emigrants.
The Driver Theory Test (DTT) Service was not deemed to be an essential service under Level 5 restrictions, and the service has been closed since late December 2020. The RSA, together with its service provider, have put plans in place to significantly increase capacity within the service when it is allowed to re-open. In addition to the increased capacity initiative, and at the request of the Department, the RSA is also working on a plan to rollout an online driver theory test service. The pilot is being evaluated and the RSA is committed to extending the service for all theory test customers during 2021.
Under the current restrictions, applicants can attend an appointment at an NDLS centre to apply for a learner permit or driving licence provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. All applicants can apply online if they have a MyGovID verified accout, which requires a Public Service Card.
Approved Driving Instructors may only continue to provide lessons to those who have a driving test appointment.
17. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if there are grants or reliefs available to potential purchasers of electric bikes similar to that offered to purchasers of electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20906/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, tax policy is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in the first instance. I very much welcomed the announcement of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the 2020 July Stimulus package, as well as the expansion of the scheme to electric bikes. The changes to the Scheme are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.
The use of e-bikes is proving to be an increasingly popular method of travel, whether for commuting or leisure purposes, and is encouraging more people to choose to cycle. Bearing this in mind, and referencing the commitment by the Government to increase funding to active travel, all potential incentives to potential purchasers of bikes and e-bikes will be taken into consideration moving forward.
The Deputy may also be aware that my Department is in the process of preparing a new Sustainable Mobility Policy following public consultation last year. This new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel, and I look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021.
18. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the status of the development and provision of funding of the Hazelhatch greenway; if additional funding will be made available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20923/21]
View answerAn application for funding remains on file in relation to a section of the Grand Canal Greenway from the 12th Lock to the Hatch Pub Bridge near Hazelhatch. This section was not funded in 2019 due to funding constraints. I understand officials in my Department are currently seeking updated information from South Dublin County Council in this regard should further funding come available later this year. It remains our hope to complete the Grand Canal Greenway in the coming years. Funding was made available to sections in Offaly and Kildare, but again funding constraints meant the entire Greenway could not be funded at that stage.
I understand the Deputy was also asking for information on a Greenway from the bridge on the Grand Canal through Hazelhatch and towards Leixlip Louisa Bridge. I understand that at present there are no plans for such a Greenway; however, when the section from the 12th lock to the Hatch Bridge is complete we will be looking at connecting to Hazelhatch itself. Plans from Hazelhatch to Leixlip Louisa Bridge would need to be developed by Kildare County Council in the first instance in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
19. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the reason Israel has been removed from the list of countries required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 3.5 million plus Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem who come under the direct control of the Israeli Government have not been given access by Israel to the Covid-19 vaccine; his views on whether that by differentiating between Israelis and Palestinians this leads to further victimisation of Palestinians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20936/21]
View answerThe Designation of states is a matter primarily for the Minister for Health, under section 38E (1) of the Health Act 1947 (inserted by section 7 of the Health (Amendment) Act 2021). It provides the Minister for Health, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, to specify additional states as designated states , following consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and such other Ministers that are considered appropriate (Section 38E (3) of the Act refers). The Act also provides for the revocation of designation from states under Section 38E (4).
On 11th April, the Minister for Health revoked the designation of Albania, Israel, and Saint Lucia in accordance with Section 38E(4) of the Health Act 1947 based on the advice of the Acting Chief Medical Officer, and following the recommendation of the Expert Advisory Group on Travel.
The Expert Advisory Group on Travel (EAGT) was established on 1 March 2021 and was charged with developing a methodology for risk assessments to inform the categorisation of countries and consider the broader issues relating to travel. The list of countries is kept under ongoing review by the EAGT.
Foreign Policy matters are the responsibility of the Minister Foreign Affairs.
