Written Answers Nos. 89-113
89. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach the amount of interest his Department has been charged for savings or other funds on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced by year. [35941/21]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach has one commercial bank account. The Department is seeking confirmation from the bank that there has been no negative interest rate charges on this account and a detailed breakdown of the fees and charges levied to date. A final response will issue to the Deputy when this is received.
90. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied in the context of the freedom of information publication scheme that all logs are published and up to date in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if not, the reason they are not published; and if he will update them as a matter of priority. [36132/21]
View answerAs required by Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, and in keeping with the principles of openness, transparency and accountability set out in the FOI Act, my Department's FOI publication scheme can be viewed on the gov.ie website. The publication scheme is intended to make available as much information as possible about my Department’s work in an open and accessible manner on a routine basis under the following headings:
- Information about the Department;
- Services provided or to be provided to the public;
- Decision making process for major policy proposals;
- Financial information;
- Procurement; and
- FOI disclosure log and other information published routinely.
My Department keeps its FOI publication scheme under ongoing review and regularly publishes additional information about its work as it becomes available. For example, the scheme is updated every quarter to include the details of management board meetings and invoices over €20,000 paid. Due to the impact of Covid-19 on the work of my Department some aspects of the FOI publication scheme, including the FOI disclosure log, require updating. The necessary work to bring the FOI publication scheme and FOI disclosure log up to date is currently being progressed and will be completed shortly.
91. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees attached to freedom of information requests submitted to his Department. [36150/21]
View answerThe details requested in relation to fees charged by my Department since the FOI Act 2014 commenced in October 2014 to date in 2021 are as follows:
2014 - €245.70
2015 - €594
2016 - €60
2017 - €90
2018 - €587.84
2019 - €970
2020 - €120
2021 - €60
The figures listed include both search and retrieval fees and internal review fees.
92. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of freedom of information requests refused by his Department since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced for the reason that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold; the number of requests that were subsequently granted following engagement with the requester to narrow the scope of the request; and the costs associated with same. [36168/21]
View answerMy Department is aware of one case only since 2014 where the applicant was formally notified that a request exceeded the upper limit of €700 on estimated search, retrieval and copying fees, above which amount an FOI body can refuse to process a request unless the requester is prepared to refine it to bring the search, retrieval and copying fees below the limit. On that occasion my Department offered to help the applicant to refine the request as required by the Act but the offer was not taken up and the request was deemed withdrawn.
93. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation regarding possible redundancy entitlement for a seasonal worker (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35807/21]
View answerThe provisions relating to seasonal workers and redundancies are set out in the Redundancy Payments Act 1967. Seasonal employees may build up the requisite service required for statutory redundancy notwithstanding that they may work only for a number of months in the year.
In the case of seasonal workers who are laid off for an average period of more than twelve weeks per year prior to redundancy, the provisions relating to lay-off will not apply until the end of that average period. Therefore, there will normally be no question of redundancy until the usual commencement time of an employee’s seasonal work. If an employee is not then re-employed, the question of redundancy arises, but not until then.
Currently, an employee’s entitlement to claim redundancy from their employer following certain periods of lay-off or short time work due to Covid-19 is temporarily suspended by the emergency provision, Section 12A of the Redundancy Payments Act 1967. This suspension has recently been extended to 30 September 2021.
This decision to extend the provision was a difficult one for Government to make. However, as the public health situation is not yet resolved and restrictions are being eased on a gradual basis, many businesses will continue to be impacted by restrictions for some period of time.
Reinstating the entitlement for employees to claim redundancy before the end of September 2021 would have a serious impact on the potential for a business to recover and push many into insolvency situations, exacerbate employment losses and delay economic recovery.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the organisation mandated to secure compliance with employment rights legislation. The WRC’s Customer Service and Information Unit can provide workers with further information on their employment rights and their employer’s obligations in respect of redundancy.
I understand the Tánaiste’s office issued a detailed response in relation to this matter to the Deputy this week.
94. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to progress Ireland's ratification of the International Labour Organisation Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the Workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35821/21]
View answerThe ratification of ILO Convention C190 is a matter of priority for Ireland and we continue to work towards being amongst the first ILO member States to ratify, with plans to progress the ratification this year.
The issue of ratification by Ireland of International Labour Organisation Convention 190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, is being considered in the context of our standard approach to the ratification of international instruments. Ireland does not ratify international conventions until it has been determined that national law is in line with the provisions of the international instrument.
Convention 190 is the first ever international instrument on the very important issues of eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. Ireland already has very strong protections in law to combat violence and harassment in the world of work and has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).
My officials are engaging with relevant Departments and offices to establish the extent to which domestic legislative provisions already provide for the rights and entitlements enunciated in the Convention, as well as legislative amendments, if any, that may be required to enable ratification.
As part of that process, my officials will undertake a stakeholder consultation with the social partners and other interested parties.
95. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of interest his Department has been charged for savings or other funds on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35931/21]
View answerThe framework contract for banking services negotiated by the Office of Government Procurement specifically provides that all accounts linked to the Paymaster General cash pool are not subject to negative credit interest. Accordingly, as a client of the framework contract the Department’s own bank accounts are, therefore, not subject to negative credit interest. For operational reasons, a number of Offices of the Department are not part of the PMG cash pool. In this regard a total of €3,677 has been paid by the Offices concerned in respect of negative interest charges since their introduction by the banks. The breakdown by year of these charges is set out below:
2018 € nil
2019 € 1,186
2020 € 1,181
(up to June ) 2021 € 1,310
Total € 3,677
My Department is satisfied that as a client of the OGP framework contract for banking services provides, that it is achieving value for money on the cost of such services , including in relation to matters such as the cost of maintaining positive credit balances.
96. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff employed by the ODCE at the beginning of June 2021. [35975/21]
View answerOn 1 June 2021 38 civilian staff (35.3 whole time equivalents) and 10 members of An Garda Síochána were seconded to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).
The Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Bill 2020 when enacted will provide for the establishment of the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) and will provide the organisation with greater autonomy and flexibility in terms of the ability to recruit staff with the necessary skills mix and depth of experience.
In preparation for the establishment of the CEA, my Department has increased the budget of the ODCE by €1 million over the 2018 base level. Following an assessment by the ODCE of the staffing needs for the CEA, the Department sanctioned the 14 additional civil servants requested. This represents an increase of 20% in the level of funding to the ODCE and an increase of 35% in the number of civilian staff to enable the Authority to undertake its new functions. A recruitment campaign through the Public Appointments Service is expected to commence shortly.
97. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to have a trade mission to Australia later in 2021. [36098/21]
View answerEach year, Enterprise Ireland offers a programme of trade missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland who are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment.
In recent years, the majority of Ministerial-led trade missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represented the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These trade missions focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and lifesciences.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ministerial-led trade missions have been taking place virtually throughout 2021. There are no physical Ministerial-led trade missions planned for Australia in 2021 due to ongoing travel restrictions, therefore the focus of Enterprise Ireland teams on the ground will remain on working one to one with the 300+ companies doing business in Australia.
A number of virtual and physical events have taken place in the Australian market across 2021 for Enterprise Ireland clients. In March, Enterprise Ireland hosted 20 separate events for clients to coincide with St Patrick's Day. These included client pitching events in fintech, healthcare and agri sectors, as well as events in Melbourne and Sydney.
In May this year Enterprise Ireland also participated virtually in the Australia RegTech Conference, and also hosted an Asia Pacific Cyber Security event attended over 100 executives across the region, 30 of which were Australian based.
Further online events are planned for August and November in the areas of Regtech and Insurtech respectively. These events will feature Enterprise Ireland clients from these sectors undertaking product pitches in APAC markets.
My Department continues to work closely with its agencies to assess opportunities to help Irish companies to access new markets and to increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland, including in markets in the Asia-Pacific region such as Australia.
98. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA client companies located here that originate from Japan. [36099/21]
View answerInformation on the number of IDA client companies which are Japanese is available in the 2020 Annual Employment Survey. According to the 2020 Employment Survey, there are 43 Japanese Operations in Ireland employing 5,634 people.
99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied in the context of the freedom of information publication scheme that all logs are published and up to date in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if not, the reason they are not published; and if he will update them as a matter of priority. [36122/21]
View answer100. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees attached to freedom of information requests submitted to his Department. [36140/21]
View answer101. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of freedom of information requests refused by his Department since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced for the reason that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold; the number of requests that were subsequently granted following engagement with the requester to narrow the scope of the request; and the costs associated with same. [36158/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together.
In accordance with Section 8 of the FOI Act (Publication of information about FOI bodies), the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment publishes its FOI disclosure log on its website. This disclosure log Details of FOI requests received from April 2016 onwards and was most recently updated on 24 June 2021. Copies of the disclosure log can be found here: Publication - DBEI (enterprise.gov.ie)
The table below outlines the fees collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced.
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
January to June 2021 |
|
€740.98 |
€70.00 |
€150.00 |
€782.70 |
€768.68 |
Zero |
Zero |
€70.00 |
Since the commencement of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, no formal refusals have issued as a result of search and copy costs exceeding the maximum threshold. It is standard practice as per Section 27(7)(a) that in a situation where a request could be seen to exceed the threshold, that the FOI unit assist the requester in amending their request such that it no longer exceeds this threshold. The amendment of the request in these cases has negated the need to refuse these requests.
102. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of farm safety inspectors employed; the number of farm safety inspections in each of the past three years and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36266/21]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority’s staff complement is composed of both administration and inspector grades. The current inspector headcount in the Authority is 105, comprising of Grade I (senior inspectors) as well as Grade II and Grade III inspectors.
Inspectors operate across all of the Authority’s legislative mandates which include occupational health and safety, chemicals, and market surveillance of products. These inspectors may also be involved in either general inspection in sectors such as agriculture, specialist inspection or policy implementation at national, European and international level.
Inspections/investigations Agriculture Sector
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
1,949 |
1,737 |
897 |
79 |
In support of the cross-Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the lead Agency in relation to carrying out Work Safely Protocol COVID-19 inspections, the Health and Safety Authority had to prioritise its inspections towards sectors where there was a high risk of COVID-19 outbreaks, such as, meat and food processing, construction and healthcare. In addition, inspections were also focused on those businesses which re-opened in line with Government advice.
Notwithstanding the need to re-prioritise inspection resources due to COVID-19, the Health and Safety Authority has continued to provide significant levels of advice and support to the agriculture sector. For example, a new Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC) has been established. This group has just completed a new four-year plan to address occupational health and safety issues in farming, which will be published shortly.
The Health and Safety Authority will roll-out a proactive inspection programme in July to coincide with Farm Safety Week (19-23 July) which is an annual event lead by the Farm Safety Foundation and takes place across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland. It also continues to carry out periodic campaigns targeting the farming sector.
I would add that, on foot of an additional 2021 budget allocation for the Health and Safety Authority, resources to carry out additional inspections are being recruited by the Health and Safety Authority which will enable it to undertake targeted actions, including inspections, across all sectors of the economy.
103. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of work by his Department in providing research and analysis support to the expert group on future skills needs in respect to the future needs of each of the highly successful biopharma, med tech, information and communications technology and food tech manufacturing sectors in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36423/21]
View answerThe Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) is the independent, non-statutory body that advises the Government on projected skills requirements across the Irish economy and makes recommendations on how existing education and training systems and delivery mechanisms, as well as other sources of skills supply, can be enhanced.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as its enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, are members of the group, along with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority, SOLAS, and representation from the business and trade union communities.
The EGFSN Secretariat is based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and provides research and analysis support to the Group’s sectoral and thematic research studies, which are funded through the National Training Fund. As part of Ireland’s National Skills Architecture, the EGFSN helps inform the work of the National Skills Council, which advises on the prioritisation of identified skills needs and the allocation of resources across the education and training system to address these needs.
Over the past five years the EGFSN has undertaken a range of studies relevant to the biopharma, medtech, information and communications technology and foodtech manufacturing sectors in Ireland. These studies have been informed by comprehensive engagement and consultation across Ireland’s enterprise base, including with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and their client companies.
These studies have included 2016’s Future Skills Needs of the Biopharma Industry in Ireland; 2017’s Update on Future Skills Needs in the Food and Drink Sector, developed in support of the Foodwise 2025 strategy; and 2018’s Addressing the Skills Needs Arising from the Potential Trade Implications of Brexit, which examined the trade diversification and logistics related skills needs of a number of sectors, including Agri-Food and Health Lifesciences, in a hard Brexit scenario.
The EGFSN has also played a key role in the ICT Skills Action Plan process, since the inception of the Plans in 2012. Its latest High Level ICT Skills study, 2019’s Forecasting the Demand for High Level ICT Skills in Ireland, 2017-2022, was a key evidence based input into the development of Technology Skills 2022- Ireland’s Third ICT Skills Action Plan. The EGFSN has further supported the ICT skills agenda through its studies on design skills- 2017’s Winning by Design and 2020’s Together for Design.
More generally, 2020’s Leading the Way- Investing in Management Development for SME Productivity and Growth examined the area of management development, a key cross sectoral skill need. It has also examined the skills impacts of digitalisation across all sectors of the economy, in 2018’s Digital Transformation- Assessing the Impact of Digitalisation on Ireland’s Workforce.
As part of its 2021 work programme, the Group is also considering the skills required to deploy, manage and regulate artificial intelligence, with a view to realising the productivity, growth and innovation potential of AI, to ensure it is adopted in a trustworthy manner, and to allow its adoption by large and small firms. This study is scheduled to be published in Q4 2021.
104. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to address and manage the digital transformation of Ireland’s manufacturing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36424/21]
View answerManufacturing is a central pillar of our economy employing over 235,013 people with 85% of that employment outside Dublin. Over the last decade the manufacturing sector has been undergoing a radical transformation through the adoption of a range of digital technology platforms, collectively referred to as Industry 4.0. This includes robotics, additive manufacturing, cyber security, artificial intelligence and next-generation communications technology such as 5G. The resilience of the manufacturing sector is of critical importance to maintaining a competitive economy and therefore the uptake and adoption of digital technologies in manufacturing has been a key focus of the Government.
To address and manage the digital transformation of Ireland’s manufacturing sector there have been a number of substantial investments by the Government to support the digitisation of the sector and to develop Advanced Manufacturing competency so that investments in digital technologies can result in tangible impact to businesses. These investments are being made by my Department and underpinned by investments through the new Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
In the area of research and development, these investments include two Science Foundation Ireland centres, iForm and Confirm, focussed on research, and Enterprise Ireland/IDA Ireland Technology Centre: Irish Manufacturing Research focussed on innovation. IDA Ireland is also preparing for the launch of an Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Limerick as a national facility focussed on deployment of manufacturing technology at scale.
There have also been substantial investments delivered by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland through a range of grant mechanisms to support the implementation of digital technologies as well as the training and upskilling of the workforce. This includes projects in the area of Advanced Manufacturing supported by the Government’s €500m Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund delivered through my Department.
In the area of skills for Advanced Manufacturing, my Department is working closely with DFHERIS to align education and training provision with the skills needs arising from digital transformation. Investments in this area include the digital upskilling EXPLORE programme, delivered by the Regional Skills Fora for workers in manufacturing, SOLAS’s Skills to Advance for lower skilled workers, and the subsidised programmes offered through Springboard+ and Skillnet Ireland, with a focus on the future of work in areas like blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, virtual reality and smart factory technologies.
The investments to support the digitisation of the manufacturing sector have also been encompassed by the ambitious Industry 4.0 Strategy launched by my Department in January 2020. A key strategic action of the Industry 4.0 Strategy is the creation of a new coordination mechanism - Future Manufacturing Ireland (FMI). This will ensure coordination of the key supports to the manufacturing sector as well as coherence concerning access to technological resources and funding. Importantly, FMI will ensure that support exists for companies to access a range of resources from fundamental research to applied technology deployment at scale. This will cater for the breath of the manufacturing sector from start-ups and the SME base to large multinational companies and will span all levels of technical maturity appropriately.
Reflecting the importance of the digital transition for Ireland in the coming decade, Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan includes a programme to drive Digital Transformation of Enterprise in Ireland to support digitalisation including the establishment of a number of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in Ireland. The investment will support initiatives such as developing online presence; digitalisation of products and business processes; and using digital technologies to develop new markets and business models. The EDIHs shall further help companies undertake the digital transformation and become more competitive.
The global pandemic has brought into focus a renewed and accelerated impetus to embrace Digitisation to drive operational efficiencies, create robust supply chains and to contribute to sustainability targets. Through a range of Government investments, including those outlined above, I am satisfied that we are embracing the challenges and the opportunities presented by the digital transformation on manufacturing.
105. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a recent workplace fatality at a shipping company (details supplied) in Dublin Port which follows an earlier workplace fatality for which the same company pleaded guilty for failing to manage and conduct its undertaking and an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority concluded that all the appropriate safety measures were not in place at the time of the incident; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that further to this latest fatality, the company has refused to meet with its employees trade union representatives to discuss health and safety in their workplace and other related matters; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a request from the employees trade union representatives to meet with him also remains outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36461/21]
View answerMy office has been made aware of a workplace fatality in Dublin Port, however, as the Deputy will appreciate, details and reports of inspections and investigations are an operational matter for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and is not something that I can comment upon. The HSA has confirmed that this investigation is ongoing rather than having been concluded, the Authority does not comment on inspections and/or investigations concerning individual employers or workplaces.
Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives. I would encourage employers and worker representatives including Trade Unions to fully engage with each other on any issues of concern in the workplace especially issues around workplace health and safety.
The State does provide the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support Parties in their efforts to resolve differences which arise in the workplace from time to time. I would urge all parties to engage constructively with the State's industrial relations machinery in order to resolve any issues in dispute where such issues are not resolved at a local level.
For the Deputy’s information, it should be noted that following a request, the HSA recently met with trade union representatives, during which matters regarding health and safety in docks was raised and discussed.
106. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will issue guidance to all planning authorities that reflects the policy position which opposes the development of power generating facilities that use fracked gas as a fuel source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36223/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government set out that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and committed to developing a policy statement to establish that approach. On 18 May, the Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was published.
The policy statement provides that pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. Consequently this will mean that gas fired power stations will not use gas which is sourced from imported fracked LNG.
The review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. It is planned that the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation undertaken in the second half of this year. The review, once completed, will be submitted to Government.
The Government Policy Statement was notified to An Bord Pleanála following its approval by Government. It was not considered necessary to notify other planning authorities as LNG facilities are considered strategic infrastructure developments and therefore any planning application would be made directly to An Bord Pleanála.
Section 34 of the Planning & Development Act requires An Bord Pleanála to consider the proper planning and sustainable development of an area with regard being had to relevant Government policies such as the Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas.
107. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plans that are in place to expand the SEAI criteria for homes eligible for retrofitting in order to increase the number of those in fuel poverty under retrofitting programmes and to help achieve the target of 50,000 retrofits per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35795/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date, the Government has provided funding for free upgrades to over 143,000 homes under the scheme and in 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800. €109 million in capital funding has been provided this year to support lower income households to retrofit their homes with €100 million of this funding allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a €47 million increase on the 2020 allocation and is the highest ever budget for this scheme. The scheme is currently available to households in receipt of:
- Fuel allowance under the National Fuel Scheme;
- Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);
- Family Income Supplement;
- One-Parent Family Payment;
- Domiciliary Care Allowance;
- Carer’s Allowance where you live with the person you are caring for.
The eligibility criteria for the scheme were selected as they represented those areas where the limited resources available to the scheme could have the greatest impact. They are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department.
108. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for homes that do not qualify for retrofitting under SEAI grants, the assessment costs are incurred by sustainable energy communities; his plans to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35796/21]
View answer110. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that those homeowners who were declined SEAI funding for retrofitting and are referred to the warmer homes scheme end up costing sustainable energy communities’ funding, staff time and other resources which are not compensated; if compensation will be provided for sustainable energy communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35798/21]
View answer112. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the costs required to deliver on SEAI criteria on the homeowner before they apply for a SEAI retrofitting grant; if a cost optimal option will be provided that would standardise the SEAI category system into a single measure assessment rather than the four measures currently in place as part of the technical assessment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35800/21]
View answer117. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on issues raised by a local sustainable energy community (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35992/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 110, 112 and 117 together.
The Communities Energy Grant Scheme (CEG) makes grant funding available for community-based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area. This popular scheme supports partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits and support Climate Action Plan objectives.
A range of improvements to the scheme have been introduced over the last year following feedback from Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) and the wider supply chain. The 2021 scheme budget has been significantly increased; the €30 million allocation for this year represents a 50% increase on the 2020 budget and demand for the scheme has been very strong.
The difficulties associated with delivering CEG projects within the applicable timelines is an issue that has been raised by stakeholders previously. In acknowledgement of this challenge, the SEAI issued its most recent call for projects a number of months earlier than previous years and the evaluation period for applications was significantly shortened. These changes meant that project approvals issued from December thereby significantly extending the timescale for works under the scheme. Unfortunately, enhanced COVID restrictions between January and April and the associated pause in the construction sector meant that much of the planned work was delayed. These delays were clearly outside of the control of the Department and SEAI. However, every effort has been made to maximise activity since the construction sector recommenced and further initiatives to help the supply chain with this issue and facilitate year-round retrofit works are in development.
Other changes to enhance the scheme have been made based on feedback from stakeholders. For example, the administrative burden for SECs associated with applying for Energy Master Plans has been significantly reduced by streamlining seven different application elements into one single application. SEAI has also developed Memoranda of Understanding with most Local Authorities to allow the cashflowing of energy masterplan costs for communities. Under this arrangement, with the involvement of Local Authorities, SECs no longer have to pay the costs of the energy masterplan in advance of drawing down the grant funding.
My Department and the SEAI also recognise the issues associated with assessment costs that arise when a homeowner decides not to proceed with a home energy upgrade. Options to deal with these costs are being considered as part of the development of new support schemes to be launched later this year. In the meantime, it should be noted that the SEAI also funds the aforementioned Energy Masterplans to help communities to identify blocks of suitable homes which are then a clear target for upgrades. The SEAI also published a national BER database which is available to SECs to help them to create a general assessment of the BER ratings of homes in their community and cut down on some pre assessment costs.
In relation to the requirement for multiple measures under the scheme, as indicated in the scheme guidelines, the CEG scheme is designed for bundled measures and a minimum BER uplift of 100 kWh/m²/yr applies. Homes that require single measures only are directed to the Better Energy Homes grant scheme because it is more suited to their needs and allows the homeowner more time and involves less administration to make an application.
Regarding window replacement, there is a provision in the scheme guidelines to facilitate a process whereby the Project Co-ordinators can agree the measures to be covered in advance with the SEAI team. In cases where windows that are fit for purpose and all windows in a home do not need to be replaced this can be accommodated and a commensurate reduction of the grant amount would apply.
Consultation with Communities and learning from valuable programme feedback is always encouraged by my Department and welcomed by SEAI at all levels. I am informed that at the most recent meeting (23 June, 2021) between SEAI and the SEC referred to by the Deputy, all relevant matters were discussed in detail. SEAI will consider the feedback fully. SEAI will also continue to work with the SEC and the wider sector to further develop and enhance the support schemes.
Separately from the CEG scheme, my Department is currently working with the SEAI to develop a new support scheme aimed at community projects focusing specifically on SECs and growing their capacity to co-ordinate projects. The new scheme will be open for applications later this year and is being informed by feedback and consultations with SECs.
109. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to include those who cannot afford to pay for air source heat pumps to be included in the upcoming pilot heat loss index project for homeowners who fell into the 2.3 to 2.6 HLI category; the reasons these homeowners are not included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35797/21]
View answerMy Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are currently developing a residential heat pump and heat loss indicator (HLI) research study which will investigate the appropriate HLI that homes should achieve prior to installing a heat pump.
As the guidelines for the research project are in development, the eligibility criteria have not been finalised. Further details will be published in the coming months.
111. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that homeowners who do not qualify for an SEAI grant after waiting over 18 months have to start the cycle again when applying for the warmer homes scheme which currently has a minimum of a two year waiting list; the measures he will introduce to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35799/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date, the Government has provided funding for free upgrades to over 143,000 homes under the scheme and in 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800. €109 million in capital funding has been provided this year to support lower income households to retrofit their homes with €100 million of this funding allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a €47 million increase on the 2020 allocation and is the highest ever budget for this scheme. The SEAI accepts applications for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme from eligible homeowners year-round and operates independently of other SEAI schemes. Applicants to the Warmer Homes Scheme do not need to re-apply or restart the cycle after a given period of time.
SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2020, the average time from application to completion was approximately 18 months. COVID-19 related restrictions negatively impacted activity between March and June of 2020 as well as between January and April of 2021, when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government COVID-19 guidelines. Works under the scheme have now recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector.
The SEAI has advised me that the average wait times should only ever be used as a general guide and that wait times vary, based on the demand for the scheme at the time of application as well as other factors including the scale of works to be completed, access to the property, availability of materials and the weather.
In addition to the increased budget, capacity by the industry to deliver more activity has also increased due to a new, broader contractor panel to provide works which commenced at the end of 2020. I also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to allow it drive the various grant programmes that it operates, including the Warmer Homes Scheme, and to ensure that level of activity envisaged under the Programme for Government is delivered.
113. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of interest his Department has been charged for savings or other funds on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35932/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
The charges relate to negative interest in respect of funds held in commercial bank accounts operated by my Department. These accounts are managed in accordance with the requirements set out in Public Financial Procedures and Circular 16/2014 (Public Bank Accounts) issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Departments bank accounts are also audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General as part of the annual Appropriation Account and Environment Fund Account audits.
|
Year |
Department € |
Environmental Fund € |
|
2017 |
608.20 |
2,207.37 |
|
2018 |
1,146.23 |
3,230.45 |
|
2019 |
588.73 |
1,759.16 |
|
2020 |
457.10 |
1,488.50 |
|
2021 (To date) |
- |
- |
|
Total |
2,800.26 |
8,685.48 |
|
TOTAL NEGATIVE INTEREST |
11,485.74 |
