Written Answers Nos. 286-305
286. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the €75 support for persons with long-term medical incontinence to help meet the average annual cost of disposing of medical incontinence products will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20240/22]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No 60 of 9 September 2021. The position is unchanged.
287. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the special measures his Department is taking to reduce energy usage in the scenario in which members of the public are being asked to do the same. [20294/22]
View answerMy Department , as do all other Government Departments participates in the Monitoring and Reporting (M&R) System, which was established by the SEAI to enable public bodies to track their energy efficiency performance and facilitates them in their energy management. In 2009 the Government set an ambitious target for the Public Sector to improve energy efficiency by 33% by the end of 2020. The most recently published data covers the period to end 2020 and shows that my Department had by then achieved a cumulative 49.3% energy improvement since the 2006-2008 baseline period. In 2017, the Department launched the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy (PSEES) which was approved by Government to support the additional effort needed to meet the 2020 target to reduce energy consumption. The group headed by the Department comprises 16 bodies and is one of the strongest performing groups, having achieved 45% energy efficiency to end 2020. My Department and the wider group is now focused on the new target to deliver an energy efficiency improvement of 50% by 2030.
Special measures being taken by my Department at this time include the following:
- Daily monitoring of the building heating systems to take account of staff attendance
- A reduction in the time schedules/thermostat temperature on the building heating controls.
- Encouraging staff where possible to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to the Department’s offices and in conducting official business.
As well as the above the following measures are ongoing in the Department.
- Participation in the OPW Optimising Power @ Work (OP@W) initiative with ongoing engagement by staff with the OPW appointed energy consultant to monitor gas and electricity use.
- Continued participation in the SEAI Monitoring and Reporting programme for the period 2021-2030. The 2021 energy returns for the Department are currently being compiled for submission to the SEAI database.
- The Department is currently preparing its 2022 Resource Efficiency Action Plan (REAP) which will report on energy, water and waste usage in the Department for 2021 and identify actions that can be taken to reduce usage for the following years.
- An established Green Team to drive energy efficiency and staff awareness in our buildings including the hosting of energy awareness days and the displaying of efficiency notices throughout the buildings.
- The Department has established a New HQ Consultative Group to facilitate staff input to the new building and to ensure ideas on energy and resource efficiency are considered by the OPW architects and build team.
- Work on the deep retrofit refurbishment of the Departments new HQ is currently underway which when completed will see the building with a BER of A2 which given the age of the building is very impressive.
288. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views in relation to the health impact arising from fuel poverty; his further views on the need for greater investment to prevent fuel poverty and the corresponding health consequences for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20308/22]
View answerEnergy poverty, or fuel poverty is influenced by a person’s income, the energy efficiency of their home, and the cost of the energy they use in their home. Excess winter mortality has been linked to energy poverty and to poor housing standards. Energy efficiency measures are central to addressing the root causes of energy poverty, and may also be an effective preventative intervention to improve cold-related health impacts. Creating healthy indoor living environments with healthy air temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and improved air quality can support good physical and mental health. The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 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. The National Development and National Retrofit Plans have ring-fenced €8 billion to support the achievement of this objective. This will be supplemented by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage budget for retrofitting 36,500 local authority homes.
This year, 58% (€203 million) of the total Government retrofit budget of €352 million will be spent on dedicated energy poverty retrofit supports and local authority retrofits. Grants are also available for those who can afford to contribute to the cost of retrofitting their home. Up to 50% of the typical cost of a whole home retrofit to a B2 Building Energy Rating is available, as well as individual grants covering up to 80% of the typical cost of some measures. These supports will 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 Warmth and Wellbeing scheme, funded by my Department, and operated by the SEAI and the HSE aims to objectively measure and validate the health and wellbeing impacts of improving the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions. An independent analysis of the scheme benefits is being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, in collaboration with the HSE.
289. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures in place to assist those on low incomes to avoid fuel poverty; the number living in fuel poverty in Ireland; the impact that fuel poverty has on low income families; if research will be commissioned into the number of families experiencing fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20312/22]
View answerEnergy poverty, or fuel poverty is influenced by a person’s income, the energy efficiency of their home, and the cost of the energy they use in their home. In 2020, the ESRI estimated that 17.5% of households in Ireland could be at risk of energy poverty. Lower income households living in inefficient homes are more at risk of energy poverty when energy prices increase, as the proportion of their income needed to meet their energy needs increases. The Government has put a range of policies and measures in place to support households who are at risk of energy poverty. These measures supplement lower income households through the Fuel Allowance, the Household Benefits Package and other payments, as well as providing free energy efficiency upgrades through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland schemes and the Social Housing retrofitting programme. This year, 58% (€203 million) of the total Government retrofit budget of €352 million will be spent on dedicated energy poverty retrofit supports and local authority retrofits. The Government has also put in place a number of additional measures earlier this year to address the increasing cost of energy including:
· Following on from the Budget 2022 increase in the weekly rate of the Fuel Allowance by €5 to €33 a week so that €914 was paid to eligible households over the course of the winter, an additional lump-sum payment of €125 was paid to the 370,000 households receiving the fuel allowance in mid-March.
· All residential electricity customers will see the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment of €200 (incl. VAT) credited to their accounts.
· The National Retrofit Scheme includes specific measures to support householders in taking actions to reduce energy bills, including up to 80% grant funding for low-cost, high-impact measures such as attic insulation.
To further manage the impact of recent price increases the Government, in the recently published National Energy Security Framework, has also announced a number of additional supports for consumers and businesses including:
- A new targeted €20 million scheme for the installation of Photo Voltaic (PV) panels for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons.
- A package of measures to enhance protections for financially vulnerable customers and customers in debt in the electricity and gas sectors.
- A review of the price-drivers behind electricity and natural gas bills (including network costs) with a view to mitigating cost increases for consumers and businesses in the near term.
- The continuation of the excise duty reduction on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil until the Budget in October 2022.
- A reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October.
- An additional payment of €100 for all recipients of the Fuel Allowance.
- The reduction to zero of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy on electricity bills.
In addition to the measures outlined above, the electricity and gas markets, which are overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, have a range of protections against disconnections in place for consumers. In brief, priority customers cannot be disconnected, while vulnerable customers are protected over winter months from 1 November to 31 March each year. Additionally, under the supplier led voluntary Energy Engage Code, suppliers will not disconnect a customer who is engaging with them at any time. Accordingly, any customers who are experiencing difficulties with their Bills should engage with their supplier to discuss the various options and assistance available.
A research network on fuel poverty chaired by the Economic and Social Research Institute was established in 2021. The group consists of representatives from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Department of Social Protection, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Central Statistics Office. The Group has commenced examination of the data and metrics needed to improve existing measures for fuel poverty in Ireland. The main goal is to provide insights that enhance policy design to protect vulnerable households. A work programme, proposed outputs and timelines will be agreed and finalised shortly.
290. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date in bringing forward legislation to facilitate micro-generation of electricity by householders and the export of any excess to the grid for payment. [20334/22]
View answer296. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans and indicative timeframe regarding the purchase of and payment for excess electricity generated by PV panels located on homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20556/22]
View answer315. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the new micro-generation scheme will be introduced; the form that it will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20779/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 290, 296 and 315 together. On 15 February this year I signed the Regulations (Statutory Instrument 76 of 2022), that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive into Irish law. These Regulations create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. I are aware that some suppliers have already advertised their CEG tariffs.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. More information is available here: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CRU21131-Interim-Clean-Export-Guarantee-Decision-Paper.pdf. Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks (Micro-Generators (esbnetworks.ie)) and have a smart meter where applicable (Smart Meter Upgrade FAQs (esbnetworks.ie)).The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on billing cycle. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments will be made – at the earliest opportunity.The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers CEG tariff arrangements.
In addition,the phased introduction of supports has already begun with the commencement by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last.
291. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that there are far more grants available to the SEAI one stop shop scheme (details supplied). [20339/22]
View answerIn line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan, the Government recently launched a package of significantly improved 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 and lower emissions. The supports include a 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 previous level of 30-35%). SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners through this scheme. When a homeowner is completing a whole home energy upgrade, the overall fabric of the home is assessed through the home energy survey and assessment. The assessment may recommend upgrading certain measures to ensure that home achieves a B2 rating or is suitable for installation of a heat pump. It is in these situations that certain measures, such as floor insulation, which are not available as an individual grant measure, are eligible for support through the One-Stop-Shop service. The provision of these additional measures as part of a whole home energy upgrade, represents a continuation of the approach that was previously in place under schemes like the Community Energy Grants scheme as opposed to any change in policy.
The Government has made it clear that it is important that households that want or need to carry out the upgrade over time instead of all at once, should also be supported. For that reason, the new enhanced grant rates have also been applied to the individual measure grants allowing homeowners to take a step-by-step approach or self-manage the project. A special grant covering 80% of the cost of attic and cavity wall insulation has also been made available as part of the Government’s response to increases in the cost of living.
It is important to note that the grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer.
The impact of the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the SEAI and the Department. A comprehensive evaluation measuring effectiveness and value will also take place in 2023 and will inform future developments.
294. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if funding (details supplied) that has been allocated has been drawn down and spent; if there has been a follow up or appraisal on the funding given under the various programmes or headings; if any of the allocated funding has been recouped or unspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20394/22]
View answerDetails requested of all funding provided by my Department to Mayo County Council from January 2017 to date have been provided in the table below:
|
Regional Waste Management Planning Office |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Funds allocated |
€78,000 |
€78,000 |
€97,500 |
€97,500 |
€97,500 |
€97,500 |
|
Funds drawn down |
€78,000 |
€78,000 |
€97,500 |
€97,500 |
€97,500 |
€0 |
|
Funds unspent |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€97,500 |
|
Funds recouped |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Has a follow up appraisal been carried out? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
N/A |
|
Lead Authority Atlantic Seaboard North CARO |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Funds allocated |
|
€495,000 |
€495,000 |
€495,000 |
€495,000 |
|
|
Funds drawn down* |
|
€105,644 |
€351,004 |
€475,862 |
€500,520 |
|
|
Funds unspent |
|
€389,356 |
€143,996 |
€19,138 |
€0 |
|
|
Funds recouped |
|
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
|
Has a follow up appraisal been carried out? |
Mayo County Council provide input to annual progress reports provided to the Department in relation to the 4 CARO Offices |
|||||
|
Anti-Dumping Initiative |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Funds allocated |
€29,946 |
€81,793 |
€144,238 |
€131,736 |
€103,156 |
|
|
Funds drawn down |
€29,946 |
€81,793 |
€144,238 |
€131,736 |
€103,156 |
|
|
Funds unspent |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
|
Funds recouped |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
|
Has a follow up appraisal been carried out? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Funds allocated |
€156,000 |
€156,000 |
€156,000 |
€265,472 |
€265,472 |
|
|
Funds drawn down |
€110,500 |
€156,000 |
€156,000 |
€188,150 |
€208,064 |
|
|
Funds unspent |
€45,500 |
€0 |
€0 |
€77,322 |
€57,408 |
|
|
Funds recouped |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
|
Has a follow up appraisal been carried out? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
|
Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Funds allocated |
€23,000 |
€23,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€25,000 |
€25,000 |
|
Funds drawn down |
€23,000 |
€23,000 |
€20,000 |
€13,780 |
€25,000 |
€0 |
|
Funds unspent |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€6,220 |
€0 |
€25,000 |
|
Funds recouped |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Has a follow up appraisal been carried out? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
N/A |
|
Litter Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Funds allocated; |
|
|
|
|
€125,000 |
|
|
Funds drawn down |
|
|
|
|
€88,964 |
|
|
Funds unspent |
|
|
|
|
€36,036 |
|
|
Funds recouped |
|
|
|
|
€0 |
|
|
Has a follow up appraisal been carried out? |
|
|
|
|
No |
|
|
Historic Tyre Stockpiles/ Landfill Remediation |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Funds allocated |
€4,140 |
€124,215 |
|
€85,941 |
72,000 |
€34,554 |
|
Funds drawn down |
€4,140 |
€124,215 |
|
€20,941 |
€5,746 |
€791 |
|
Funds unspent |
€0 |
€0 |
|
€65,000 |
€66,254 |
€33,763 |
|
Funds recouped |
€0 |
€0 |
|
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Has a follow up appraisal been carried out? |
N/A |
N/A |
|
On-going |
On-going |
|
* Overspend against allocation of €5,520 in 2021 based on vouched expenses submitted by Mayo County Council. Unspent allocation does not carry forward to subsequent years.
295. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant for batteries relative to PV panels has been discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20555/22]
View answerOn the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations mean the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available for new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value.The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) domestic solar PV grant scheme commenced on the 16th February. Domestic applicants can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing solar PV equipment, up to a maximum of €2,400 in 2022. Changes to the MSS scheme include the removal of the minimum post-works Building Energy Rating (BER) C requirement, homes built pre-2021 are now eligible and there is no need to install a battery to avail of the maximum grant. With the introduction of the CEG tariff, residual electricity not consumed on the premises is now eligible for an export payment which further supports the investment.Following a public consultation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG on 1 December 2021.This decision outlines the interim arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis.Furthermore, a tax disregard of €200 was introduced in Budget 2021 in respect of personal income received by households who sell residual renewable electricity, which they generate, back to the grid.
303. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to the implementation of an energy guarantee under which all older persons over the age of 65 years will receive a minimum quantity of energy per month to assist them with the cost of home heating, with the amount determined by their income level, their housing type, their fuel type, and the building energy rating of their home funded through carbon tax revenue set aside for fuel poverty alleviation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20594/22]
View answerGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households.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. The increase in international wholesale gas prices have continued to be driven to unprecedentedly high levels by the volatility in the international gas market caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.Government’s immediate response to address the increase in domestic energy prices has been to utilise the tax and social welfare system to counter rising costs of living. Government actions include an increase to the Fuel Allowance in Budget 2022, the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment where domestic accounts are now seeing €176.22 exclusive of VAT credited to their accounts. This €400 million measure is in addition to the range of measures introduced on 10 February to address increasing costs of living, including the lump sum payment for people on the Fuel Allowance of €125, which was paid to 372,000 households in March.On 13 April, in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, government launched the National Energy Security Framework which includes a further €100 Fuel Allowance payment to be made to all recipients of the Fuel Allowance in quarter 2 of this year, a new targeted €20 million scheme for the installation of Photo Voltaic (PV) panels for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons and a reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October.The Deputy may find the following document helpful as it details the allocations from the carbon tax for the decade: assets.gov.ie/201264/5c96e5cd-b663-4887-bf2e-e13a393ffc50.pdf
304. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is working with local government to identify barriers to progress of community energy projects and whether his Department is working to audit the process by which community energy projects come to fruition, including in relation to planning matters for connection to the grid from solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20596/22]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver on the ambition in the Climate Action Plan 2021 of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The RESS supports communities in a variety of ways including through a separate category for community projects and a mandatory community benefit fund for every project supported in the scheme. The Climate Action Plan includes a target for at least 500MW of renewable electricity to be supplied by local community-based projects; to reach this target it is estimated that at least 100 community projects will be needed. In order to ensure such a pipeline of community projects I have allocated €2 million in capital funding in Budget 2022 to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
This funding will enable SEAI to deploy a range of capacity-building supports including toolkit guides to assist communities in developing renewable projects. The first four of these, covering grid connection, Solar PV, the planning process and onshore wind, are available on the SEAI website, with more to be developed in the coming months. A trusted intermediary service is also now in place to assist community projects. A trusted advisory service, for expert financial, grid and planning advice, and financial enabling grant supports are to be delivered in quarter two of 2022. This advisory service will also provide feasibility studies for all community projects to assess their planning and grid connection methods.
A supportive spatial planning framework for onshore renewable electricity generation development, including community energy projects, is critical to meeting the targets set out in Climate Action Plan. 2021. The SEAI is currently undertaking a review and update of the methodology for Local Authority Renewable Electricity Strategies to provide a best practice approach to identifying and assessing renewable energy resources in spatial planning at local authority level.
305. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the complete range of energy efficiency grants available from the SEAI for home improvements and retrofits under the one stop shop scheme; if certain grants available under this system are not available to individual home owners applying directly to the SEAI; the reason that this is the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20616/22]
View answerThe National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from circa 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump. Homes upgraded under the scheme must reach a post works BER rating of B2 or better and all homes must deliver a minimum primary energy uplift of at least 100 kWh/m2/year. As such it is expected that homeowners will typically complete a deeper whole home energy upgrade of the overall fabric of the property.
When a homeowner is completing a whole home energy upgrade, the overall fabric of the building is assessed through the home energy survey and assessment. The assessment may recommend a range of upgrade measures to ensure that the home achieves a B2 rating or is suitable for installation of a heat pump.
For this reason, it is necessary to provide a wider range of grant supports for measures compared to the current offerings under other SEAI Energy Upgrade Schemes. Under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, grants are available for Home Energy Assessments; Heat Pumps; Wall and Roof Insulation; Solar PV; Windows and Doors; Ventilation Systems; and Project Management.
