Wednesday, 15 Dec 2021

Written Answers Nos. 6-27

Export Controls

Questions (6)

Patrick Costello

Question:

6. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of dual-use export licences, by country, for each of the past five years. [62126/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Dual-use items are products and components, including software and technology, that can be used for both civil and military applications. The bulk of Dual-use exports from Ireland are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software, (networking, data storage, cybersecurity etc). They are categorised as Dual-use items as a consequence of fact that they make use of strong encryption for security purposes.

In keeping with the commitment in the Programme for Government, all applications for export licences are rigorously scrutinised by my officials, on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the relevant legislation. Each application is reviewed against the eight assessment criteria set out in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. Applications are reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in place in respect of the destination country. My officials also seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs on any foreign policy considerations that may arise with the proposed export.

The value of individual export authorisations granted in respect exports of dual-use goods by destination country per year is set out in tabular format below. It should be noted that prior to 2018, the actual value of authorisations was not reported on by country of final destination, however records indicate that in 2016 the total value of authorisations granted in respect of exports to countries outside the EU was €394,631,000 and in 2017 that figure was €357,136,000.

-	2020 €	2019 €	2018€
AFGHANISTAN	-	291,429	1,486,981
ALBANIA	62,000	17,532	-
ALGERIA	1,531,439	-	1,481,176
ARGENTINA	9,000,000	6,322,126	-
ARMENIA	-	165,000	-
AZERBAIJAN	1,904,103	6,487,126	15,000
BAHRAIN	3,712,417	1,504,277	1,196,783
BANGLADESH	-	4,341,265	2,943,482
BELARUS	144,503	286	-
BERMUDA	18,000	-	-
BOLIVIA	11,700	-	-
BOTSWANA	-	100,000	-
BRAZIL	6,821,957	10,574,888	8,675,263
CAMEROON	892	-	-
CANADA	19,941	-	-
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC	-	283,000	-
CHILE	210,689	4,100	-
CHINA	20,628,120	64,033,611	87,778,337
COLOMBIA	2,737	8,641,702	1,460,045
COSTA RICA	-	451,855	-
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO	-	15,659	-
COTE D'IVOIRE	1,323	-	-
ECUADOR	396,000	4,665,066	1,456,039
EGYPT	6,852,950	13,277,726	9,444,296
EL SALVADOR	-	774,250	-
FRENCH POLYNESIA	1,695	-	-
GAMBIA	507,687	-	-
GEORGIA	222,009	40,818	4,425
GHANA	691	-	-
GUAM	-	1,481,915	-
GUATEMALA	-	-	1,469,716
HONDURAS	-	128,489	-
HONG KONG (CHINA)	76,150,782	104,433	-
INDIA	24,799,719	87,096,997	50,207,786
INDONESIA	1,510,114	4,536,224	905,515
IRAN	-	-	52,500
IRAQ	28,610	27,648	23,708
ISRAEL	9,695,735	4,694,796	3,073,005
JAPAN	891	-	-
JORDAN	3,008,127	7,563,985	174,402
KAZAKHSTAN	1,445,823	780,449	313,866
KENYA	2,972,048	3,420,101	-
KOSOVO	1,540,098	-	-
KUWAIT	1,963,450	3,232,763	3,261,009
KYRGHYZSTAN	102,484	-	-
LEBANON	-	4,680,890	3,267,279
MACEDONIA	21,348	-	77,532
MADAGASCAR	892	-	-
MALAYSIA	12,322,372	12,365,500	11,373,833
MALDIVES	-	-	6,400
MALI	-	-	270
MAURITIUS	1,487,134	-	-
MEXICO	1,583	15,650	-
MOLDOVA	91,788	-	-
MONTENEGRO	22,143	29,881	-
MOROCCO	2,064,965	2,848,904	1,789,754
NAMIBIA	-	1,548,020	-
NIGERIA	3,435	23,481	-
NORWAY	60,000	-	-
OMAN	2,200,129	4,063,836	3,231,637
PAKISTAN	1,465,855	1,868,757	1,223
PERU	1,967,769	1,513,901	2,775,343
PHILIPPINES	27,580,297	38,048,399	29,329,128
QATAR	25,777,112	12,742,511	10,483,592
RUSSIA	1,065,293	380,877	461,285
RWANDA	390,794	88,000	-
SAUDI ARABIA	12,870,862	24,515,020	20,306,164
SENEGAL	691	-	-
SERBIA	126,536	350,000	83,600
SIERRA LEONE	507,687	-	-
SINGAPORE	24,973,813	43,250,085	25,332,057
SOMALIA	-	-	30,420
SOUTH AFRICA	1,736,499	1,892,332	4,946,617
SOUTH KOREA/REPUBLIC OF KOREA	32,364,014	25,818,190	20,355,152
SUDAN	-	-	253,852
TAIWAN (CHINA)	1,646,501	8,696,811	59,058,869
TANZANIA	-	-	677
THAILAND	3,060,393	761,269	1,779,349
TOGO	910,000	-	-
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO	1,437,180	-	-
TUNISIA	1,514,190	3,494	1,464,358
TURKEY	59,073	18,172,408	20,435,473
TURKMENISTAN	2,115,919	-	-
UKRAINE	10,134,314	3,325,216	50,742
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES	13,296,595	15,341,539	9,566,655
UNITED STATES	10,000	-	-
URUGUAY	2,966,559	-	-
UZBEKISTAN	-	-	258,912
VIETNAM	3,177,050	350,000	4,405,865
YEMEN	32,000	1,511,488	4,144,634
ZAMBIA	-	-	85,000
ZIMBABWE	16	-	-

Military Exports

Questions (7)

Patrick Costello

Question:

7. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of military export licences, by country, for each of the past five years. [62127/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department is responsible for administering controls on the export of Military equipment from Ireland, in accordance with the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. The list of Military equipment subject to these controls is set out in the Common Military List of the European Union.

All applications for export authorisations in respect of Military equipment are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials, on a case-by-case basis. Each application is reviewed against the eight assessment criteria set out in Article 2 of the European Council Common Position.

The application is also reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in place in respect of the destination country.

My officials also seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs on any foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations, that may arise with the proposed export.

Ireland does not have an arms industry and is not therefore an exporter of conventional weapons. Military export authorisations are granted in respect of exports of personal firearms for hunting, sporting and recreational activities; explosives for commercial mining and quarrying; aircraft and related equipment and components; ground vehicles and components; electronic control systems and software.

The value of authorisations in respect of exports of military goods granted in the last five years is set out in tabular format below.

-	2020 €	2019 €	2018 €	2017 €	2016 €
Australia	1,792,443	560,068	523,108	652,416	1,449,005
Canada	67,653	1,294,448	417,291	248,000	1,170,689
Croatia	-	4,500	-	-	-
Czech Republic	20,534	-	-	-	-
Finland	-	90,500	90,138	584,808	-
France	908,682	196,188	673,225	36,189	3,600
Georgia	500	-	-	-	-
Germany	18,683,194	456,659	5,336,121	660,540	8,704,112
India	255,323		-	18,680	-
Indonesia	-	-	-	-	1200
Italy	389,256	67,460	262,700	308,291	-
Kosovo	5,791	582	-	-	-
Kuwait	-	-	55,000	-	-
Malaysia	20,508	-	-	-	-
Mali	-	-	-	13,793	45,068
Netherlands	179450	-	-	-	-
New Caledonia	-	-	2,500	-	-
New Zealand	-	17,365	-	242,820	329,750
Norway	42,940	2,147	-	288,200	722,332
Oman	-	-	-	-	2,671
Pakistan	-	-	1,836	-	-
Poland	375,000	-	-	-	-
Qatar	224,684	-	78,310	-	-
Romania	-	-	17,363	-	-
Russia	-	-	-	-	3,657
Seychelles	-	-	-	-	11,625
Singapore	495,055	77,058	-	-	7,738,250
South Africa	-	-	-	67,566	8,550
South Korea	155,000	502,000	128,000	624,000	122,432
Spain	50,000	-	-	-	-
Sweden	346,244	1,948,256	30,788	711,782	680,947
Switzerland	136,400	495,000	567,800	51,000	48,000
Thailand	-	-	-	-	1,519
Turkey	3,530	2,902,874	4,043,966	998,553	1,879,472
United Kingdom	16,779,858	1,734,531	1,109,249	855,910	1,908,011
United States	67,537,386	31,972,316	24,006,597	18,586,174	37,948,501

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (8)

Carol Nolan

Question:

8. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures his Department has taken to support employers following the most recent announcement of Covid-19 related restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62131/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Government continues to support businesses and employers through these challenging times and recognises the impact that the new measures will have on sectors, in particular, sectors such as hospitality, the arts and entertainment, and the night-time economy.

With this in mind, on Friday the 3rd of December we announced a package of financial interventions for the hospitality, events and entertainment sectors. The package includes:

- the maintenance and extension of the enhanced support for businesses who qualify for the EWSS for the months of December 2021 and January 2022.

- an extension to the end-date of the CRSS to 31 January 2022 to align with the requirement for nightclubs and discos to close until 9 January 2022 under the Health Regulations.

- an extension of the targeted commercial rates waiver at least until the end of March

- an extra €25 million from the Covid contingency fund applied to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, in particular to assist the live entertainment, arts and performance sectors.

As the Deputy will be aware, the PUP has also been reopened for workers who lose their jobs or have lost their jobs as a result of the newly announced restrictions.

Details of existing supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).

Government policy remains that there will be no cliff edge to the support. All business supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.

Consumer Protection

Questions (9)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

9. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 7 December 2021, the steps he is taking to ensure that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission secures a copy of the report for the Irish owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62163/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 119 on this matter on 7 December last, I am advised that the position is that the French consumer protection authority (DGCCRF) is investigating the issues that were referred to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) by the Irish complainants involved. The primary focus of the CCPC is to continue to support the DGCCRF investigation through providing any assistance or information requested by the DGCCRF. The CCPC considers this matter as a high priority issue and one to which they have dedicated considerable resources. The CCPC has not received the final report of the DGCCRF investigation. The CCPC continues to keep lines of communication open with the complainants and it has updated them when further information has been provided by the DGCCRF.

I am informed, the CCPC notified the DGCCRF of recent developments, specifically the receipt by some property owners of European Enforcement Orders, and the seriousness of these for the individuals involved and complainants’ requests for copies of the DGCCRF reports. In response to CCPC requests, the DGCCRF provided an update for complainants which has been communicated to complainants by the CCPC over recent days. In that update, the DGCCRF state they understand the very difficult financial position of property owners. The DGCCRF have informed the CCPC that they cannot assist with sending to the CCPC a copy of the French reports, stating that Procedural Law in France does not provide for the possibility for the DGCCRF to make such reports publicly available. The DGCCRF have advised the CCPC that reports have been sent to three competent prosecutors and it is the prerogative of these prosecutors to decide on the next steps. The DGCCRF have said they will inform the CCPC about the next steps when these have been decided on. The complainants concerned will then be in a position to make direct contact with the prosecutor in charge, in order to seek access to the reports.

Diaspora Issues

Questions (10)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

10. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has proposals to incentivise the return to Ireland of citizens with skills, training, experience or professional expertise in areas such as construction and the provision of home care services for the support of sectors in which there are serious difficulties with recruitment of staff currently. [62176/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

In the Government's Diaspora Strategy, which was launched in late 2020, a number of actions have been set out to strengthen our connections with diaspora communities and to harness the contribution from the diaspora to support economic recovery. The Department of Foreign Affairs leads on the implementation of this strategy.

The strategy recognises how returning emigrants bring with them skills and knowledge gained abroad that can help develop both the national and local economies. To support this, the Government also recognises the need to minimise the challenges faced by individuals and families returning to Ireland.

The strategy commits to a number of actions to support the return of members of the diaspora. These include monitoring barriers to return and adopting measures to remove them where possible; the negotiation of reciprocal agreements with countries that are home to significant Irish diaspora communities, such as double taxation and social security agreements; improvement of the provision of information on returning to Ireland and providing information for Irish citizens living overseas, including the dissemination of information on skills needs; and the expansion of mutual recognition and the portability of academic or professional qualifications earned overseas.

The deputy may wish to seek an update from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the implementation of these actions.

Departmental Policies

Questions (11)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

11. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by his Department during 2021; and his main priorities for 2022. [62192/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department’s Statement of Strategy, which was launched in January 2021, sets out the Department’s strategic goals and priorities for the 2021-2023 period. During the year, my Department has progressed a range of policy initiatives which will contribute to the achievement of these objectives.

We continued to provide assistance to businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit including by launching the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme, development of the Innovation Equity Fund, and extension of Credit Guarantee Schemes. We launched the national Remote Work Strategy to maximise economic, social and environmental benefits and provide opportunities for balanced regional development. Final progress reports on the nine Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 were published and work on developing new Plans to 2024 was advanced. Implementation of the SME and Entrepreneurship Growth Plan will help SMEs to start up, scale up and access international markets. We also continued to provide support for the retail sector, including an increased focus on digitalisation.

During the year, the third call for the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund saw funding of €95 million provided to 29 collaborative projects across a range of sectors. A fourth call is now open. Future Manufacturing Ireland was established to ensure coherent and cohesive national research support structure for Advanced Manufacturing, and we launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Sick Leave legislation was progressed to introduce a fair and affordable statutory sick pay scheme for Ireland. In October, I received Government approval for draft legislation to protect employees’ tips and give customers transparency in respect of how tips are distributed and what happens to the service charge they pay. I am also awaiting a review of collective bargaining and the industrial relations landscape in Ireland.

Sale of Tickets legislation was enacted to regulate the secondary ticket market where tickets are resold after their original purchase. We continued to update the Work Safely Protocol to assist employers in operating safe businesses, reflecting COVID restrictions and how they affect workplaces.

A Plan for Action on Collective Redundancies following Insolvency was published setting out commitments to further safeguard the rights of workers. We also launched the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect and a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission of a 30 cent increase in the National Minimum Wage will take effect from 1st January next.

We continued work on implementing the Action Plan on Insurance Reform and on legislation to amend the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Acts. Consumer Rights legislation was progressed with the aim of further strengthening protections afforded to consumers. The Consumer Rights Bill will be enacted in early 2022 and the Corporate Enforcement Authority will be established in the coming weeks.

The Trade and Investment Council was established to bring together Government Ministers with responsibilities for implementation and promotion of trade and investment. We continued to promote Irish business abroad including through the recommencement of Ministerial-led Trade Missions. Work on a new Trade and Investment Strategy was progressed. In 2022, we will publish and enact the Control of Exports Bill.

My Department also contributed to Ireland’s 2050 carbon neutrality ambition with actions under the Climate Action Plan 2021 and with enterprise targets. We are also ensuring that climate action is reflected in policy and programme implementation by the agencies under our remit.

Work on many of these priorities will continue in the coming year as my Department progresses the Strategic Goals outlined in the Statement of Strategy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (12)

Michael Collins

Question:

12. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter regarding supports for the hospitality sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62265/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Government continues to support businesses through these challenging times and recognises the impact that the new measures will have on sectors, in particular, sectors such as hospitality, the arts and entertainment, and the night-time economy.

With this in mind, on Friday the 3rd of December we announced a package of financial interventions for the hospitality, events and entertainment sectors. The package includes:

- the maintenance and extension of the enhanced support for businesses who qualify for the EWSS for the months of December 2021 and January 2022.

- an extension to the end-date of the CRSS to 31 January 2022 to align with the requirement for nightclubs and discos to close until 9 January 2022 under the Health Regulations.

- an extension of the targeted commercial rates waiver at least until the end of March

- an extra €25 million from the Covid contingency fund applied to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, in particular to assist the live entertainment, arts and performance sectors.

As the Deputy will be aware, the PUP has also been reopened for workers who lose their jobs or have lost their jobs as a result of the newly announced restrictions.

Details of existing supports can be found on my Department’s website, please also refer to the Fáilte Ireland business support hub webpage and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media website as responsibility for the hospitality sector lies with that Department. Homepage | Business Supports | COVID-19 Support Hub | Fáilte Ireland (failteireland.ie) gov.ie - Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (www.gov.ie) Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)

Government policy remains that there will be no cliff edge to the support. All business supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.

Trade Agreements

Questions (13)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

13. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on talks and agreements that have taken place with member states in respect of tariffs for steel products being imported from outside of the European Union and the significant effect it is having on local steel businesses in Ireland given the very serious pressure on supply and the subsequent price hikes as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62307/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

As the Deputy will be aware, the European Union imposed Safeguard Measures on steel imports into the EU in July 2018 in response to the United States applying a 25% tariff on steel imports originating from 3rd Countries, including the European Union. As a consequence of the US Measures, there was an increased risk of steel originally destined for the US market being diverted to the EU market and thereby distorting or severely disturbing the EU steel market. To address this risk, the EU introduced Steel Safeguards Measures in 2018 and these Measures have been continued following a review of the Measures in June 2021. The decision to continue the Measures for a minimum period of 2 years was based on a Commission-led review of the need for such Measures undertaken at the request of several Member States and which was conducted in the first half of 2021.

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU has also had an impact on the market as the UK is now treated as a third country and it has been provided with its own set of Tariff Rate Quotas as part of the EU's Safeguard Measures.

The current Safeguard Measures allow for the importation of steel from 3rd Countries by way of quotas, determined in line with traditional volumes of trade in steel, before the Safeguard tariff is applied. Thus, traditional trade flows should not be impacted

On 31st October, in a positive sign of improved EU-US relations, the United States announced that from 1st January 2022, it would establish a quota-based system on exports of EU steel and aluminium into the US in place of the 2018 tariffs on all such imports. This system would allow all EU Member States to export steel and aluminium products to the US - within traditional trade volumes - without attracting the additional 25% tariff. The volume of EU steel and aluminium exports affected by this new arrangement is approximately 4.4 million metric tonnes and this US decision will remove tariffs on $5.5 billion of EU steel and $1.2 billion of EU aluminium exports. These exports would have otherwise continued to be subject to duties. In response, the EU has suspended its rebalancing countermeasures against the US that were imposed in 2018. These joint actions are welcomed but are considered to be incremental steps in finding a permanent solution to the issue of trade in steel and aluminium between the EU and US. In that regard, I note that Irish industries impacted by the tariffs imposed on both sides of the Atlantic have welcomed the development and that they can now recommence traditional trade relations without the punitive 25% tariff being applied. However, we are all aware the a permanent resolution still needs to be worked on and the EU and US are committed to such endeavours.

Furthermore, in light of the changes made by the US, the EU Commission has recognised that its Safeguard Measures may need to be recalibrated to take into account changed internal market dynamics due to the potential of increased volumes of EU steel and aluminium products being exported to the US and the availability of EU produced steel for local users and importers. However, it is important to note that the US arrangement only applies to EU exports of steel and aluminium. Exports to the US from other third countries remain subject to the US "Section 232" tariff measures.

Therefore, the Commission will undertake a review of its Safeguard Measures in early 2022 which will include an analysis of the impact of the new US and EU arrangements on EU exports of steel and projections on future EU production capacity and user demands across Member States. This review process will be open to submissions from users and importers in order to better inform the Commission's decision-making process.

Since applying the original Safeguard Measures in 2018, the European Commission has completed 3 reviews of the Measures, with the most recent review published in June 2021. The findings of that most recent review included details on the availability of quotas across the product categories impacted by the Measures. The Commission's review found that during the first three years of application of the Measures (July 2018 – May 2021), there have been consistent and increasing free-of-duty TRQ volumes available at the end of each period in nearly all product categories. For example, in year-3 of the measures up to 20 May 2021, 36% of the available TRQs in steel remained unused, some 11 million tonnes. Thus, the data available indicated that the application of the EU's Safeguard Measures does not affect the availability of supply, as quotas, under which imports do not attract the Safeguard Measures' tariff, are not exhausted before the end of a given period. While it is acknowledged that many sectors of the Irish economy are experiencing price pressures as the global economy emerges from the economic impact of COVID-19 and the slow return of pre-pandemic levels of manufacturing production - as well as the new dispensation with the UK post-Brexit - the EU’s Safeguard Measures are not considered to be a principal cause of either supply availability or price increases.

It is also important to note that the current measures in place include a 3% year-on-year liberalisation rate which means that the available TRQs increase each year by 3% from the benchmark period of 2015-2017. Therefore, TRQs for the periods 2021/22 and 2022/23 will match the level of imports recorded in 2018 - a noted high watermark for trade in steel.

In designing the Measures, the European Commission has sought to ensure full compliance with the safeguard rules provided for under the World Trade Organisation and the Commission has reassured industry and Member States that it continues to monitor the situation for both producers, users and importers to limit any negative impact of the application of the Measures.

Officials in my Department continue to engage with Irish industry and representative groups on the matter and liaise closely with EU officials regarding the operation of the safeguard measures to ensure that they continue to meet their objective in guarding EU steel producers from the harmful impact of trade diversion of steel while at the same time ensuring that the EU market stays open to fair and sustainable competition where EU importers can secure supply at competitive prices. As always, steel sourced within the EU is not subject to any such tariffs as part of the Single Market.

Public Services Card

Questions (14)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

14. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the mandatory requirement for a public services card to access public services other than that of the Department of Social Protection will be removed in view of the settlement between the Data Protection Commission and the State; if he intends to introduce legislation to make public services cards mandatory for accessing non-welfare services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62393/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Matters relating to the Public Services Card fall under the remit of the Department of Social Protection. The Deputy may wish to direct her question to that Department.

Postal Services

Questions (15)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

15. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a club (details supplied) in County Kerry will be assigned an Eircode postcode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62308/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes 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. Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 160,000 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.

An Post have informed my officials that they have recently updated the property’s address data on their systems, and this information will be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode.  My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this property address.

Climate Action Plan

Questions (16)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

16. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the just transition fund for Lanesboro and the wider area (details supplied). [62064/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna. To date 51 National Just Transition Fund projects have finalised grant agreements with my Department and are delivering their projects. The total value of projects in delivery is approximately €24 million, with €17.3 million in grant funding. Funded projects are diverse and cover a range of opportunities throughout the region including: new enterprise hubs, supporting local business development, research and exploratory studies, tourism and heritage projects, and opportunities for reskilling. Further details of these projects can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/ . The Government has already committed significant resources to supporting the region through this transition and will continue its programme of investment in the region over the coming years. Our key focus has been to support communities through the transition by the creation of new enterprise and employment opportunities so that the region remains vibrant and innovative, and makes the most of the opportunities that decarbonisation will bring.

Recycling Policy

Questions (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

17. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposed flat-rate deposit under the deposit return scheme on the drinks and container materials markets; and the assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a variable rate of deposit under the deposit return scheme. [62072/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

18. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the deposit return scheme regulations as published do not stipulate specific collection or recycling targets for aluminium cans beyond the European Union target rate for all aluminium packaging of 50% by 2025 and 60% by 2030; the reason a target of 90% is not being proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62073/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has assessed the risk that the stated timescale for setting up and launching the deposit return scheme may not leave those involved in the scheme including agencies and industry with enough time to ensure that they are adequately prepared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62074/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

20. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the regulations recently published for the deposit return scheme do not stipulate that an approved body, that is, a system administrator must hold separate accounts for each included material type; if he has considered if it would be better if each material to be recycled had its own collection and sorting costs thus preventing cross subsidising between in scope materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62075/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

21. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a difference in the operating costs and possible unintended consequences of a deposit return scheme depending on whether there is a variable rate deposit or a flat-rate deposit. [62076/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

22. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has assessed the potential effect of a flat-rate deposit on the levels of product wastage in relation to the planned deposit return scheme. [62077/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

23. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of a variable rate deposit on return rates in relation to the planned deposit return scheme. [62078/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 23, inclusive, together.

On 17 November, I signed the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021, providing the legal framework for the deposit return scheme which will become operational across the country in Quarter 3 of 2022.

The Regulations require that the approved body who will operate the scheme,shall achieve separate collection rates for recycling of in-scope bottles in accordance with Directive 2019/904/EC on the reduction of the impact of certain plastics on the environment and also achieve EU recycling targets for in-scope containers, or aluminium or steel beverage containers. By 2025, Ireland must ensure the separate collection of 77% of plastic beverage bottles placed on the market (by weight), rising to 90% by 2029. In the case of aluminium, Ireland currently surpasses the EU recycling target, achieving 54% for 2019 which places Ireland as a frontrunner towards the attainment of EU aluminium packaging recycling targets. The over-riding objective is to ensure that all packaging placed on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030 and these measures, contained in our Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, are set with a view to achieving optimum results in the area of all packaging materials. My officials will engage with the approved body, when appointed, to ensure the appropriate reporting mechanisms are put in place for the scheme, when introduced.

In working towards the introduction of a deposit return scheme, my Department established a sub-group of the Waste Advisory Group with representatives from the beverage producers, retailers, environmental NGOs and the waste sector. Through this cross-sectoral group my officials worked closely with representatives from beverage producers, who will fund and operate the scheme. While beverage producers have noted that the timeframe for introduction of the scheme is ambitious, my Department will continue to work closely with all stakeholders representatives to meet the target date for its introduction.

Members of the DRS sub-group requested more time to consider the deposit, including, inter alia, the level at which it should be set. Following such consideration and subsequent discussion between industry and my officials, I intend to introduce Regulations, prior to the introduction of the Scheme, to establish, among other things, the level of deposit for the materials to be collected.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 17.

Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 17.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 17.

Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 17.

Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 17.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 17.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (24)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

24. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has met with local authority members regarding concerns relating to national broadband roll-out; and if not, if he will meet with interested delegations in a forum compliant with current restrictions. [62079/21]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (25)

Seán Haughey

Question:

25. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has undertaken research regarding the costs of retrofitting a second-hand house up to the ##A-rated standard that is required for new builds; if he is satisfied that the grant schemes in place are sufficient for householders to carry out these works; his views on whether the required numbers of building contractors will come forward to do retrofitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62143/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

The National Retrofit Plan, published last month as part of the Climate Action Plan, set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 or carbon equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by the end of 2030. These targets represent a very significant increase in both the volume and depth of retrofit activity in Ireland. Research and analysis carried out on the cost of retrofitting to inform the new Retrofit Plan was aligned with the targets to upgrade homes to a BER B2 and the installation of heat pumps. The work required and associated cost of bringing a home to a BER B2 is determined by a number of factors including: the size and type of home; wall type; as well the age and starting condition of the home.  Estimates compiled for the Department indicate that the cost to retrofit the fabric of a house to a B2 and install a heat pump can range between €14,000 and €66,000.

The National Retrofit Plan is designed to address barriers to retrofit across four key areas: driving demand and activity; financing and funding; supply chain, skills and standards; and governance.

SEAI grant schemes will continue to be a central element of the Government’s strategy to encourage homeowners to retrofit their homes and a new National Retrofit Scheme will be launched early next year. The Plan commits €8 billion of Exchequer funding (including €5 billion in carbon tax revenues) for SEAI grant schemes and commits to the introduction of measures to make home energy upgrades more affordable for households.

In order to achieve the ambitious national retrofit targets in the years to come, it is essential that we develop the supply chain. The National Retrofit Plan outlines a range of measures to achieve this and increase the number of skilled workers while maintaining quality. This includes the quantification of the skills required to deliver on our targets as part of the recently published Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report on the low carbon economy as well as the provision of relevant upskilling, reskilling and apprenticeship supports through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Fuel Inspections

Questions (26, 27)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

26. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way his Department intends to encourage local authorities to enforce the national smoky coal ban that is due to come into effect in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62149/21]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

27. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the level of engagement with local authorities to ensure best practice of enforcement of the smoky coal ban within their functional areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62150/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.

Local Authorities are, and will continue to be, responsible for the enforcement of solid fuel regulations. The new enhanced solid fuel regulations will be drafted to ensure that Local Authorities have sufficient powers to ensure effective compliance within their functional areas.

The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement and an increase in multi-agency operations in order to clamp down on the sale of non-compliant solid fuels, with Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners involved. Given the links between burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the regulations, increased multi-agency enforcement will be required.

Discussions with the Local Authority sector have commenced with the intention of establishing dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent enforcement of the new regulations across the country.

My Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard and has already commenced work with the sector to develop guidance, training and the sharing of best practice. In addition I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 to continue to enhance enforcement expertise, including through the provision of additional supports for the most effective model of enforcement.

Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 26.