Written Answers 113-136
113. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that he is taking to safeguard SMEs from the debilitating increases in energy prices which will force many to close their doors if supports are not put in place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/22]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised and competitive. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. In Europe, wholesale natural gas prices have risen and remained high since the second half of 2020. Gas prices are now unprecedently high, with UK wholesale gas prices recently reaching record levels.
This feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Energy security and prices were two of the issues raised by business representatives at the most recent meeting of the Enterprise Forum hosted by my Department last week, and which was attended remotely by An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar.
While the Government cannot resolve all the difficulties with energy supplies, we will do all we can to mitigate the impact on businesses and households. While the hope is that the crisis can be resolved within a matter of months, there is no guarantee this will be the case.
The Tánaiste said it was clear that the problems raised are broader than energy supplies alone, and that the Government are committed to engaging with the business sectors on how best to deal with these issues, and also how to maintain consumer confidence in the medium term. A further meeting of the Enterprise Forum will take place in the coming weeks.
Separately, the recently launched Climate Toolkit 4 Business is an important resource for SMEs and micro enterprises. With climate change, changing regulations, rising resource costs and changing customer expectations adopting an eco-friendlier approach is one way forward for business.
The Climate Toolkit 4 Business promotes an understanding of the enterprises current carbon footprint, assists enterprises in their journey to become more energy efficient and signposts the energy efficiency supports available to them. The Toolkit directs users to advice, grants and other resources available from the LEOs, EI, SEAI, Irish Water, EPA, IDA and others.
In March 2021, the Local Enterprise Office Green for Micro programme was launched on a pilot basis. The Local Enterprise Offices approved 269 Green for Micro projects in 2021, assisting Micro enterprises to prepare for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. This support is open to a broad range of micro enterprises, including retail, with fewer than ten employees.
My colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan TD., Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, may be able to assist the Deputy further in relation to SEAI Business Grants.
114. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the 30-day waiting time for receivership of a company (details supplied) in County Limerick will be waived in order that employees can access social welfare assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14789/22]
View answerI extend my sympathies to the employees of Roadbridge Limited who are at risk of redundancy at this time. I fully appreciate how difficult the situation is for those involved and for their families.
The Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes a number of obligations on employers who are proposing collective redundancies. It includes an obligation to engage in a 30-day information and consultation process with employees’ representatives and to provide certain information relating to the proposed redundancies. Where an employee believes the employer to be in breach of the Act, they may pursue a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission.
It is not possible to waive the consultation period. The employer – or a receiver or liquidator appointed to the employer – has a statutory obligation under sections 9 and 10 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 to consult with employees. There are no provisions allowing for waiving of the consultation period set out in law.
Following engagement with my Department, the receiver confirmed to employees there is no statutory restriction on employees taking up additional employment during a statutory redundancy consultation period, in circumstances where they are not expected to attend the workplace. Provided they do not resign from their current employment, there should be no obstacle to retaining their statutory redundancy entitlements.
I assure you Government will work in a coordinated way to assist the workers of Roadbridge Ltd. The Department of Social Protection is currently working to provide income support for employees affected by Roadbridge’s immediate cessation of trade and has been in contact with the receiver in this regard.
Further, in situations where the employer cannot pay statutory redundancy and other wage related entitlements due to insolvency, the State provides a safety net for employees to ensure they receive their statutory entitlements from the Social Insurance Fund.
115. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a work permit application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14790/22]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a General Employment Permit was issued on 17th February 2022 in respect of the person concerned (details supplied).
116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his strategy to tackle mandatory retirement clauses in existing employment contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14826/22]
View answerA whole of Government response is required in order to respond to the recommendations of the Pensions Commission, of which the issue of mandatory retirement clauses is only one element. My Department is considering the Commission's recommendations in relation to mandatory retirement ages in certain contracts of employment.
There is no statutory retirement age for employees in Irish legislation, apart from for certain public sector employees where statutory retirement ages may apply. A contract of employment will generally contain a retirement age but this is a matter of contract between the parties.
Employment equality must be a core consideration in reforms to address mandatory retirement clauses, and the needs of both employees and employers will require consideration and further consultation. In this regard, it will be necessary to liaise closely with employer groups as any changes in this area have potential to have a significant impact on workforce planning, particularly for SMEs.
Other pension related reforms, such as the national auto-enrolment pension scheme, will be an important tool to address the issues involved. The delivery of an auto-enrolment pension scheme will make it easier for people to access retirement savings options to help them meet their own income expectations for when they retire and is a current Programme for Government commitment.
117. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a critical skills application by a person (details supplied) will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14973/22]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a Critical Skills Employment Permit application was received in respect of the person concerned (details supplied) on 13th December 2021.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department are currently processing standard Critical Skills Employment Permit applications received on 13th December 2021, so this application should be considered within the next week.
118. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a work permit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14999/22]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that on 14th March 2022 the Critical Skills Employment Permit application submitted for the person concerned (details supplied) was withdrawn.
I understand that the application was withdrawn as it would not meet the criteria required for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. The Employment Permits Section of my Department understand that it is intended that a new application for a General Employment Permit will be submitted in due course.
A Checklist Document has been prepared to assist applicants when applying for a General Employment Permit and this document is available on my Department's website and can be accessed through this link:-General-Employment-Permits-Checklist.pdf (enterprise.gov.ie).
119. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding issues in relation to a minimum wage agreement for the security industry raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15033/22]
View answerAs a result of a settlement agreement reached in December 2021, the Security ERO as approved was quashed and the draft proposals remitted back to the Labour Court.
A Division of the Labour Court decided on the 7 February 2022 to direct the holding of a fresh hearing involving all interested parties desiring to be heard. This hearing took place in March.
If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, having heard from the interested parties, it will submit the proposals to me for consideration.
120. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the cost incurred by his Department for the supply of Covid-19 related face masks and face coverings since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13890/22]
View answerThe cost incurred by my Department for the supply of Covid-19 related face masks and face coverings since March 2019 to date is €18,591.21.
The table below sets out the expenditure incurred by supplier.
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
JBS Limited |
€15,153.60 |
|
Office Depot |
€163.35 |
|
Hunt Office |
€1,482.14 |
|
Lyreco |
€1,468.62 |
|
MJ Scannell |
€323.50 |
|
Total |
€18,591.21 |
121. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the cost incurred by his Department for the supply of Covid-19 related hand sanitiser since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13908/22]
View answerThe cost incurred by my Department for the supply of Covid-19 related hand sanitiser since March 2019 to date is €9,732.90.
The table below set out the expenditure by supplier.
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
JBS Limited |
€925.45 |
|
Office Depot |
€181.30 |
|
Hunt Office |
€1,027.57 |
|
Lyreco |
€124.03 |
|
Bunzl BCSS |
€423.61 |
|
Fire Protection Ireland |
€4,753.95 |
|
Communicare |
€1,124.22 |
|
Viking |
€1,172.77 |
|
Total |
€9,732.90 |
122. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to provide rural postmasters with a retainer in order to secure the future operations of rural post offices once Covid-19 related supports cease in view of a report (details supplied) which recommended this measure to the value of €17 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/22]
View answerAn Post is a commercial semi-state company with a mandate to act commercially and it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the taxpayer. The Government remains fully committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. A long-term low interest loan of €30m was provided to the company in December 2017, of which €15m was to support and protect the renewal of the post office network.
123. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plans the Government has in place to protect persons living in Ireland from the fallout from a nuclear disaster if a nuclear power plant is damaged in an attack in Ukraine. [13997/22]
View answerIreland has a comprehensive National Plan for Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Exposures which details our planning and preparedness for a national response to a major nuclear incident. My Department is the Lead Government Department under the plan with responsibility for delivering a whole of Government response to any emergency, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Plan is available at www.gov.ie.
The plan sets out the trigger points which would require the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) to be convened and for the plan to be invoked. These include specific notifications to Irish authorities of nuclear or radiological emergencies abroad. While my Department does not believe the current circumstances require either the NECG to be convened or that the plan to be brought into operation, it continues to liaise with the EPA and other Departments and agencies as the situation unfolds.
124. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions that his Department has taken to implement the relevant recommendations from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community report issued in November 2021. [14003/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and is committed to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination. A key action for 2022 arising from this is Ag Obair Le Chéile. This is a comprehensive action plan to develop the Department's people, culture and organisation to deliver, improve and transform the Department. The Department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group was established last year with the aim to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace. This Group is a cross representative group and will play an integral role in driving forward the Department’s vision for inclusion, diversity and equality to create a fairer and more inclusive workspace for employees from all backgrounds. The Irish public sector operates within a legislative framework that recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce and work environment. This includes polices that promote the rights and inclusion of groups across the equality grounds. Some strategies include specified targets; for example, an increase from 3% to 6% of people with disabilities in the workforce by 2024 (Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities) and 1% of the workforce to comprise ethnic minorities (Migrant Integration Strategy, National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021).
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) as recruiters of staff for the public service play a central role in recruiting diverse talent to take up public service employment opportunities, as outlined in their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which includes access and the effect of recruitment and selection processes to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, including the Traveller Community.
125. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a product (details supplied) is not being funded under the scheme for the insulation of houses; if so, the reason the product is not being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14029/22]
View answerContractors installing insulation under any scheme supported by a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant must carry out the works using approved materials and in line with the SEAI’s Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications and best practice and technical guidance documents, including: - S.R. 54:2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings;
- Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents (Latest updates of Part L, Part B, Part C, Part D, Part F, Part J, Part M in particular);
- The System Supplier/ Product Manufacturer Guidelines;
- National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément certificates; and
- Irish, British or European Standards Guides.
The materials used must be manufactured to a relevant Irish, British or European Standard and be certified by the NSAI Agrément or equivalent.
All spray foam attic insulation must be Irish Agrément Certified or have equivalent certificate. The issue of equivalence is raised frequently and it was agreed that the NSAI will assess equivalence as it is outside SEAI’s remit. NSAI have deemed that this particular product does not have equivalent certification.
126. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has considered introducing an equity release scheme for pensioners and persons nearing the pension age as part of the retrofit package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14035/22]
View answerThe National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government's approach to achieving the Climate Action Plan targets of upgrading the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal level and installing 400,000 heat pumps to replace older, less efficient heating systems by 2030. The 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. In line with commitments in the Plan, the Government recently approved a package of significantly enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. The new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will provide increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard. A network of One Stop Shops will offer a new end-to-end project management service for homeowners. 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.
In addition, increased grants for attic and cavity wall insulation have also been made available, covering 80% of the cost to homeowners of these highly cost-effective upgrade measures. Free upgrades are also available for households at risk of energy poverty. My Department is also developing a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme which will enable financial institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates for retrofit projects. An equity release scheme is not being considered at this time.
127. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on a test site (details supplied) off the coast of Belmullet, County Mayo; the progress that has been made since the site was first designated and announced in 2010; the investment that has been made to date; the current status of the test site; the programme for bringing the site into service as the national test centre for full scale ocean energy converters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14095/22]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is developing the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) to provide a full-scale grid-connected offshore renewables test facility. AMETS will form part of a national suite of infrastructural facilities set up to enable offshore renewable technology development and progression towards commercial viability. It is intended that full scale marine energy devices could be tested at their final stages of pre-commercial development at AMETS.
Since the AMETS site was announced in 2010 the development of the site has progressed with work on environmental assessments for the site (onshore and offshore), applications for grid connection, planning permission for the onshore component, foreshore license and consent applications. Originally intended to test wave energy converter devices, the focus of the test-site has shifted to floating offshore wind due to slower than anticipated development of wave energy technologies. The investment to date has been €6.86 million, including environmental surveys on both land and sea and grid connections. Funding in the form of an EU Interreg project called AFLOWT was secured in 2018 and that project is ongoing. The test site development is ongoing with an application for consent due to be submitted in Q1 2023 under the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, established in the Maritime Area Planning Act (December 2021). Onshore substation building works are also in preparation and due to commence in 2023. The aim is to bring the test site into service before the end of 2025. This ongoing development is based on stakeholder engagement and an Expression of Interest survey undertaken in 2021 by SEAI, highlight the continued interest in having a full-scale test site on the Atlantic coast. The AMETS project when operational, will facilitate testing in the unique conditions of the Atlantic (a harsh environment, high resource location), thus reducing investor risk and strengthening Ireland as a centre for Floating Offshore Wind (FOW), wave, hydrogen, and floating solar research in Europe.
128. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expedite an application for a lease undertaking for an area (details supplied) which is currently with his Department given the present war time situation and the risk to energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14132/22]
View answerThe application referred to by the Deputy is under consideration by my Department. All applications for petroleum authorisations are assessed against a number of criteria in accordance with Section 9A(1) of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 and Section 3 of the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production. This includes the technical competence of the applicant and the financial resources available to it in order to undertake the work programme and any other commitments pursuant to the relevant petroleum authorisation. My Department does not publish information on individual applications for authorisations whilst they are under consideration.
129. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of existing offshore licensing extensions currently under consideration by his Department; the length of time these applications have been in his Department in a tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14133/22]
View answerSection 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 requires that I lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas every six months a report detailing all exploration activities, including petroleum exploration authorisations granted during the period of the report. The last such report laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas was in respect of the six-month period ending 31 December 2021. A report on the status of all petroleum authorisations is also published on a quarterly basis on gov.ie (www.gov.ie/en/publication/10d43-acreage-reports-and-concession-maps/). The most recent such report was published in respect of the three month period ending 31 December 2021. The table below contains the information sought in relation to the numbers of current extensions applications.
|
Current Extensions Applications |
|||
|
Date Received |
December 2012 |
January 2018 |
February 2022 |
|
No. of Applications |
1 |
2 |
2 |
130. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or officials from his Department have engaged in any form of communication with the World Economic Forum or representatives of the World Economic Forum including by phone call, webinar, email or any event organised by the World Economic Forum from 1 January 2019 to date; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14158/22]
View answerAs Minister, I participate and engage regularly with a number of international bodies, including The World Economic Forum. Summary details of my engagement with The World Economic Forum, since my appointment as Minister in June 2020, and engagement by a former Minister of State and officials in my Department since 2019, are set out below in tabular form.
|
Date |
Event |
Note |
|
04 March 2019 |
International Mines Ministers Summit Meeting, Toronto, Canada |
Event organised by Prospectors and Developer’s Association of Canada and the World Economic Forum. The topic of the event was “The Future of Responsible Mineral Supply Chains”. Minister of State Séan Canney and an official from the Department attended the event. |
|
02 March 2020 |
International Mines Ministers Summit Meeting, Toronto, Canada |
Event organised by Prospectors and Developer’s Association of Canada and the World Economic Forum. The topic of the event was “The Mineral Industry of the Future”. Minister of State Séan Canney and an official from the Department attended the event. |
|
14th September 2020 |
World Economic Forum – Mobility Stewardship Board |
Virtual attendance as part of The Stewardship Board of the Platform on Shaping the Future of Mobility. |
|
20th January 2021 |
Davos Energy Week. |
Virtual attendance as a keynote speaker. |
|
9th June 2021 |
CEO Action Group for a European Green Deal. |
Online - Ministerial panel session |
131. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for each subhead of the Revised Estimates for 2022. [14218/22]
View answerPlease see table below with the breakdown of the current and capital budget allocations for my department for each subhead in the revised estimates for 2022.
|
DECC Subhead Breakdown 2022 REV |
. |
||
|
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
|
Programme A - Climate Action and Environmental Leadership |
|||
|
A.1 Administration - Pay |
8,240 |
8,240 |
|
|
A.2 Administration - Non Pay |
1,890 |
297 |
2,187 |
|
A.3 Environmental Protection Agency |
36,098 |
5,521 |
41,619 |
|
A.4 Environmental and Climate Research |
16,800 |
16,800 |
|
|
A.5 Carbon Fund |
8,000 |
8,000 |
|
|
A.6 International Climate Change Commitments |
15,000 |
15,000 |
|
|
A.7 Climate Initiatives |
1,850 |
3,227 |
5,077 |
|
A.8 Just Transition JTF (IE and EU) |
34,000 |
34,000 |
|
|
A.10 Climate Action Fund |
|||
|
A.11 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
3,200 |
3,200 |
|
|
Total |
51,278 |
82,845 |
134,123 |
|
Programme B - Energy Transformation |
|||
|
B.1 Administration - Pay |
9,872 |
9,872 |
|
|
B.2 Administration - Non Pay |
2,268 |
355 |
2,623 |
|
B.3 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland - Admin and General Expenses (GIA) |
21,475 |
21,475 |
|
|
B.4 Residential/Community Retrofit Programmes |
8,710 |
254,868 |
263,578 |
|
B.5 Other Energy Efficiency Programmes |
6,065 |
40,000 |
46,065 |
|
B.6 Other Energy Programmes (National/International) |
1,050 |
1,050 |
|
|
B.7 Energy Research Programmes |
1,010 |
24,000 |
25,010 |
|
B.8 Gas Services |
45 |
45 |
|
|
B.9 Renewable Energy Compliance |
10,300 |
10,300 |
|
|
B.10 Single Scheme Pension Payment to CRU |
6 |
6 |
|
|
B.11 Electricity Credit |
1 |
1 |
|
|
B.12 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
290 |
290 |
|
|
Total |
50,791 |
329,524 |
380,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Programme C - Circular Economy Development |
|||
|
C.1 Administration - Pay |
9,446 |
9,446 |
|
|
C.2 Administration - Non Pay |
2,314 |
391 |
2,705 |
|
C.3 Mining and Petroleum Services |
2,714 |
550 |
3,264 |
|
C.4 Geological Survey Programmes |
800 |
12,100 |
12,900 |
|
C.5 Inland Fisheries |
30,173 |
3,276 |
33,449 |
|
C.6 Waste Management Programmes |
900 |
36,110 |
37,010 |
|
C.7 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
135 |
135 |
|
|
Total |
46,482 |
52,427 |
98,909 |
|
Programme D - Connectivity and Communications Delivery |
|||
|
D.1 Administration - Pay |
12,074 |
12,074 |
|
|
D.2 Administration - Non Pay |
2,773 |
434 |
3,207 |
|
D.3 National Broadband Plan |
225,000 |
225,000 |
|
|
D.4 Other Communications Infrastructure |
3,570 |
3,570 |
|
|
D.5 Other Digital Economy Programmes |
2,606 |
3,600 |
6,206 |
|
D.6 National Cyber Security Centre |
2,500 |
2,600 |
5,100 |
|
Total |
19,953 |
235,204 |
255,157 |
132. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for each subhead of the revised estimates for 2021. [14219/22]
View answerPlease see table below with the breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for each subhead of the revised estimates for 2021 for my department.
|
DECC Subhead Breakdown 2021 REV |
|||
|
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
|
Programme A - Communications |
|||
|
A.1 Administration - Pay |
8,141 |
8,141 |
|
|
A.2 Administration - Non Pay |
1,756 |
239 |
1,995 |
|
A.3 Information and Communications Technology Programme |
211,823 |
211,823 |
|
|
A.4 Multimedia Developments |
1,911 |
3,600 |
5,511 |
|
A.5 Information Society |
3,180 |
2,600 |
5,780 |
|
A.6 Covid-19 Trading Online Voucher Scheme |
|||
|
Total |
14,988 |
218,262 |
233,250 |
|
Programme B - Energy |
|||
|
B.1 Administration - Pay |
7,845 |
7,845 |
|
|
B.2 Administration - Non Pay |
1,717 |
239 |
1,956 |
|
B.3 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland - Administration and General Expenses |
18,373 |
18,373 |
|
|
B.4 Sustainable Energy Programmes |
14,975 |
240,300 |
255,275 |
|
B.5 Energy Research Programmes |
1,160 |
17,200 |
18,360 |
|
B.6 Gas Services |
45 |
45 |
|
|
B.7 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
290 |
290 |
|
|
B.8 Renewable Energy Compliance |
12,294 |
12,294 |
|
|
Total |
44,405 |
270,033 |
314,438 |
|
Programme C - Natural Resources |
|||
|
C.1 Administration - Pay |
6,089 |
6,089 |
|
|
C.2 Administration - Non Pay |
1,688 |
229 |
1,917 |
|
C.3 Petroleum Services |
214 |
214 |
|
|
C.4 Mining Services |
2,200 |
550 |
2,750 |
|
C.5 GSI Services |
800 |
12,100 |
12,900 |
|
C.6 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
135 |
135 |
|
|
Total |
11,126 |
12,879 |
24,005 |
|
Programme D - Inland Fisheries |
|||
|
D.1 Administration - Pay |
660 |
660 |
|
|
D.2 Administration - Non Pay |
210 |
19 |
229 |
|
D.3 Inland Fisheries |
30,268 |
3,076 |
33,344 |
|
Total |
31,138 |
3,095 |
34,233 |
|
Programme E - Environment and Waste Management |
|||
|
E.1 Administration - Pay |
8,579 |
8,579 |
|
|
E.2 Administration - Non Pay |
2,138 |
251 |
2,389 |
|
E.3 Environmental Protection Agency |
34,656 |
15,521 |
50,177 |
|
E.4 Carbon Fund |
300 |
300 |
|
|
E.5 International Climate Change Commitments |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
|
E.6 Landfill Remediation |
26,250 |
26,250 |
|
|
E.7 Climate Initiatives |
1,350 |
6,727 |
8,077 |
|
E.8 Subscriptions to International Organisations |
3,096 |
3,096 |
|
|
E.9 National Dialogue |
|||
|
E.10 Waste Management Initiatives |
400 |
9,860 |
10,260 |
|
E.11 Climate Action Fund |
|||
|
E.12 Just Transition |
11,000 |
11,000 |
|
|
Total |
50,219 |
74,909 |
125,128 |
133. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown for the budget allocations for the subheads B4 and B11 of the Supplementary Estimate for 2022. [14220/22]
View answerPlease see below.
|
DECC Subheads B.4 and B.11 2022 REV |
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Current |
Capital |
Total |
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Programme B - Energy Transformation |
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B.4 Residential/Community Retrofit Programmes |
8,710 |
267,200 |
275,910 |
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B.11 Electricity Credit |
400,000 |
400,000 |
134. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the new microgeneration scheme will be published; when renewable energy communities will be able to take part and a status update on the Commission on Regulation of Utilities’ involvement in development a scheme for communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14290/22]
View answerThe final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government in December 2021 and will be published shortly. Community enterprises including sports clubs and community halls will be eligible to participate, either as individual micro-generators or as community projects within the MSS. At present, community enterprises with existing renewable micro-generation are eligible to receive the Clean Export Guarantee tariff for all residual electricity exported to the grid. They can contact their supplier to obtain information on the Clean Export Guarantee. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is due to extend the domestic solar PV grant scheme to the non-domestic sector, including community enterprises, in July of this year. A Capital grant for new renewable micro-generation up to 6.0kW in size (maximum grant €2,400) will be available. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is currently working on the regulatory framework to facilitate renewable energy communities following a recent public consultation. The CRU has published a summary note alongside the main Conclusions Paper which specifically contains the conclusions and next steps the CRU is planning to take to implement the enabling regulatory framework for energy communities and active consumers. The CRU is also due to consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff in Q3 of this year. The CEP tariff will be Eur13.5c/kWh in 2022 and 2023 for new renewable micro-generation from non-domestic applicants between 6.1kW and 50kW in size, fixed for 15 years.
135. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the energy poverty strategy will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14293/22]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 112 of 24 February 2022. The position is unchanged.
136. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider a scheme of retrofitting for the elderly who rely on the State pension and do not have access to funds to have works completed or to secure a loan. [14294/22]
View answerThe National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government's approach to achieving the Climate Action Plan targets of upgrading the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal level and installing 400,000 heat pumps to replace older, less efficient heating systems by 2030. The 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. In line with commitments in the Plan, the Government recently approved a package of significantly enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. The new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will provide increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard. A network of One Stop Shops will offer a new end-to-end project management service for homeowners. 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.
Households in receipt of a State 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 State 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.
