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Wednesday, 16 Feb 2022

Written Answers Nos. 46-67

Departmental Data

Questions (46)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

46. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a schedule of foreign travel episodes arranged by his Department for elected representatives, Ministers and their staff andor special advisers since 1 January 2018 to date in 2022; and if he will provide a schedule of locations of the travel arranged or advised on, to include the final destination of travel episode, by year, and the full cost of same. [8503/22]

View answer

Written answers

It has not been possible to compile the requested information in the time available. The requested information will be provided to the Deputy once compiled.

Industrial Development

Questions (47)

Martin Browne

Question:

47. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the way IDA Ireland is receiving a nominal annual ground rent of just €25.39 per year for a property at Knockanrawley in Tipperary town, which was vacated by a company (details supplied) that dissolved in 2016; if he will confirm the person who is paying the annual ground rent; the business that is currently being conducted from the building in question; if the business is a client of IDA Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8683/22]

View answer

Written answers

The IDA landbank in Tipperary town, Knockanrawley, zoned Industrial & Economic under the current Tipperary Town & Environs Development Plan, has supported employment creation in Tipperary town with the sale of individual sites to clients under a 999-year leasehold contract.

Within the 999-year lease there is a covenant for the payment of ground rent, which is a nominal sum due and payable by the leaseholder, which is a reminder to leaseholders of the obligations they agree to upon entering into a 999-year lease.  

The IDA continues to hold a freehold interest in the property referred to by the Deputy.  In line with the terms of the lease, the IDA charges the ground rent of €25.39 per year on this property which aligns with the lease agreed by both parties on 26th October 1998.  I understand that discussions in relation to this property are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

Legislative Measures

Questions (48)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

48. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if recommendation number five from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment report on the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Employment Permits (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill will be incorporated into the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8801/22]

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Written answers

A Review of Economic Migration Policy undertaken in 2018 concluded that while the employment permits system provides a robust framework to supplement skills and labour needs in the State, the current legislation imposes considerable inflexibility in its operation. In order to increase the agility and responsiveness of the system, the Review recommended that new legislation be initiated.

The Employment Permits (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill sets out to consolidate the existing legislation to make a more accessible statutory basis for our economic migration system and to increase its agility and responsiveness.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment report on the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme if the Bill issued on 24 November. The Committee have provided a number of recommendations including Recommendation Five which relates to the rights of General Employment Permit holders. All recommendations are currently under consideration by officials in my Department.

Road Network

Questions (49)

Seán Fleming

Question:

49. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any indication or information has been made available to him on the types of bridges on roadways in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8456/22]

View answer

Written answers

This is a matter for the infrastructure division of each Local Authority. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications does not have a function in collating this data and it is also the case that some wooden bridges could be on non-public roads.

Energy Prices

Questions (50)

Denis Naughten

Question:

50. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the impact that increased supply of electricity to business compared with domestic consumers is having on domestic electricity costs and prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8467/22]

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Written answers

The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. Each such company has its own business model and approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. The CRU, as the Deputy will appreciate, is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. I have no function in these matters. The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.

Environmental Schemes

Questions (51)

Réada Cronin

Question:

51. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that persons in receipt of an invalidity pension have been excluded from the assistance remit of the new retrofit scheme; if they will be added as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8488/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Government has recently approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.

The key measures include:

- a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently)

- One Stop Shops to offer a hassle-free, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades

- a significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme (400 per month – up from an average of 177 per month in 2021)

- a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices

- an Exchequer investment of €8 billion to 2030 will enable the supply chain to scale up, creating thousands of high quality jobs and delivering on this critical national objective.

Households in receipt of an Invalidity Pension, whose homes meet the eligibility criteria, can apply for support including  whole home upgrade grants under the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme and  individual grants for energy efficiency measures.

Free upgrades available under the Warmer Homes scheme are currently available to households who are in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments including the Fuel Allowance.  I understand that the Invalidity Pension is a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance, which is a means tested payment. Households can contact the Department of Social Protection to check whether they meet the relevant means test.

Departmental Data

Questions (52)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

52. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a schedule of foreign travel episodes arranged by his Department for elected representatives, Ministers and their staff and-or special advisers since 1 January 2018 to date in 2022; and if he will provide a schedule of locations of the travel arranged or advised on, to include the final destination of travel episode, by year, and the full cost of same.. [8504/22]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested is provided in the following table.

Year

Passenger

Date Outbound Travel

Destination

2018

Minister Kyne

26/02/18

Dublin/Barcelona/Dublin

 

Advisor

26/02/18

Dublin/Barcelona/Dublin

 

Advisor

02/03/18

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Minister Kyne

03/03/18

Dublin/Toronto/Dublin

 

Advisor

03/03/18

Dublin/Toronto/Dublin

 

Minister Naughten

05/03/18

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

05/03/18

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Advisor

05/03/18

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Minister Naughten

08/03/18

Dublin/Boston/Toronto/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

08/03/18

Dublin/Boston/Toronto/Dublin

 

Advisor

08/03/18

Dublin/Boston/Toronto/Dublin

 

Minister Kyne

15/03/18

Dublin/Geneva

 

Advisor

15/03/18

Dublin/Geneva

 

Minister Naughten

10/06/18

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

10/06/18

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Advisor

10/06/18

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Minister Naughten

13/06/18

Dublin/Paris/Dublin

 

Minister Naughten

13/06/18

Paris/Cherbourg/Paris

 

Private Secretary

13/06/18

Dublin/Paris/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

13/06/18

Paris/Cherbourg/Paris

 

Advisor

13/06/18

Dublin/Paris/Dublin

 

Advisor

13/06/18

Paris/Cherbourg/Paris

 

Minister Kyne

14/06/18

Dublin/Edinburgh/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

14/06/18

Dublin/Edinburgh/Dublin

 

Minister Naughten

24/06/18

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

24/06/18

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Advisor

24/06/18

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Minister Naughten

15/07/18

Dublin/New York/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

15/07/18

Dublin/New York/Dublin

 

Advisor

15/07/18

Dublin/New York/Dublin

 

Advisor

15/07/18

Dublin/New York/Dublin

 

Minister Naughten

10/09/18

Dublin/San Francisco/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

10/09/18

Dublin/San Francisco/Dublin

 

Advisor

10/09/18

Dublin/San Francisco/Dublin

 

Minister Canney

08/11/18

Dublin/Isle of Man/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

02/12/18

Dublin/Frankfurt/Krakow/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

02/12/18

Dublin/Frankfurt/Krakow/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

02/12/18

Dublin/Frankfurt/Krakow/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

11/12/18

Dublin/Amsterdam/Krakow/Frankfurt/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

11/12/18

Dublin/Amsterdam/Krakow/Frankfurt/Dublin

 

Advisor

11/12/18

Dublin/Amsterdam/Krakow/Frankfurt/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

20/12/18

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

20/12/18

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

Minister Bruton

07/03/19

Dublin/Toronto/Boston/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

07/03/19

Dublin/Toronto/Boston/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

21/06/19

Dublin/Manchester/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

21/06/19

Dublin/Manchester/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

25/06/19

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

25/06/19

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Advisor

25/06/19

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

20/09/19

Dublin/NewYork/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

20/09/19

Dublin/NewYork/Dublin

 

Advisor

20/09/19

Dublin/NewYork/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

03/10/19

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

03/10/19

Dublin/Luxembourg/Dublin

 

Minister Bruton

04/12/19

Dublin/Paris

 

Private Secretary

04/12/19

Dublin/Paris

 

Minister Bruton

10/12/19

Dublin/Madrid/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

10/12/19

Dublin/Madrid/Dublin

 

Advisor

10/12/19

Dublin/Madrid/Dublin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

Minister Ryan

17/12/20

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021

Minister Smyth

02/06/21

Dublin/Amsterdam/Luxembourg/Amsterdam/Dublin

 

Advisor

02/06/21

Dublin/Amsterdam/Luxembourg/Amsterdam/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

02/06/21

Dublin/Amsterdam/Luxembourg/Amsterdam/Dublin

 

Advisor

02/06/21

Dublin/Amsterdam/Luxembourg/Amsterdam/Dublin

 

Minister Ryan

19/07/21

Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubljana

 

Advisor

19/07/21

Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubljana

 

Advisor

19/07/21

Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubljana

 

Minister Ryan

21/09/21

Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubiana/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

21/09/21

Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubiana/Dublin

 

Advisor

21/09/21

Dublin/Frankfurt/Ljubiana/Dublin

 

Minister Ryan

05/10/21

Dublin/Luxembourg/Amsterdam/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

05/10/21

Dublin/Luxembourg/Amsterdam/Dublin

 

Minister Ryan

19/10/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Advisor

19/10/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

19/10/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Minister Smyth

25/10/21

Dublin/Amsterdam/Luxembourg - Paris/Dublin

 

Minister Smyth

27/10/21

Luxembourg/Paris

 

Advisor

25/10/21

London/Luxembourg - Paris/Dublin

 

Advisor

27/10/21

Luxembourg/Paris

 

Minister Ryan

08/11/21

Dublin/Glasgow/Dublin

 

Advisor

07/11/21

Dublin/Belfast/Dublin

 

Advisor

07/11/21

Belfast/Cairnryan/Belfast

 

Advisor

 

Glasgow/Dublin

 

Advisor

07/11/21

Belfast/Cairnryan/Belfast

 

Advisor

07/11/21

Belfast/Cairnryan

 

Advisor

 

Glasgow/Dublin

 

Advisor

08/11/21

Dublin/Glasgow/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

07/11/21

Dublin/Glasgow - Edinburgh/Dublin

 

Minister Ryan

01/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Advisor

01/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

01/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Minister Smyth

02/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

02/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Advisor

02/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Minister Ryan

19/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

19/12/21

Dublin/Brussels/Dublin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022

Minister Ryan

19/01/22

Dublin/Paris/Dublin

 

Minister Ryan

19/01/22

Paris/Amiens

 

Advisor

19/01/22

Dublin/Paris/Dublin

 

Advisor

19/01/22

Paris/Amiens

 

Private Secretary

19/01/22

Dublin/Paris/Dublin

 

Private Secretary

19/01/22

Paris/Amiens

Energy Prices

Questions (53, 54)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

53. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if persons with more than one property will receive multiple payments under the electricity costs emergency benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8567/22]

View answer

Thomas Pringle

Question:

54. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plans that are in place to ensure persons with more than one property will not receive multiple payments under the electricity costs emergency benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8568/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.

A scheme has been approved by Government to credit all domestic electricity accounts with a payment of a value of €200 (inclusive of VAT) in 2022. Approximately 2.1 million domestic electricity accounts will benefit from the scheme for a one-off, exceptional payment. The scheme will apply to every domestic electricity account. In order to utilise the existing electricity billing infrastructure to enable payments to be made at the earliest possible opportunity in 2022, the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number will be used for this scheme, This criterion does not indicate the type of occupancy at each premises. The scheme will become operational following the passing of underpinning legislation, the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill, through the Oireachtas. The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will be charged with oversight of the scheme. The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) because of its existing interface with all electricity suppliers. ESB Networks will make payments to energy suppliers, who in turn will credit all their domestic electricity account holders with a payment to the value of €200 (inclusive of VAT). The Deputy may also wish to note that regular information updates, including frequently asked questions, are being made available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 53.

Environmental Schemes

Questions (55)

Michael Ring

Question:

55. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who applied for the better energy warmer homes schemes and waited over two years for the survey or to call out has now been told that they are not entitled to the scheme; if there are plans to amend the application guide and form to clearly state that homes with 20% insulation will not be assisted through the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8576/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manage a number of residential and community energy upgrade grant support schemes on behalf of my Department. These schemes have terms and conditions in place to ensure the transparent administration of public monies. Achieving this requires that the processes and systems are clear and efficient and operate in a manner which is fair to all applicants.

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low income households who are most at risk of energy poverty.  A range of home energy improvements can be funded under this scheme. The upgrades that are recommended for any given property depend on many factors including age, size, type and condition of the property. Each eligible home is assessed on a case-by-case basis by SEAI’s managing agent. This involves a survey of the home which determines the upgrades that can be installed and funded. The home is subsequently allocated to a contractor who carries out a further assessment of the property to confirm the initial recommendation. A programme of work is then agreed between the contractor and SEAI. Decisions in relation to the recommended upgrades made by both SEAI’s managing agent and contractors are informed by a technical operations manual.

Applications under SEAI schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI.  As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual grant applications. SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie

Environmental Schemes

Questions (56)

Peter Burke

Question:

56. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if wood pellet stoves will be included in the new retrofitting grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8584/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to reach a legally binding target of net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and a cut of 51% by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels).

The Climate Action Plan set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector from 7 Mt CO2 eq. in 2018 to between 3.5-4.5 Mt CO2 eq. in 2030.

The Programme for Government and Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.  This represents approximately 30% of the housing stock and is among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide.

Recognising that the achievement of these targets will require a step-change in the pace and scale of delivery Ireland’s residential retrofit programme, the Government has approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. The key measures include:

- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently).

- Significantly increasing the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty, up to 400 per month from an average of 177 per month in 2021.

- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.

To support the overarching policy objectives, the grant rates to homeowners are focused towards those measures which will be most effective in reducing energy use and reducing carbon emissions. Therefore, grant supports for wood pellet stoves will not be available under the SEAI residential energy upgrade schemes.

Environmental Schemes

Questions (57, 61)

Peter Burke

Question:

57. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the procedure for companies and businesses to sign up to the one-stop-shop in order to register with the retrofitting scheme. [8585/22]

View answer

Joe Carey

Question:

61. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if registered building contractors can carry out work directly under the national retrofitting scheme; if not, if the scheme is designed to be accessed exclusively through the one stop shop system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8639/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 61 together.

The Government has approved a package of supports as part of the delivery of Ireland’s residential retrofit programme. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.

These new measures include:

- The establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the current level of 30-35%).

- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a new end-to-end project management service. This includes surveying the home; designing the upgrades; managing the grant processes; helping with access to finance; engaging the contractors to deliver the work and then quality-assuring that work.

-  A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.

In order to be eligible for grant funding under the new National Home Energy Upgrade scheme, homeowners will be required to apply through a registered one stop shop for their energy upgrade.

Companies wishing to register as a one stop shop must apply to the SEAI. Details on how to become a registered One Stop Shop can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/one-stop-shop/ or for further information, please email onestopshop@seai.ie or call 01 808 2162

Registered One Stop Shops will be required to ensure that their contractors are properly competent and/or registered with SEAI as required to carry out the grant-aided measures under the relevant grant schemes, and in compliance with all SEAI requirements for such contractors.

Individual contractors can register with the SEAI for works on other energy upgrade schemes such as Better Energy Homes. More details can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/

Environmental Schemes

Questions (58)

Bríd Smith

Question:

58. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if clarification will be provided on the newly announced SEAI grants for energy efficiency and retrofitting of homes. [8634/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a number of schemes in place to support homeowners to upgrade their properties including the fully funded Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme and a number of part-funded schemes such as the Community Energy Grant Scheme, the Solar PV Scheme and the recently announced National Home Energy Upgrade (Retrofit) Scheme.

Following the recent Government announcement increased grant levels of up to 50% are now being applied to the part-funded schemes while an increase in the funding allocation for Better Energy Warmer Homes will support monthly completions to increase from 177 last year to 400 this year. 

Further details with respect to each of the schemes are available at www.seai.ie.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (59)

Bríd Smith

Question:

59. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of the projected funding of €1 billion per year to the energy efficiency home-retro fitting programmes to 2030 that will come from central Exchequer funding or funds from the application of the carbon tax or any other source; and if a breakdown of the projected funding streams can be provided. [8635/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 (or cost optimal equivalent), and to install 400,000 heat pumps to replace existing heating systems by 2030. The review of the National Development Plan (NDP) resulted in an unprecedented financial commitment to support achievement of the Government’s retrofit targets. A total of €8 billion of Exchequer funding (including €5 billion in carbon tax revenues) will be available to support residential upgrades to 2030.

The planned annual allocations for Residential Retrofitting as outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2021 are set out in the table below with adjustments to the 2022 figure reflecting the recent Government decision on specific supports to aid the delivery of Ireland's National Retrofit Programme.

Year

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

Planned Allocation (€m)

267

291

380

469

641

898

1,257

1,760

2,000

In addition, the Department has been successful in its application for a further €111.7m for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme to be included in the draft European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Co-funded programme 2021-2027. The draft programme is currently being reviewed by the Regional Assemblies.

Environmental Schemes

Questions (60)

Bríd Smith

Question:

60. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the previously available scheme for deep retrofitting administered by the SEAI had a limit on the percentage allocation to work being carried out, that is, if the previous scheme only allowed for 25% of the funding to a deep retrofit or in which funds matched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8636/22]

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Written answers

The Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme was launched in 2017 as a time bound pilot to investigate the challenges and opportunities of deep retrofit in Ireland. Under the scheme 50% grant funding was available for homes that carried out retrofit to an A rating and replaced fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps and renewables, with 95% support available for people at risk of energy poverty. The pilot has provided detailed information on the types of upgrades and technologies suited to particular homes, the costs associated with deeper retrofit, post works energy performance of homes retrofitted as well as customer and contractor experience of undertaking deeper retrofit projects. A key requirement of the scheme was that applications came from service providers rather than homeowners and involved at least 5 homes.

Last week the Government launched a package of supports in line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.

The supports included the establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump.  The design of the new scheme has been informed by extensive research, engagement with stakeholders and experience both internationally and in Ireland under other schemes including the Deep Retrofit Pilot.

Further information on the results of the Deep Retrofit Pilot Scheme are available on SEAI’s website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/deep-retrofit-grant/key-findings/

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 57.

Environmental Schemes

Questions (62)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

62. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if persons who wish to avail of the latest retrofitting scheme must opt for more than one item to access the scheme; if his attention has been drawn to a shortfall of qualified professionals with the capacity to carry out suites of works required; and his plans to address same. [8644/22]

View answer

Written answers

The new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme offers increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the current level of 30-35%).

The new scheme introduces a new way to undertake home energy upgrades with One-Stop-Shops providing an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying the home; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors to deliver the work; and quality assuring the work.

Homes, built and occupied pre-2011, and owned by private homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies are eligible for the scheme. This provides an unprecedented opportunity for people all over Ireland to upgrade to a warmer, healthier and more comfortable home, with lower energy bills.

In addition to the establishment of the new scheme, Government has also made clear that it is important that households that want or need to carry out the upgrade over time, should be supported at the enhanced grant levels. For that reason, many of the new grant rates are also now available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme allowing homeowners to take a step-by-step approach or self-manage the project.

Window and door replacements are available under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme as well as under the Community Energy Grant scheme as part of a whole house upgrade solution, because in these instances they tend to be required to achieve an energy efficient home to B2.

Window and door replacement are also available in some circumstances under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme which delivers free upgrades to eligible homeowners in low income households vulnerable to energy poverty.

Window and door replacements are not supported as individual measures and as such are not available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.

Retrofitting our housing stock is a key element of the Government’s plans for economic growth and development. I expect the unprecedented €8 billion of National Development Plan funding available to support residential upgrades to 2030 will stimulate the creation of high-quality jobs throughout the country. It will also have a significant multiplier effect, supporting the development of associated supply chains.

The recently published report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs indicated that the number of workers carrying out retrofits will need to increase from approximately 4,000 in 2021 to 17,000 by the middle of the decade.  In this regard the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has provided €17 million to support 4,550 places on Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and retrofit related courses this year. NZEB and retrofit programmes are provided in retrofit centres of excellence in Waterford Wexford ETB, Laois Offaly ETB and Mount Lucas National Construction Training Centre with work ongoing to establish a further three retrofit centres of excellence in Cork, Limerick/Clare and Mayo/Sligo/Leitrim ETBs.

Energy Prices

Questions (63)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

63. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the proposed electricity rebate will be reviewed in relation to full-time residents in mobile home parks who are not account holders but who have individual meters; if there will be a mechanism by which they will receive the much-needed rebate given that in many cases they are extremely vulnerable persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8645/22]

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Written answers

The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022, currently before the House, provides for a payment on a once off basis, in 2022, to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. An increase in the benefit to €200 (including VAT) was included in the suite of policy measures announced by Government on 10th February designed to further support households facing increased energy costs.

The scheme is to be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks), and electricity suppliers and overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Based on the number of domestic electricity accounts, ESBN will make payments to the individual energy suppliers who will then credit each domestic electricity account held with them. The scheme will also include pre-pay customers. The type of coin operated meters referred to by the Deputy are not installed by ESBN and are not regulated by the CRU. Such devices are usually installed behind the electricity meter, and their use for payment of electricity is a contractual matter between residents and the operators of such parks. My Department is working closely with the Residentials Tenancies Board (RTB) on a public information campaign to ensure that tenants are aware of the scheme. Where a dispute arises between a tenant and landlord regarding the passing on of the payment, the resolution mechanisms of the RTB are available, however, tenants will be encouraged to resolve the matter with their landlord in the first instance. I note the Deputy highlights that people in this situation may be particularly vulnerable. I would draw the Deputy’s attention to existing measures, additional to this scheme, which are designed to target support for people in need of assistance to address energy poverty and wider social protection needs, which were also increased in the Budget.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (64)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

64. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has carried out a cost-benefit analysis of the provision of solar energy in the State at each point of development from inception to selling onto the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8741/22]

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Written answers

The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) to support large scale and community renewable electricity generation projects was approved by Government in 2020 following detailed analysis and a public consultation. The scheme design was supported by detailed economic and policy analysis carried out by CEPA Ltd. which is available on the gov.ie website. The RESS was developed to help achieve the commitments made in the 2021 Climate Action Plan of up to 80% RES-E by 2030 and solar generation will be a cornerstone of this scheme.

The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) represents the first phase of an enabling framework for micro- and small-scale generators to provide a remuneration from suppliers for residual electricity exported to the grid paid at a competitive market rate. There are no costs to the Exchequer or consumers for the CEG. The Government approved the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) on 21 December 2021, targeting 380MW of new generation from renewables self-consumers to contribute to an overall target for solar PV of 2.5GW by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan. The scheme design was supported by detailed economic and policy analysis carried out by Ricardo AEA which informed a public consultation on the draft design in January 2021 and is available on the gov.ie website. Finally, my Department is developing a policy design for a small-scale generation support scheme. This will be progressed in 2022 and is expected to become available in 2023. The design of this scheme will be informed by a report on policy options, including a cost analysis for a range of archetypes of solar PV generation, which has been commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and is due later this year.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (65)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

65. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts he has taken to look into the various issues surrounding connectivity via direct lines, that is, private wires, in the context of solar power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8742/22]

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Written answers

Under Action 31 of the Climate Action Plan my Department is reviewing the policy position on the development of private networks/direct lines with a view to developing the legislative position in the context of the transposition of the EU’s Clean Energy Package. My Department is currently preparing a public consultation on the issue with a view to preparing a proposal on the preferred option(s) to review and or revise the current legislative framework in relation to private networks/direct lines in 2022. 

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (66)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

66. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts that are being taken to facilitate uptake of solar power by farmers; if he will address any tax related concerns preventing further uptake in solar power within the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8743/22]

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Written answers

The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale electricity generators in Ireland allowing them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid at a competitive market rate.

My Department is at an advanced stage of transposing Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive into Irish law over the coming weeks. This will allow for the commencement of export payments to micro- and small-scale generators by their suppliers. The Government approved the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) on 21 December 2021, targeting 380MW of new generation from renewables self-consumers to contribute to an overall target for solar PV of 2.5GW by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan. The scheme will provide capital grants for new domestic and small non-domestic installations, including for farmers. Businesses, including farmers, who install new larger installations can avail of a Clean Export Premium tariff which will provide a fixed tariff for 15 years for electricity exported to the grid. The scheme design will be published in Q1 2022 and supports will be introduced on a phased basis during the year. The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generators, i.e. above 50kW but smaller than those supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, which will be progressed in 2022 and is expected to become available in 2023. This scheme will enable larger businesses, farms and community projects to maximise their participation in the energy transition.

Environmental Schemes

Questions (67)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

67. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the grants available for households to retrofit will consider the heat loss index that homes must achieve; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under current programmes households will have to achieve both a heat loss index and a BER2 rating which will likely cost significantly more than €50,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8746/22]

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Written answers

The Government has recently approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.

The key measures include:

- a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently)

- One Stop Shops to offer a  start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades

- a significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme(400 per month – up from an average of 177 per month in 2021)

- a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices

- an Exchequer investment of €8 billion to 2030 which will enable the supply chain to scale up, creating thousands of high quality jobs and delivering on this critical national objective.

Under the new scheme registered One Stop Shops will be required to survey the home; design the upgrades; manage the grant process; help with access to finance; engage contractors to deliver the work; and quality assure the work.

Heat pump systems are at their most efficient and effective when generating heat at a lower temperature. Poor insulation, draughts and single glazing will affect the performance of a heat pump system. On this basis, one of the requirements for a dwelling to qualify for an SEAI grant for a heat pump system is that the dwelling has low heat loss. Some homes will already meet this requirement and other homes can achieve it through a package of upgrades. As such, the cost can vary significantly. Estimates compiled for the Department indicate that the cost to retrofit the fabric of a house to a BER B2 and install a heat pump can range between €14,000 and €66,000.

The design for the upgrade carried out by the One Stop Shop will include appropriate upgrade measures to ensure the home has low heat loss. Grants are available for measures that can help a home achieve the required heat loss indicator, such as roof, wall and floor insulation, and window and door replacements. The grants have been set at levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently).

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