Written Answers Nos. 1-16
1. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach if he will comment on the finding that the possible underpayment on the price paid is less than the total cost of producing a report on an organisation (details supplied) which has taken seven years to complete. [46089/22]
View answerI arranged for the report of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) Commission of Investigation to be published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 7 September 2022.
Among the many findings made by the Commission in the report, it determined that the Bank might, subject to certain assumptions which are set out in the report, have recovered up to €8.7 million more than the €44.3 million it agreed to accept in the sale.
From the time of its establishment to the end of July 2022, the Commission cost €11.9 million approximately, excluding third party legal costs that have been incurred but not yet paid, which will be a matter for the Commission to determine at the end of its investigation.
In its Seventh Interim Report in February 2020, the Commission estimated that the cost of the Siteserv investigation will be from €12 - €14.5 million. This estimate assumed the investigation would be completed by the end of 2020, not end October 2022 as is now the case, and excluded costs or delays associated with possible judicial review hearings.
The Commission also acknowledged that it involved a substantial degree of uncertainty regarding the amount of costs actually recoverable by the parties before it and assumed its Legal Costs Guidelines are not successfully challenged.
The Commission’s most recent Interim Report, dated July 2022, does not provide any update on the €12 - €14.5 million estimate.
The final cost will become clear when cost orders are made by the Commission, and when any legal challenges to these cost orders are resolved.
2. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46223/22]
View answerThe Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has been operating a number of Loan Schemes for my Department throughout 2022, that require approval of an eligibility code from SBCI for accessing the scheme.
The €800 million Future Growth Loan Scheme closed to new applications in early May 2022, as lending capacity had been reached across all lenders, so it is unlikely that this is the scheme that is being referred to.
There was a requirement to close the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme at the end of June 2022 as a consequence of the cessation of the EU COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework, under which this scheme operated.
In response to this, I launched the Covid-19 Loan Scheme in early July 2022 to ensure that there was a continuation in the availability of lost-cost finance for COVID-19 impacted businesses. Lending under this scheme along with the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme is still available in the market to provide for low-cost lending for SMEs.
At the end of August one of the participating financial providers, namely Bank of Ireland, notified the SBCI that they are no longer accepting new applications to the Covid-19 Loan Scheme and Brexit Impact Loan Scheme, as they have a sufficient pipeline of applications to reach the limit of the lending capacity allocated to them for the schemes.
However, at the present time, all other participating financial providers are open and still accepting applications for lending under the Covid-19 Loan Scheme and Brexit Impact Loan Scheme including AIB, Permanent Tsb and Metamo Credit Unions (Access CU, Cara CU, St. Canice’s CU, St. Francis CU, and Savvi CU).
If the eligibility code that was approved was for either of these schemes, then the business referenced can take their code to any of the aforementioned lenders to indicate eligibility to apply for these schemes.
3. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an application to the warmer homes scheme by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [46069/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme.
As Minister I have no function with regard to individual applications to the grant schemes administered by SEAI on behalf of my Department. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
4. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the procedures that he will put in place to ensure that there is better co-ordination and communication between the Dublin Fire Brigade and the Irish Coast Guard in respect of rescues in the Greater Dublin Area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46079/22]
View answerAs Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications I have no function in relation to the matters raised in the Question.
To be helpful to the Deputy I refer to the reply to Question No 139 of 14 September 2022.
5. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the information available to his Department regarding the quantity of polystyrene imported into Ireland on an annual basis; the arrangements for the disposal of this product; if consideration has been given to banning the importation of this product, similar to a number of European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46137/22]
View answer14. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the quantity of polystyrene imported here on an annual basis; the arrangements for the disposal of the product; if consideration has been given to banning the importation of the product similar to a number of European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46366/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 14 together.
My Department does not hold data on the quantity of polystyrene being imported to Ireland.
Polystyrene is accepted at some Civic Amenity sites for disposal and is also accepted by a number of outlets for recycling.
Polystyrene packaging is subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions which ensures that producers of all such packaging are liable for the costs associated with the collection, transport and treatment of the packaging they place on the market in addition to the costs of providing adequate information to waste holders and data gathering agencies.
Ireland’s national packaging compliance scheme has introduced an eco-modulation model for plastic packaging to drive environmental considerations and members who place recyclable packaging material on the market incur fees lower than those for non-recyclable materials. This model is extending to other packaging materials.
The EU Single Use Plastics Directive was transposed into Irish law in July last year and banned a range of single-use items from being placed on the Irish market, including expanded polystyrene cups and food containers.
6. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to the funding of the installation of solar panels on the roofs of senior citizen-sheltered housing complexes in order to provide more sustainable energy and reduce energy costs for residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46138/22]
View answer15. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to fund the installation of solar panels on the roofs of senior citizen housing complexes in order to provide more sustainable energy and reduce energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46367/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 15 together.
The underlying principle, and primary advantage of microgeneration is self-consumption of your own electricity. This is how microgeneration can help consumers shield against electricity costs. While there is potential for payment for any excess electricity that you might not use yourself, export is an additional benefit but not the primary driver for engaging in microgeneration.
In this way, micro-generation has an important role to play in creating opportunities for homes, schools, community groups and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity, which can help offset rising electricity prices as well as decarbonise homes and businesses.
The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants for both domestic and non-domestic applicants for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400. Grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will become available to the non-domestic sector before end of September.
In addition, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity that they may export to the grid, reflective of the market value.
Later this year the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is expected to consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff, a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations which is fixed for 15 years for non-domestic applicants for installations greater than 6.0kW up to 50kW in size.
Solar PV is also one of a range of measures funded under the SEAI Communities Energy Grant Scheme which makes grant funding available to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock and is open to domestic and non-domestic applications.
Included in measures targeted at consumers under the National Energy Security Framework (NESF) announced by Government is a fully funded €20m scheme for medically vulnerable people with high electricity usage to install rooftop solar PV. The SEAI is currently working with key stakeholders and I expect publication of the details on the SEAI website in near future.
7. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the volume, value, and type of grants processed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, by month during the period January 2022 to August 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46148/22]
View answer12. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes deep retrofitting to date in 2022. [46241/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 12 together.
Earlier this year in February, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades.
-A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
-Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
-A significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades provided to those at risk of energy poverty alongside changes to the operation of the Warmer Homes Scheme. This includes ensuring the Scheme prioritises those in the worst performing homes first and opening the Scheme for homeowner ‘revisits’ thereby allowing them apply for deeper energy upgrade measures now available under the scheme.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation has also been introduced for all households. This will help to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
A total of €267.2 million capital funding was allocated for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and the Solar PV scheme in 2022 as part of the Revised Estimates Volume. This allocation was adjusted to €244.2million on foot of the Supplementary Estimate in July for my Department.
The investment this year targets almost 27,000 home energy upgrades, including over 8,600 homes to a BER of B2. The most recent forecast from the SEAI projects that between 26,000-27,000 homes will be completed this year.
Over €92 million has been provided in grant supports across the range of residential and community schemes so far this year.
Figures provided by the SEAI show that to the end of August 13,406 homes have been completed across the residential energy efficiency schemes (up 70% compared to the same period last year) and of these, 4,234 have been upgraded to a post works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better (up almost 140% compared to the same period last year).
The number of free upgrades provided under the Warmer Homes Scheme each month has more than doubled versus last year. As of the end of August, 2,642 homes have been completed under the Warmer Homes Scheme, and of these 86 have been upgraded to a post works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better.
In addition, since the announcements in February, demand across the SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes has been exceptionally high with a very significant increase in the number of applications year to date when compared to the same period in 2021. Over 30,000 applications for grant support have been received by the SEAI – a 140% increase on the same period last year and this strong pipeline of projects is translating into delivery for the remainder of this year and into 2023.
8. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is considering the installation of solar panels in schools as a form of energy for schools for heating and water as a potential cost-saving measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46154/22]
View answerThe Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the revised target of up to 5.5GW of solar renewables under the Climate Action Plan and the recent Government agreement on sectoral emissions ceilings. Micro-generation has an important role to play as it creates opportunities for domestic, school, farming and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity, which can play a role in shaping electricity demand and decarbonising homes and businesses.
The MSS will provide capital grants for non-domestic applicants, such as schools, for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available. This will be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will become available to the non-domestic sector for installations up to 6.0kW by the end of September.
In addition, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available from most electricity suppliers, offering the opportunity for new and existing micro-and small-scale generators, including schools, to receive payment for excess renewable electricity that they mayexport to the grid.
The SEAI in partnership with the Dept of Education, are also working on the Pathfinder programme to improve energy performance of schools and are trialling retrofit and renewable heat solutions. Further details can be found on the attached links:
www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/building-retrofit/pathfinder-programme/
www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/building-retrofit/partnerships/
9. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider increasing grants for the installation of solar panels in domestic settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46155/22]
View answerThe Government’s Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting 380MW of new renewable generation capacity to contribute to an overall revised target for solar PV of up to 5.5GW by 2030, under the Climate Action Plan and the recent Government agreement on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings. The scheme design was supported by detailed economic and policy analysis, as well as a public consultation, prior to its approval in December 2021.
Grants are currently available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for domestic installations, up to a maximum of €2,400 and will also be expanded to the non-domestic sector for installations up to 6kW before the end of September. Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in February 2022, the SEAI have seen application levels rise sharply and are forecasting the numbers for 2022 to be more than double the application levels seen in 2021, under the previous domestic solar PV grant scheme. By also removing the minimum BER requirement and including homes built up to 2020 within the scheme, this delivers energy savings for the widest range of homes possible, whilst also ensuring efficient use of public financing.
While the level of interest indicates that the MSS is working well, its operation and effectiveness will be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.
It should also be noted that maximising consumption of self-generated electricity will provide the most benefit to offset rising electricity costs and shorten the payback period for the investment in the installation of solar panels. Moreover, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available from all electricity suppliers, offering the opportunity for remuneration for any excess renewable electricity exported to the grid.
10. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the consultation on private wire direct-line renewables will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46156/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 includes a commitment to review the policy position on the development of private networks/direct lines (Action 115). A consultation paper on policy options for private wires was due to be published in Q1 of this year. Unfortunately, the consultation has been delayed, however work on progressing this matter is ongoing within my Department and the consultation will issue shortly.
I appreciate that private wires/direct lines are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders, including Data Centres in particular given the recent publication of the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy’. Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of private wires/direct lines is a priority for my Department. My officials look forward to engaging with interested stakeholders as they continue to develop this important policy area.
11. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will make a comment on the fact that Ireland did not apply for a key European Commission funding initiative in March 2022 aimed at ensuring continuity of energy supply in the wake of the Russia/Ukraine war through the REPowerEU programme; and the reason that Ireland failed to do so. [46222/22]
View answerIreland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which was published earlier this year, sets out a total of 16 investments and 9 reform commitments which will be supported by approximately €915 million in grants from the European Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The European Commission’s REPowerEU proposal provides the potential for further funding via the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.
My Department is working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in considering potential proposals for funding under this mechanism. This work is being carried out as part of the broader budget process.
13. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the dividends paid to the Exchequer by each of the semi-State energy companies; their profits for each of the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46263/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. Additional detail may be found in the relevant Annual Report and Accounts as published by the Companies.
- Profit after Tax (adjusted) comprises reported net profit after tax adjusted for exceptional items and certain fair value movements. Additional adjustments may be applied by the individual entities in arriving at adjusted profit after tax for dividend purposes.
- The reported annual financial year ends span multiple calendar periods with EirGrid (September) and Bord na Móna (March) year ends.
-ESB has published interim results for the six months to June 2022 which are included below.
-EirGrid data is for the latest reported period end (12 months to end of September 2021). EirGrid does not publish interim financial data.
-BnM data is for the latest reported period end (12 months to end of March 2022). BnM does not publish interim financial data.
|
Figures expressed in EUR'm |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
|
Bord na Móna (financial year ended March) |
Mar-22 |
Mar-21 |
Mar-20 |
Mar-19 |
Mar-18 |
Mar-17 |
|
Number of months in period |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
Profit after Tax (Reported) |
76 |
22 |
-22 |
-50 |
-8 |
5 |
|
Profit after Tax (Adjusted) |
76 |
22 |
37 |
35 |
28 |
21 |
|
Dividends Paid (Total) |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
|
Dividends Paid (Exchequer) |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
|
EirGrid (financial year ended September) |
Sep-22 |
Sep-21 |
Sep-20 |
Sep-19 |
Sep-18 |
Sep-17 |
|
Number of months in period |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
Profit after Tax (Reported) |
n.a. |
36 |
12 |
80 |
57 |
2 |
|
Profit after Tax (Adjusted) |
n.a. |
36 |
12 |
80 |
57 |
2 |
|
Dividends Paid (Total) |
n.a. |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Dividends Paid (Exchequer) |
n.a. |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
ESB (financial year ended December) |
Jun-22 |
Dec-21 |
Dec-20 |
Dec-19 |
Dec-18 |
Dec-17 |
|
Number of months in period |
6 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
Profit after Tax (Reported) |
390 |
191 |
126 |
338 |
60 |
-32 |
|
Profit after Tax (Adjusted) |
203 |
377 |
401 |
432 |
207 |
213 |
|
Dividends Paid (Total) |
126 |
81 |
50 |
43 |
35 |
116 |
|
Dividends Paid (Exchequer) |
122 |
77 |
48 |
41 |
33 |
110 |
16. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the contact that he has had with a company (details supplied) about the recent cancellation of flights due to an IT issue; his plans to acknowledge that many passengers were considerably out-of-pocket as a result of cancellations with extra costs such as accommodation, food and travel to different airports and destinations and lost annual leave days being incurred; his plans to urge the company to compensate passengers for losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46060/22]
View answerOfficials from my department engaged with the airline on the day of the systems outage and the airline was urged to keep their lines of communication with passengers open in so far as possible. As I understand it the systems outage caused difficulty for the airline in engaging directly with its impacted passengers.
The EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 sets out the rights and entitlements of airline passengers in instances of flight cancellations, among other matters. It provides that where a flight is cancelled then the air carrier must offer the passenger the choice of re-routing as soon as possible after the original departure time, re-routing at a later date or a refund of the cost of the unused flight ticket. The regulation provides that the refund must be paid within seven days of the cancellation. The passenger may also be entitled to compensation under certain conditions unless the air carrier can prove the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances.
If the passenger chooses to be re-routed as soon as possible then the airline must provide the passenger with care and assistance while they wait for the alternative flight. Care and assistance comprises of:
- meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time;
- hotel accommodation where an overnight stay becomes necessary;
- transport between the hotel accommodation and the airport;
- two free telephone calls/access to email.
If the passengers airline does not provide the care and assistance described above, passengers should make their own reasonable arrangements and retain all receipts in the process. If the passenger needs to make a claim for expenses, refunds or compensation they must contact the airline directly. If the passenger does not agree with the airline's decision, they can refer the matter to the Commission for Aviation Regulation for certain flights.
In Ireland, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is the designated National Enforcement Body (NEB) in relation to the enforcement of Regulation (EC) 261/2004 for flights departing Ireland or flights from a non-EEA country to an Irish airport.
Full information about air passenger rights and entitlements is available at the Commission’s dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie and the CAR's Air Passenger Rights Team can also provide advice to consumers by phone (353-1-6611700) and email at info@aviationreg.ie.
I would encourage anyone who having contacted the airline to be accommodated on an alternative flight or who has sought a refund and/or compensation and is unsatisfied with the airline's response to contact the Commission or the relevant enforcement body in the country where the cancelled flight was due to depart. The Air Passenger Rights team in the Commission only deals with flights departing from Ireland and that expenses, refunds and compensation claims should be made initially to the airline.
For flights that do not depart from Ireland, the passenger should contact the relevant National Enforcement Body where the flight departed. A list of other relevant national enforcement bodies can be found transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/passenger-rights/national-enforcement-bodies-neb_en.
