Cian O'Callaghan
Question:150. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the public service, justice and policing reform division of his Department. [22095/22]
View answerDepartmental Functions
Questions (150)
Written answers
The Public Service, Justice and Policing Reform Unit is part of the Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division of my Department.
The work of the Unit:
- Supports me, in my role as Taoiseach, on policing reform, criminal justice, public service reform, social affairs and other related matters;
- Incorporates the Policing Reform Implementation Programme Office which oversees the implementation of A Policing Service for our Future – the Government’s Plan to implement the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland; and
- Supports the Civil Service Management Board, including the Civil Service Renewal programme; and contributes to the oversight and governance of the new Public Services Reform Plan.
The unit also assists the work of the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality and the associated senior officials' group established to oversee implementation of programme for Government commitments in the areas of social policy, equality and public services.
In addition, the section has departmental oversight of the National Economic and Social Council.
Official Engagements
Questions (151)
Ivana Bacik
Question:151. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent discussions with the Prime Minister of Ukraine. [22898/22]
View answerWritten answers
I met Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Shannon on 20 April.
Prime Minister Shmyhal gave me a first-hand account of events on the ground in Ukraine, of the appalling killings in Bucha in particular, and the continuing attacks on civilians and on towns.
The Prime Minister outlined some clear objectives, around financial assistance to enable the Ukrainian Government to keep essential services going while reiterating the determination of the Ukrainian Government to protect their people and to resist the ongoing aggression by Russian forces.
I assured him of Ireland’s strong proactive support for Ukraine’s application to join the European Union.
We also discussed a sixth round of sanctions to create further pressure on Russia and to create a strengthened deterrent against the continuation of this war.
I assured the Prime Minister of Ireland’s strong support for Ukraine, including providing supports for those who have arrived in Ireland having had to flee their homes in Ukraine.
Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries
Questions (152)
Catherine Connolly
Question:152. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach the status of the investigation into the leak of the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation which was reported on in an article which appeared in a national newspaper on 10 January 2021; the structure of the examination; the terms of reference of the examination; when it commenced; when it is expected to be concluded; the position of the person overseeing the investigation; the number of hours spent on the investigation to date. [22691/22]
View answerWritten answers
Prior to the consideration by the Government of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation on Mother and Baby Homes, certain information relating to matters in the report was disclosed in a newspaper report. In that context, I requested that an investigation be carried out.
I also asked that the investigation be done in the context of a broader consideration of the arrangements in place for the management of documents for Government meetings as this bears directly on the protection of their confidentiality.
The investigation is being undertaken by a senior official in my Department and the process is ongoing. I am not in a position at present to tell the Deputy when it may be concluded.
State Bodies
Questions (153)
Catherine Murphy
Question:153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the development of a database by Ordnance Survey Ireland; if he and or his predecessors and officials were consulted on the development and the sanctioning of same; and if he has been contacted by the Data Protection Commissioner regarding the use of this database (details supplied). [22719/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Ordnance Survey Ireland is a body under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and I have asked the Minister to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter raised in her question.
Social Media
Questions (154, 155)
Holly Cairns
Question:154. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations [23057/22]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:155. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in languages besides English or Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that featured languages besides English or Irish. [23075/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The tables below contain the information requested by the Deputy on my Department's social media posts.
|
Channel |
Total no. of posts (1st May 2021 – 30th April 2022) |
No. of posts exclusively in Irish |
% of posts exclusively in Irish |
No. of bilingual (Irish and English) posts |
% of bilingual (Irish and English) posts |
No. of posts either exclusively in Irish or bilingual (Irish and English) |
% of posts either exclusively in Irish or bilingual (Irish and English) |
|
|
474 |
21 |
4.43% |
8 |
1.69% |
29 |
6.12% |
|
|
887 |
27 |
3.04% |
0 |
0% |
27 |
3.04% |
|
|
432 |
18 |
4.17% |
4 |
0.93% |
22 |
5.09% |
|
|
212 |
7 |
3.3% |
3 |
1.42% |
10 |
4.72% |
|
TikTok |
32 |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Channel |
Total no. of posts (1st May 2021 – 30th April 2022) |
No. of posts exclusively in languages besides Irish and English |
% of posts exclusively in languages besides Irish and English |
No. of posts which included languages besides Irish and English |
% of posts which included languages besides Irish and English |
|
|
474 |
2 |
0.42% |
8 |
1.69% |
|
|
887 |
10 |
1.13% |
12 |
1.35% |
|
|
432 |
0 |
0% |
7 |
1.62% |
|
|
212 |
0 |
0% |
1 |
0.47% |
|
TikTok |
32 |
0 |
0% |
1 |
3.13% |
All social media posts of the National Economic and Social Council - the only body under the aegis of my Department - were in the English language during the period in question.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 154.
Social Media
Questions (156)
Holly Cairns
Question:156. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the percentage of social media videos posted on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit included closed captioning and or subtitling between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive [23093/22]
View answerWritten answers
The table below contains the information requested by the Deputy on videos posted by my Department on social media.
|
Channel |
Total no. of videos posted between 1st May 2021 and 30th April 2022) |
No. of videos posted with subtitles/closed captions |
% of videos posted with subtitles/closed captions |
|
|
174 |
46 |
26.44% |
|
|
127 |
38 |
29.92% |
|
|
107 |
24 |
22.43% |
|
|
55 |
28 |
50.9% |
|
TikTok |
29 |
1 |
3.44% |
N o videos posted by the National Economic and Social Council - the only body under the aegis of my Department - in the period in question were subtitled / closed captioned.
Ukraine War
Questions (157)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:157. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of contracts awarded in 2022 by his Department or bodies under his aegis outside the standard procurement process in order to assist the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine [23203/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not awarded any contracts outside the standard procurement process to assist people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The Government Information Service in my Department has undertaken a procurement process, in line with standard Office of Government Procurement guidelines, for the translation of text into Ukrainian and Russian for the gov.ie/Ukraine website which provides important information on the range of services being provided by Government Departments and Agencies to assist those fleeing from Ukraine.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (158)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:158. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if his Department employs persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by his Department or firms to deal with public relations; the names of firms involved; and the total amount spent on public relations by his Department. [23232/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not employ any persons or firms in regard to public relations. The newly established Citizens’ Assemblies, which are staffed by my Department, have engaged Q4 Public Relations to provide media liaison and communication services. Its remit includes raising public awareness of the Assemblies' work and supporting communication and media outreach. Q4 also provide a press office service to engage with the media to respond to queries on the work of the Assembly. There has been no expenditure on this area, to date, in 2022.
Trade Missions
Questions (159)
Carol Nolan
Question:159. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a list of all trade missions and engagements abroad which both he and his predecessor as Minister have undertaken from 1 January 2018 to date; the dates on which both he and his predecessors were abroad in that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22702/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I travel abroad both to lead trade and investment missions and to attend EU and political meetings which fall within my remit.
The primary focus of all trade and investment missions is to encourage business-to-business links, to maximise opportunities to help Irish companies to access new markets and to increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland which in turn creates employment opportunities.
A list of all trade missions and engagements which both I, and my predecessor Minister Heather Humphreys, have undertaken abroad from 1 January 2018 to date is listed in tabular form below. Minister Humphreys did not travel abroad between 1st January and 27th June 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions on travel. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, trade missions took place virtually throughout 2020 and during Quarters 1 to 3 of 2021. Physical trade missions resumed in Quarter 4 of 2021.
|
Date |
Trade Missions / Engagements undertaken by former Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, |T.D. |
|
26th to 28th February 2018 |
Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council – Sofia |
|
10th to 18th March 2018 |
EI IDA Trade Mission - Boston / Austin / San Francisco |
|
18th Apr and 19th April 2018 |
EI Trade Mission - Manchester |
|
2nd to 8th May 2018 |
EI IDA Trade Mission - New York / Washington |
|
22nd May 2018 |
Trade Council - Brussels |
|
12th to 14th June 2018 |
London |
|
18th – 23rd June 2018 |
EI Trade Mission - Los Angeles |
|
26th to 27th September 2018 |
EI Eurozone Trade Mission - Glasgow and Edinburgh |
|
4th and 5th October 2018 |
Informal Trade Council - Austria |
|
31st October – 7th November 2018 |
EI and IDA Trade Mission - Hong Kong and China |
|
28th and 29th November 2018 |
Competitiveness Council – Brussels |
|
11th – 21st March 2019 |
Trade Mission - Australia and Singapore |
|
10th – 12th April 2019 |
EI Trade Mission - Birmingham |
|
8th – 18th June 2019 |
Trade Mission - New Zealand |
|
5th – 11th September 2019 |
Trade Mission - Nashville and New York |
|
1 October 2019 |
Meeting of EU Trade Ministers - Brussels |
|
12th – 20th October 2019 |
EI Trade and Investment Mission - Japan |
|
9th – 16th November 2019 |
Trade Mission - South Africa and Kenya |
|
27th – 28th November 2019 |
EI Trade Mission - Munich |
|
Date |
Trade Missions / Engagements undertaken by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, T.D. |
|
19th – 21st September 2020 |
EU Trade Council - Berlin |
|
19th – 21st May 2021 |
EU Trade Council - Brussels |
|
5th – 6th September 2021 (London) 7th September 2021 (Paris) 8th September 2021 (Berlin) |
EI Trade Mission – London, Paris, Berlin |
|
27th – 28th September 2021 |
Trade and Political Meetings - Washington |
|
10th – 11th November 2021 |
EU Trade Council |
|
12th – 17th November 2021 |
Trade Mission - Middle East |
|
18th - 19th November 2021 |
British Irish Council - Cardiff |
|
13th and 14th February 2022 |
EU Trade Council - Marseilles |
|
15th to 17th February 2022 |
Trade Mission - Marseilles / Avignon / Paris |
|
8th to 18th March 2022 |
2022 St Patrick’s Day Programme - Chile and Colombia |
|
24th to 29th April 2022 |
EI / IDA Trade Mission - US West Coast |
Official Engagements
Questions (160)
Alan Kelly
Question:160. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the senior officials of companies he met with during his recent visit to the west coast of the United States of America. [22954/22]
View answerWritten answers
I visited the United States from 24 – 29 April 2022 as part of a trade and investment mission to the US West Coast region. The trade and investment mission was jointly organised by our trade and investment agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, and I was accompanied by the CEOs of the two agencies.
The primary focus of all trade and investment missions is to encourage business-to-business links, to maximise opportunities to help Irish companies to access new markets and to increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland which in turn creates employment opportunities.
During the trade visit, I met with executives of the following IDA client companies: Microsoft; Amazon Web Services; Intel; Apple; Google; and Salesforce.
The discussions during each meeting covered a range of topics including:
Ireland’s commitment to FDI and discussion of clients’ operations in Ireland and future plans;
Ireland’s value proposition for potential future investment;
Irish government policy in areas of interest to international investors;
Ireland's economic progress post COVID-19;
Impacts of the war in Ukraine on FDI.
While in the USA, I also had trade and investment meetings with executives of the following companies: T MOBILE; Alaska Airlines; Taoglas; Utmost, ChristianaCare; Starcircle and DoorDash.
As part of the mission is to highlight trade and investment opportunities, and to support the work of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, I participated in a number of business events and roundtable discussions events including a venture capital roundtable, ICT Advisory Panel; a Bay Area Industry roundtable; and a US Healthcare Roundtable Meeting. These meetings were attended by executives from a large number of companies which are operating in the relevant areas.
Social Media
Questions (161, 162, 163)
Holly Cairns
Question:161. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23046/22]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:162. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in languages besides English or Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that featured languages besides english or Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23064/22]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:163. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of social media videos posted on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit included closed captioning and or subtitling between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23082/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 162 and 163 together.
I propose to answer the following three Parliamentary Questions together: PQ23082, PQ23064 and PQ23046.
PQ23082:
Between 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022:
- 5.44% of my Department’s social media posts on Twitter were videos, and all had closed captioning and or subtitling
- 7.9% of my Department’s social media posts on LinkedIn were videos, and all had closed captioning and or subtitling
- 0.53% of my Department’s social media on Facebook were videos, and all had closed captioning and or subtitling
PQ23064:
Between 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022:
- 0.25% of my Department’s social media posts on Twitter were in languages other than Irish or English.
PQ23046:
Between 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022:
- 4.04%% of my Department’s Twitter social media posts were exclusively in Irish or were featured as part of bilingual translations.
- 7.1% of my Department’s LinkedIn social media posts were exclusively in Irish or were featured as part of bilingual translations.
Separately, I have requested that the state agencies under the aegis of my Department provide the information requested and I will forward this to the Deputy once received.
My Department is fully committed to its 2019-2022 Irish Language Scheme, which was prepared in accordance with Section 15 of the Official Language Act 2003. The Scheme sets out in detail the extent to which services are currently available through Irish in my Department and identifies areas for future enhancement. The Scheme builds on the principles of Quality Customer Service and on the commitments in the Department’s Customer Charter and Customer Action Plan to ensure that customers who wish to conduct their business through Irish can do so either in writing, by telephone or in person.
In order to ensure that my Department is accessible and capable of engaging with all customers proficiently, Irish Language Training is provided by the Learning and Development Unit of the Department through OneLearning, the Civil Service Learning and Development Centre. This training is being delivered to ensure that the Department has a cohort of staff who can assist business units to respond to clients who may wish to communicate through the medium of Irish.
With regard to availability of forms in Irish, the existing commitments in the Department's Scheme include the publication simultaneously in Irish and English of documents setting out public policy proposals, audited accounts or financial statements, annual reports and strategy statements. In accordance with our Scheme, we take every opportunity in our day-to-day interactions with customers to promote the services we provide in Irish including making forms available bilingually and, where not available, engaging proactively with the customer to provide the services in Irish.
Many of the Agencies and Offices have developed their own Customer Charters, Customer Action Plans and Language Schemes, where appropriate.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 161.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 161.
Ukraine War
Questions (164)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:164. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of contracts awarded in 2022 by his Department or bodies under his aegis outside the standard procurement process in order to assist the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23192/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not awarded any contracts outside the standard procurement process as part of the Department's work in supporting Ireland's humanitarian response to Ukrainian citizens who want to seek safety here.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (165)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:165. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department employ persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by his Department to deal with public relations; the names of firms involved; and the total amount spent on public relations by his Department. [23221/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department’s Communications Unit has five press office staff and a digital communications officer, who are overseen by a Head of Communications at Principal Officer level. A breakdown by grade, number in the grade and the start and end points of the appropriate pay-scales are set out below:
|
Grade |
Number |
Pay Scale (*) € |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
€91,609 – €113,313 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
€68,003 - €83,345 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
€50,848 - €64,038 |
|
Executive Officer (**) |
4 |
€31,698 - €52,894 |
(**) Includes a member of staff in the Workplace Relations Commission who is responsible for pr related activities on a part-time basis.
There are two Special Advisers and one Personal Assistant employed by the Department who as part of their duties, engage in pr related activities. A breakdown by grade, number in the grade and the start and end points of the equivalent pay-scales are set out below.
|
Position |
Number |
Equivalent Pay Scale (*) € |
|
Special Advisor to the Tánaiste, who advises the Tánaiste on Press and Media Relations. |
1 |
€91,609 – €113,313 |
|
Special Advisor to Minister of State Damien English |
1 |
€70,399 - €87,734 |
|
Personal Assistant to Minister of State Robert Troy |
1 |
€50,848 - €66,038 |
My Department does not engage any firms to deal with public relations.
Link to Circular 04/2022 – Application of 1st February 2022 Pay Adjustments , as published on gov.ie.
Consumer Protection
Questions (166)
Emer Higgins
Question:166. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the consumer rights protections in place for consumers who fall victim to fraudulent activity online and to consumers making purchases online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/22]
View answerWritten answers
When purchasing from a business based in Ireland or another EU country, the Consumer Rights Directive, transposed by the European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Other Rights) Regulations 2013 provides strong protections, such as certain information the consumer must be given and the right to cancel if they change their mind. These Regulations do not apply in certain circumstances such as buying from another consumer, buying from a business outside the EU or when certain goods or services are purchased.
The information requirements facilitate the consumer making an informed decision before a purchase is made or a contract is entered into and removes any surprises such as hidden charges. It is in the interests of the consumer that they read this information before agreeing to make a purchase. The information requirements should be in clear and simple language and include:
- the main characteristics of the purchase
- the contract duration (if applicable)
- the total cost and any additional charges that are to be paid
The Regulations provide protections after goods are purchased or a service signed up to online, such as a statutory right to cancel (called a cooling-off period), timeframes for delivery if none have been agreed and timeframes for refunds from a business when the right to cancel has been exercised.
The Regulations provide 14 days for a consumer to change their mind about a purchase (with some exceptions). For goods bought, the 14 days begins on the day they are received and for a service, it begins on the day the contract is concluded. If the business does not inform the consumer of their right to cancel, the cooling-off period can be extended to a maximum of 12 months. After the business is notified of a cancellation, the consumer has a further 14 days to return the goods to them.
Delivery times depend on what was agreed at time of purchase, e.g., if a website says delivery will be within 3-5 days, then that is what has been agreed. However, if no delivery timeframe is agreed, then the Regulations state that delivery must be within 30 days. If delivery does not happen within the timeframe agreed, the consumer can either agree a different date or can cancel the contract and get a refund.
The Regulations provide that a business must refund the consumer without undue delay and not later than 14 days after the order is cancelled, where it is cancelled within the cooling-off period. A business can hold on to the refund until it has proof that the consumer has sent the goods back.
Enforcement of these Regulations falls within the remit of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
Users of the Internet can sometimes fall victim to or encounter an online scam in which attackers attempt to obtain personal information such as logon profiles or banking details or where they are tricked into paying for something that the person has no right to sell or provide. In addition, users may receive emails offering them the chance to obtain a windfall through some means and they need to be aware of the possibility of being scammed.
Where a consumer believes they have been the victim of an online scam or fraud they should report it to their local Garda Station in the first instance, as this is a criminal matter and will be dealt with as a criminal offence. They may also use the online reporting service of the website or forum on which they were scammed.
The Consumer Rights Bill 2022, which will be brought before the Oireachtas this week, will consolidate and update existing legislation on the sale of goods and supply of services to ensure that it is fit for the modern digital age and it will also enhance the enforcement powers of the CCPC.
The Bill will modernise Irish law by including new protections for consumers in relation to digital content (audio and video files, computer games etc.) and digital services streaming services, cloud computing, social media etc.). The Bill will also introduce protections against unfair, misleading and aggressive commercial practices and terms. For instance – there will be new protections against unfair commercial practices relating to fake product reviews, online search queries, the resale of event tickets acquired by using bot software and other matters.
Broadband Infrastructure
Questions (167)
Denis Naughten
Question:167. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the work that his Department is undertaking to fully utilise broadband connectivity in increasing sustainable employment given that Ireland is set to become one of the most connected countries in Europe for fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23355/22]
View answerWritten answers
Secure, high quality, universal digital connectivity is central to realising the economic, social and environmental opportunities offered by digital technologies, such as productivity gains for businesses, increased remote working, and greater access to talent and skills.
Access to high-quality broadband is also essential to supporting the attractiveness of regional locations to investment which will further increase Ireland’s competitiveness in a global context. This, in combination with the improved access to remote working, will lead to improved potential for sustainable employment in the regions.
Digital Infrastructure is one of four key dimensions of the Government's National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework. A robust broadband infrastructure will be vital in enabling businesses to take advantage of digital technologies and to increase sustainable employment.
Good connectivity will be essential in achieving our goal of driving a step change in the digitalisation of businesses. The National Digital Strategy also sets out specific targets in this regard including: 75% enterprise take-up of cloud, big data, and AI by 2030; and 90% of SMEs at a basic level of digital intensity by 2030.
The National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good, sets out how Ireland can be an international leader in using AI to benefit our economy and society, through a people-centred, ethical approach to its development, adoption and use. The National AI Strategy outlines a roadmap for ensuring that Ireland has a future-oriented workforce with the skills to drive the development, deployment and use of AI.
The adoption of digital technologies by all businesses, in particular SMEs, is vital to sustain Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for leading digital enterprises; and maximise the benefits of the digital transition for the wider ecosystem, across productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
In addition to facilitating the uptake of digital technologies, broadband connectivity facilitates remote working for employees. Last year, my Department launched the National Remote Work Strategy, Making Remote Work, whose objective is to ensure that remote working is a permanent feature of the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits. Widespread, high-speed connectivity is key to achieving that objective.
Our overall digital connectivity target, as outlined in the National Digital Strategy, is to ensure that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network service no later than 2028, with all populated areas covered by 5G by no later than 2030.
Data Centres
Questions (168)
Catherine Murphy
Question:168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he met with companies in the course of his recent visit to California that have large-scale data centres in this State; if the concept of cloud based solutions was discussed in order to reduce their carbon foot-print here; if he has engaged with the IDA in respect of promoting cloud storage and networking versus data centres in the context of attracting investment to the State. [23413/22]
View answerWritten answers
I was in the USA from 24th to 29th April 2022 as part of a joint IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the West Coast of the USA. I was accompanied on this trade mission by the CEO of IDA Ireland and the CEO of Enterprise Ireland.
During the visit to the US West Coast, I met with Executives of the following IDA clients: Microsoft; Amazon Web Services; Intel; Apple; Google; and Salesforce. These IDA clients are among the world’s leading technology companies, some of which have data centre investments in Ireland (Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Google) and employ approximately 30,000 people in the country.
The discussions during each meeting covered a range of topics including:
Ireland’s commitment to FDI and discussion of clients’ operations in Ireland and future plans;
Ireland’s value proposition for potential future investment;
Irish government policy in areas of interest to international investors;
Ireland's economic progress post COVID-19; and
Impacts of the war in Ukraine on FDI;
Consistent with the continued evolution of the global sector, modern technology companies rely on data centres, and cloud computing, for the continued success of their businesses. The decisions they make to invest in the country, and to continue to expand those investments, are multi-faceted and include issues that impact on company ability to deliver global software and services from Ireland.
“Harnessing Digital: Ireland’s Digital Framework”, the recently published National Digital Strategy, has a number of commitments with regard to use of, and infrastructure for, cloud. It sets a target of 75% of enterprises using cloud technologies by the end of the decade. It also makes a commitment to take a ‘cloud-oriented’ approach to delivery of all public services. In the context of preparing that Strategy, the Department engaged with IDA Ireland on a range of issues, including cloud technology.
Wind Energy Generation
Questions (169, 170)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:169. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he has taken to satisfy himself that relevant entities with key roles to play in facilitating the development of Ireland’s offshore and onshore renewable energy targets are adequately resourced to meet their statutory remit given the planned increase from 4GW to 15GW of renewable energy in the next seven and a half years; the extent of the additional human resources required by each of EirGrid, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities and An Bord Pleanála to deliver on the requirements of each within their relevant remit regarding the development and commissioning of offshore and onshore renewable energy in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22565/22]
View answerJennifer Whitmore
Question:170. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has requests for sanction for approval for additional resources including recruitment concerning EirGrid and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities; if so, the date such requests were received by his Department; when decisions will be made in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22566/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
A cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce has been established to drive delivery and capture wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland. This will include the identification of supporting infrastructure development and supply chain opportunities as Ireland’s offshore wind industry is developed.
Officials from my Department have been engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with respect to the level of staffing required by An Bord Pleanala to process applications for renewable energy, both onshore and offshore, with a view to ensuring that there is sufficient and appropriate expertise in place to meet the State’s ambitions in respect of the roll-out of renewable energy projects. These discussions are ongoing and will continue over the course of the current quarter. Approval has been given, in full, for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities three year workforce plan, representing 73 new whole time equivalent positions. EirGrid has been appointed the operator and asset owner of Ireland’s onshore and offshore electricity transmission system, with ownership resting with EirGrid at all stages of the phased transition, regardless of whether the grid has been developed by individual renewable energy projects or EirGrid. As a commercial state company, the resourcing required to deliver on EirGrid’s mandate is a matter for the board and management of the company.
Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 169.
Electricity Generation
Questions (171)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:171. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total amount of electricity generated in Ireland in 2021; the percentage that was generated by renewable resources; the percentage that was generated by offshore renewable energy; the extent of what any gap between the current levels of electricity generated by offshore renewable energy means; the target for 2030 for offshore renewable energy; the steps that he is taking to ensure that the 2030 targets are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22567/22]
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The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) publishes in its annual Energy in Ireland report the official annual figures of total electricity generated and the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources in Ireland. The latest edition of the report is available here: www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-publications/energy-in-ireland/. As there is currently only one offshore wind farm operating in Ireland, the contribution of offshore wind is currently relatively small and is reported together with the onshore wind figures. The Energy in Ireland report is published one year in arrears, therefore official figures for 2021 will be available in the report to be published in December of this year. Provisional estimates provided to my Department by EirGrid indicate that approximately 31GWh of electricity was generated in Ireland in 2021, of which approximately 35% was generated from renewable sources. The majority of renewable electricity was generated from onshore and offshore wind, which provided approximately 31% of total electricity generated.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to the achievement of 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030. A number of steps were completed last year to progress this target including the publication of a Government policy framework for the development of Ireland's Offshore Electricity Transmission System, the publication of a Government policy framework for Ireland's commercial ports to develop infrastructure to support offshore renewable energy, and the prioritisation of the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act, which was enacted in December 2021. This Act underpins an entirely new, streamlined and Aarhus-compliant marine planning system for offshore renewable energy development. This year, my Department opened the application window for the first Maritime Area Consents (MACs) to be issued under this new legislation and by the end of this year, the first in a series of offshore wind specific auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) will be launched, providing a dedicated route to market for offshore wind projects.
In addition, work is underway within my Department to develop a new Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II), which together with the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF), will provide a framework for the sustainable development of Ireland's offshore renewable energy resources in the longer term, with due consideration of key economic, environmental and social factors.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (172)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:172. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which persons already registered as vulnerable with utility companies for medical reasons can avail of the new scheme for the installation of photo voltaic panels for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22590/22]
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The National Energy Security Framework (NESF), published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. Included in measures to address consumers under the NESF, in Response 8, SEAI will introduce a targeted scheme for the installation of solar PV panels for vulnerable customers/households in Q2 of this year. SEAI are currently finalising the scheme in consultation with key stakeholders including the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), ESB Networks (ESBN), Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), and publication of the details will follow this process in due course.