Written Answers Nos. 181-208
182. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider making the recommendations of the Workplace Relations Commission binding in cases which it involves a body that is funded by the State and therefore, the taxpayer where such a body is found to have done wrong. [39052/22]
View answerIreland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature. The role of the State has been to underpin a voluntarist system through the provision of a framework and institutions through which good industrial relations can prosper. This system has served us well over the decades.
Adjudications carried out in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) under the industrial relations acts, are not about rectifying a legal wrong. The aim of an IR recommendations is to assist parties in maintaining industrial harmony. Accordingly, they cannot be legally binding.
184. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) or representatives for the organisation since assuming office in 2020; the date that the correspondence was received; the form of correspondence; the nature of the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39069/22]
View answerI have received a request for a meeting by letter from the organisation referred to, dated 15 June 2022, which was received in my office on 16 June 2022. To date, a meeting is not scheduled to take place.
185. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) or representatives for the organisation since assuming office in 2020; the date that the correspondence was received; the form of correspondence; the nature of the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39070/22]
View answerTo date I have received no correspondence from the organisation referred to.
186. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of increasing funding to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission by 50%. [39124/22]
View answerThe CCPC’s allocation for 2022 from Vote 32, under subhead C.8, was €18.323 million. The table below sets out the estimated costings of increasing funding to the CCPC by 50%.
|
- |
REV Allocation 2022(€,000) |
50% Increase(€,000) |
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission - C8 |
18,323 |
27,485 |
It should be noted that, the CCPC is partially funded by the collection of a levy on regulated financial service entities.
187. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of increasing funding to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Corporate Enforcement Authority by 50%. [39125/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Corporate Enforcement Agency was formally established on 6th July 2022. The new Agency will effectively subsume the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and will have greater autonomy and flexibility in terms of the ability to recruit staff with the necessary skills mix and depth of experience to meet the reinforced mandate of the CEA.
In preparation for the establishment of the new Agency, the overall budget allocation for the ODCE was increased by almost 30% to €7.75 million in 2022.
The table below sets out the estimated costings of increasing funding to the CEA by 50%.
|
- |
REV Allocation 2022(€,000) |
50% Increase (€,000) |
|
Corporate Enforcement Agency - C7 |
7,750 |
11,625 |
188. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail the future plans that the IDA has for County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39160/22]
View answerIDA’s current strategy, developed in the context of the Government’s National Economic Plan, identifies the opportunities for sustainable growth among IDA’s established base of clients through a focus on transformative investments to increase the productivity of Irish operations and their workforce through RD&I, digitisation, training, and actions on sustainability. It also maintains a focus on attracting the next generation of leading MNCs to locate in Ireland, further driving sustainable growth and maximising the impact of FDI in Ireland to 2024 and beyond.
Regional development is at the centre of the IDA’s new strategy. IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development.
During 2021, 249 investments were won, 104 of these were new name investments. Growth in Regions was particularly buoyant with over half of the 249 investments won going to regional locations.
IDA Ireland's results for 2021 showed that total employment in IDA client companies in Ireland now stands at 275,384, up 16,826 on 2020, the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) employment level ever. Employment growth was recorded in every region of the country, with the North-East Region showing 5% growth on the previous year. FDI performance has been particularly strong within the Engineering & Industrial Technologies, Medical Technologies, Technology, International Financial Services and Life Sciences sectors. There are 103 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region, employing 18,894. 35 of these companies are in County Louth, directly employing over 4,588 people.
IDA Ireland recently announced that it has acquired two landbanks in Co Louth. The land acquisitions, with a combined total of 149 acres, situated at the townland of Killally, in Dundalk and Mell in Drogheda form part of IDA’s long term strategic plans to position Louth and the wider North-East region to compete for FDI investment.
Both sets of lands have been added to the IDA marketing database. A review is underway with respect to further servicing considerations and best positioning of the landbanks to potential FDI investment opportunities. With respect to lands in Drogheda, a concept review for an Advanced Building Solution is progressing.
The timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of MNCs remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment. IDA’s regional property programme ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects. IDA Ireland is pleased to have acquired these two landbanks enhancing the offering in the North-East. Over the last five years, IDA’s Regional Property Programme enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations. IDA will continue to work with commercial property developers and Local Authorities to market other property solutions across all regions where they exist.
189. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement that there has been recently in relation to progressing the M1 Dublin-Belfast corridor as a business and investment location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39161/22]
View answerThe Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor initiative is a collaborative project led by a network involving eight local authorities, North and South of the border, Dublin City University and Ulster University. There is potential for the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor to develop a unique international brand as a cross-border region with a particularly strong offering for Foreign Direct Investment seeking to gain access to the European Single Market.
The M1 Dublin-Belfast Corridor falls within the remit of this initiative and aims to connect the two largest cities on the island, Dublin and Belfast. This enhanced connectivity will be appealing to both indigenous and non-indigenous enterprises, allowing the region to further add to its reputation as a thriving hub of economic activity.
The Government is supportive of this initiative and has set out in the National Planning Framework how it wants to build on the strengths of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor to capitalise on the clear economic potential of the region. That will involve effectively planning and developing new growth areas, investing in infrastructure and connectivity, and also protecting distinctive landscapes, green spaces and rural activities along the corridor.
Local stakeholders within the region, including Local Authorities, the enterprise agencies, Local Enterprise Offices, Regional Skills Forum and the business community meet through the Steering Committee for the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 . The Committee is chaired by Richard Hanlon of Aon. I will ask my officials to suggest an update on progress on the M1 Dublin-Belfast corridor be included as an agenda item for this Committee.
In addition, IDA Ireland is continuing to market the region to potential investors leveraging infrastructure projects such as the M1 Dublin-Belfast Corridor, alongside the region's rich talent pool and strong track record for industry. I am confident that through the collaborative efforts from the local stakeholders and enterprise agencies the region will remain competitive as a business and investment location.
191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a full schedule of permanent and seconded staff to the Corporate Enforcement Authority by grade, rank and or professional title. [39278/22]
View answerThe Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021, providing for the establishment of the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) was commenced on 6th of July and the CEA was established on 7th of July 2022.
In preparation for the establishment of the CEA my Department approved an additional 14 civil servants to be assigned to the CEA. In addition, the CEA’s full-time Garda complement will increase by 50% from 7 to 16 officers (comprising of 1 Detective Inspector, 3 Detective Sergeants and 12 Detective Gardaí). Recruitment of additional Gardaí is underway.
As a result of a combination of new sanctions, retirements, and internal and external promotions, 20 civilian vacancies are being carried by the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) at present. In terms of recruitment for these positions I am informed that priority is being given to filling the more senior posts in order that incoming senior staff can participate in the recruitment of more junior staff. Regarding senior staff, several competitions have been run over recent months. Candidates to fill 5 of these vacancies have been identified and it is hoped they will take up their posts in the coming months, with two due to commence in July.
I am informed that as of 12 July 2022, the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) has 46 staff in situ, including 10 Gardai on secondment. Details of current staffing numbers by grade/title are set out below:
|
Title |
Grade/Grade Equivalent |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Director of Criminal Enforcement |
Principal Officer |
|
Director of Insolvency Supervision |
Principal Officer |
|
Director of Digital Investigations & Analytics |
Principal Officer |
|
Director of Governance & Support Operations |
Principal Officer |
|
Director of Finance & ICT |
Principal Officer |
|
Director of Legal & Policy |
Principal Officer |
|
Senior Enforcement Manager |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Senior Digital Investigations & Analytics Manager |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Senior Enforcement Lawyer |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Senior Forensic Accountant x 6 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Detective Sergeant x 2 |
Detective Sergeant |
|
Detective Garda x 8 |
Detective Garda |
|
Higher Executive Officer x 6 |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Executive Officer x 5 |
Executive Officer |
|
Clerical Officer x 9 |
Clerical Officer |
|
Note: except where otherwise stated, all positions are permanent |
192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the memorandum of understanding between An Garda Síochána and the Corporate Enforcement Authority has been finalised and signed off. [39279/22]
View answerI signed the orders providing for the commencement of the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021 and the establishment of the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) on 5th July and 6th July, respectively.
I am confident that the extra staff and additional funding will ensure that the new Authority can really make a difference and meet the differing and evolving demands of its remit, which includes investigation, prosecution, supervision and advocacy
The Garda Commissioner has committed additional Garda Síochána resources being made available to the CEA. The members of An Garda Síochána assigned to the CEA will increase from 7 to 16. The total increase in the overall headcount for the new CEA will be nearly 50% over previous levels. Recruitment for these positions is underway. These additional Garda resources are in line with Government’s vision for the new Authority; the CEA’s statutory functions; and the Director’s assessment of the CEA’s Garda staffing needs.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CEA and An Garda Síochána was agreed and signed on 3rd June 2022. The MoU formalises arrangements between the two entities on a range of matters, including the procedure by which secondees are selected. It provides for ongoing co-operation between the two bodies to ensure both organisations work effectively to fulfil their respective independent statutory obligations.
194. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for interim solutions for householders in rural areas waiting on broadband that is some years away under the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39243/22]
View answerProviding telecommunication services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. To assist consumers in choosing a network provider, ComReg’s website has a national outdoor coverage map, with clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage
The National Broadband Plan delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) will roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area of 1.1 million people. Over 312,800 premises are design completed and over 70,700 premises can order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties with 63,600 premises passed with a high speed fibre broadband service across 23 counties and available for immediate connection.
NBI have agreed an Updated Interim Remedial Plan to take account of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays. The revised target is 102,000 premises passed by end January 2023.
Broadband Connection Points (BCP) provide wireless connectivity, to support remote working and connected communities with public access to free high-speed broadband. 268 live BCP sites are in regular use, with a monthly average of 1,010 new and 6,415 returning guests across the network.
Meanwhile, the reconstituted Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce continues to tackle issues impeding the rollout of mobile and broadband connectivity. This includes how best planning and licensing procedures can be further streamlined and improved to support faster network rollout, and ensuring the efficient use of infrastructure and assets to support the rollout of telecoms networks into the future.
195. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 14 June 2022, if he will provide an update on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38810/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment was €176.22, exclusive of VAT as set out in section 5(2) of the Act.
The benefit payment was allocated to billed costs in the first bill issued after 31 March 2022. Suppliers applied the benefit payment in April, May and June. VAT is applied at the date the bill is issued to the customer.
When the VAT rate was 13.5%, the full benefit of the €176.22 payment to the account was €200. VAT has been reduced from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October as part of the suite of measures introduced in the National Energy Security Framework. Therefore, the total benefit to accounts credited after 1 May was adjusted to reflect the decrease in VAT charged.
The Deputy may also wish to note that Frequently Asked Questions are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/
196. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that community growing initiatives are not included in the current Climate Action Plan 2021; if community gardens, growing initiatives and allotments or any level of community food growing will be included in the 2022 Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38835/22]
View answerIn July 2021, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted, significantly strengthening the statutory framework for governance of the climate challenge. This new framework includes the delivery of successive Climate Action Plans.
Climate Action Plans must set out the measures and implementation pathways for reaching our 2030 and 2050 emissions targets, as well as including specific timelines and assigning responsibilities for implementation. All Climate Action Plans have been, and will continue to be, prepared through a collaborative process with engagement and inputs from all relevant Government Departments and Agencies.
In addition, the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA) is actively engaging with stakeholders and the public on climate action across Ireland, enabling and empowering people at a local and national level.
In 2021, my Department launched ‘Climate Conversations’ which engaged with 4,000 people through interviews, focus groups and an online survey. The findings of these conversations have informed the Climate Conversations 2022 and will inform the Climate Action Plan 2023. We recently launched the Public Consultation element of the Climate Conversation 2022 (CC22). This consultation runs until 9 September 2022 and can be found here - Climate Conversations 2022 (www.gov.ie/en/consultation/0de7f-climate-conversation-climate-action-plan-2022/). I look forward to the engagement of these communities in having their say and input into future climate plans.
197. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the importation of bauxite from Guinea in which mining for this mineral has been associated with human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38836/22]
View answerBauxite which is the main ore of alumina and a Scheduled Mineral under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, is not mined in Ireland and no prospecting licences are held for bauxite. While I as Minister have no role in relation to importation of bauxite, I am aware that it is is imported into Ireland from Guinea, and is refined at Aughinish Alumina, before the Alumina is exported to be refined into aluminium metal. I will shortly be proposing to Government a Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining, seeking the adoption of a set of principles and serving as a frame of reference for Ireland’s contribution to the development of EU policy. The statement has been finalised following consideration by the Advisory Group on Mineral Exploration of proposed text changes in response to public consultation submissions. The membership of the Advisory Group on Mineral Exploration and Mining is drawn from the Environmental, Industry and Social Pillars as well as government departments and regulatory bodies.
The statement is expected to adopt the principle that Ireland’s use of its mineral resources must be balanced by conservation, support our transition to the circular economy and carbon neutrality and promote equitable development including international and inter-generational equity, as well as generating economic activity through commercial enterprise. It also sets out the national and international policy context for mineral exploration and mining, identifying the role minerals will play in helping Ireland meet its international goals and commitments, including the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, Raw Materials Initiative and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Bauxite is among a number of minerals and metals used in the manufacture of batteries. The final draft of the new EU Batteries Regulation which has been under negotiation since April, aims to ensure that batteries placed on the EU market should become sustainable, high-performing and safe throughout their life cycle. This includes producing batteries with the lowest possible environmental impact, using materials obtained in full respect of human rights as well as social and ecological standards, and ensuring they are long-lasting and safe, and aiming for them at end of life to be repurposed, remanufactured or recycled, feeding valuable materials back into the economy. Supply chain aspects are also addressed by requiring new due diligence policies for certain batteries placed on the single market, and empowering EU Commission review in respect of that obligation so as to address social and environmental risks inherent in the extraction, processing and trading of certain raw materials for battery manufacturing purposes.
Advocacy by certain international human rights organisations over the past number of years has highlighted the social and environmental impacts including human rights abuses, of bauxite mining in Guinea, as well as the scope for and extent of responsible sourcing of aluminium by, for example, car manufacturers. More recently, a coalition including Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International, has called on the EU to ensure the proposed EU Regulation would require responsible sourcing by importers and manufacturers of materials including bauxite used in batteries.
Materials management and the sustainable and responsible sourcing and use of critical raw materials are central to our vision for minerals and mining in Ireland and are key components of the circular economy transition. Bauxite is included on the 2020 List of Critical Raw Materials accompanying the European Commission's Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials: ‘Critical Raw Materials Resilience: Charting a Path towards greater Security and Sustainability', which also considered the use of critical raw materials for strategic technologies and sectors from the 2030 and 2050 perspectives. The Action Plan proposes actions to reduce Europe's dependency on third countries, diversifying supply from both primary and secondary sources and improving resource efficiency and circularity while promoting responsible global sourcing. In this regard, the Environmental Protection Agency's 2020 'Al Source' research paper examined the potential to recover other valuable minerals from bauxite residues such as those which are produced at Aughinish.
198. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the ongoing importation of coal from the Cerrejón coal mines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38837/22]
View answerI have no function in purchasing coal. If the question is in respect of the purchase of coal for electricity generation, the matter would be an operational one for the company concerned and would likewise be one in which I have no function.
199. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total estimated tonnage of food waste disposed of every year; the steps that he is taking to minimise its generation and the reuse of the waste generated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38860/22]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate that Ireland generated approximately 1.1 million tonnes of food waste in 2019 (latest year for which EPA published data is available). The EPA estimate that 528,000 tonnes of Irish waste was accepted for treatment at composting and anaerobic digestion facilities. Municipal biowaste (kitchen and canteen food waste, garden and park green waste, edible oils and fats) made up 56 per cent of the waste accepted for composting/anaerobic digestion in 2019.
Further information is available at:
www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/national-waste-statistics-summary-report-for-2019.php.
The above EPA report also indicates that a significant amount of food waste in Ireland is not currently being segregated for separate collection and ends up in residual and recycling bins.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, Ireland's National Waste Policy 2020-2025, includes a number of measures to tackle food waste in Ireland, with a key focus on food waste prevention, redistribution and infrastructure, and food waste management. Information on these measures can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/4221c-waste-action-plan-for-a-circular-economy/.
One of the key measures includes a commitment to work with a range of stakeholders to develop a Food Waste Prevention Roadmap that sets out a series of actions to deliver the reductions necessary to halve our food waste by 2030, meet any other related targets, and promote our transition to a circular economy. A public consultation on Ireland’s first draft National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap closed on 28th March 2022. My Department is now considering the submissions received with a view to publishing the Roadmap later in 2022.
200. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to develop a bio-methane sector in Ireland; if he will outline the steps taken in each of the past five years to progress the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38861/22]
View answerIreland's Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP 21) commits to the production of 1.6 TWh by 2030 of indigenously produced biomethane using waste materials and agricultural based feedstock. The National Energy Security Framework (NESF), published in April 2022, highlights that alternatives to natural gas, such as biomethane, provide additional diversification for Ireland’s energy mix. The NESF sets out that the introduction of supports for biomethane, as a replacement for natural gas in the context of the changed outlook for natural gas supply and prices, will be appraised by Q3 2022.
Under CAP 21, a public consultation on the potential introduction of a renewable energy obligation in the heat sector was carried out in Q4 2021 and my Department is working through technical queries arising from the consultation also taking account of relevant findings from the National Heat Study. The National Heat Study, which was prepared at my Department’s request, contains detailed analysis which is being used to facilitate the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors to 2050.
In line with the NESF, existing supports for biomass/biogas in the heat sector under the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) are also being reviewed. The SSRH provides an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems and an installation grant for renewable heating systems using heat pumps.
201. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has completed his consideration of the seven heads and Kinsale wells for the storage of natural gas; if his Department has considered other potential storage locations; if the reverse pumping of the gas through the Corrib pipeline has been considered; the conclusions drawn from this analysis; when he intends to publish this analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38862/22]
View answer202. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has given consideration to acquiring a floating LNG re-gasification terminal to be located in an Irish port close to the existing gas network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38863/22]
View answer223. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the energy security review of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems; when he expects the review to be completed; his plans to publish the final report and recommendations of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39478/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos.201, 202 and 223 together.
As set out in the National Energy Security Framework published in April 2022, my Department is carrying out a review of the energy security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems.
The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options including the need for additional capacity to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases (such as hydrogen) that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The underlying technical analysis has been updated to take into account the war in Ukraine. I expect the public consultation on the review to commence shortly, at which point all parties can submit their views for consideration.
The completion of the review is scheduled for delivery in Q3 of this year, following which the results will be brought to Government.
Question No. 202 answered with Question No. 201.
203. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the engagement that he has had with energy suppliers on the rising cost of electricity and heating for families and the specific measures that they are now taking to assist families who are falling into arrears due to these cost increases; the dates on which such engagements took place; the companies involved; the specific commitments given by the companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38864/22]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities(CRU), as the independent regulator was assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation, has statutory responsibility for the compliance by energy suppliers with their consumer protection obligations.
Suppliers have a critical role in the protection of financially vulnerable customers and customers in debt on their energy bills. In this regard, under Response 6 of the National Energy Security Framework, the CRU are tasked with implementing a package of additional protections for people in such situations ahead of the coming winter.The CRU is currently working very closely with suppliers to enhance existing protections by introducing additional measures to:
- Ensure more manageable payment/debt repayment plans by extending the time for repayment
- Ensure more manageable payment/debt repayment for customers on financial hardship prepayment meters
- Enhance protection for financial hardship prepayment meter customers
- Promote greater awareness and uptake of supplier procedures for dealing with customers in, or at risk of energy debt
- Ensure customers in debt are on a metering/payment plan that is suitable for them
- Ensure suppliers proactively identify customers in debt who should not be on prepayment meters and help them find other options
- Enhance vulnerable customer protections
- Optimise the involvement of NGOs by ensuring all suppliers nominate specific contacts to support customers in debt Improving protection from disconnection for all domestic customers
Government continues to monitor this unprecedented and evolving situation closely to inform ongoing consideration of further action.
204. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that a soon-to-be-completed housing estate (details supplied) will only have the option of one broadband provider; if his attention has been drawn to other providers having been informed that they cannot service the estate; and if this in breach of competition law. [38911/22]
View answerProviding telecommunication services, including mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. Operational matters of private commercial operators, including the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure to specific areas, are a matter for these commercial operators and not one in which I have any function.
205. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of wind turbines per county in tabular form. [38914/22]
View answerThe Department does not hold information on the number wind turbines per county. Such information would be contained in the planning applications and approvals granted by each planning authority with respect to individual windfarm projects.
206. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to encourage offshore wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38915/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to achieving at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030 and includes a suite of actions to realise the potential of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources. The Programme for Government commits to developing a longer-term plan to harness the estimated potential of at least 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our Atlantic waters. The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 provides legislation for an entirely new marine planning system, to balance harnessing our offshore wind potential while protecting our rich and unique marine environment. Applications from Relevant Projects for Maritime Area Consents under the new marine planning regime are now being assessed with the first Maritime Area Consents expected to be issued later this year. This marks an important step towards our 2030 targets.
Concurrently, my Department is designing a pathway, based on consultation feedback, for a second batch of projects to progress through the new consenting system when the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority is established in early 2023.
Work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan is underway. This plan will provide an evidence base for the identification of the most suitable areas for sustainable offshore renewable energy development and set a pathway for the development of offshore renewables beyond 2030.
A cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce has been established to accelerate and drive delivery and capture wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland. This includes identifying supporting infrastructure development and supply chain opportunities as the industry is developed.
Offshore renewable energy is vital to Ireland’s green energy transition, reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels, lowering our greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening our security of supply.
207. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will remove or greatly increase the €200 tax exemption on payments received by domestic micro-generators from their suppliers under the clean export guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38923/22]
View answerThe Micro-generation support scheme provides funding to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for capital grants for solar PV for domestic houses. Micro-generators will benefit most when they maximise the consumption of electricity on site from their own micro-generation. In addition, excess electricity can be diverted to a hot water cylinder to reduce fossil fuel consumption in the house. Any residual electricity generated but not consumed can be exported to the grid.
On the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that 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.
Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks and have a smart meter where applicable (see Smart Meter Upgrade FAQs (esbnetworks.ie)). More information on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ (CRU) interim enabling framework for the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology, is available here: Clean Export Tariff - Commission for Regulation of Utilities (cru.ie)
I understand that over 32,000 micro- and small-scale generators have successfully registered for the CEG tariff and are already accruing credit for their exported electricity which will be backdated to the date of eligibility or the 15th February 2022, whichever is the latest.
In budget 2022, the Minister for Finance announced an exemption from income taxes for remuneration from the CEG for domestic consumers, up to a maximum of €200 per annum. Whilst this is expected to cover the majority of annual remuneration from the CEG tariff in 2022, this will be kept under review as the scheme develops.
208. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to develop green hydrogen in the next five years. [38943/22]
View answerThe National Energy Security Framework set out that the development of an integrated hydrogen strategy for Ireland is to be prioritised, in line with the Climate Action Plan. My Department has launched a public consultation to gather the views of stakeholders and interested parties, in order to inform the development of a hydrogen strategy for Ireland. The consultation paper sets out various areas of interest to be considered in the development of the hydrogen strategy, and invites stakeholders’ views on specific questions to be answered in this regard. Stakeholder views are sought on the broad landscape of potential hydrogen supply, transport, storage and demand in Ireland. The consultation will run for an 8-week period, following which analysis of the responses received and preparation of the strategy document will begin. My Department is also carrying out a review of the energy security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems for delivery in Q3 2022, following which the results will be brought to Government. The work underway for review the will be done in parallel with the development of the hydrogen strategy to ensure the long-term security needs take account of future hydrogen technologies.
