Tuesday, 4 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 153-178

Electricity Generation

Questions (153)

Seán Canney

Question:

153. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the low price being paid to electricity microgenerators through the feed-in tariff (details supplied); if he will introduce a scheme in which microgenerators will be incentivised to supply electricity to their neighbours, given this would be subject to low transmission and distribution costs and would avoid a situation where electricity supplied from power stations via the grid is subject to losses of 7 to 8%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47903/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff which outlines arrangements for implementation of the tariff, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. As part of this, the CRU decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis which must be reflective of the market, or wholesale, value of the electricity, in line with the requirements of Article 21(2)(d) of the recast Renewable Energy Directive. We are aware that suppliers have published a range of CEG tariffs from €13.5c/kWh up to €20c/kWh which allows customers to shop around and switch suppliers to obtain the best rates for selling and purchasing electricity. It is important to note that a key aspect of the eligibility criteria for the CEG is that microgenerators must meet the definition for ‘renewables self-consumers', as per the recast Renewable Energy Directive, This places a focus on generating electricity for one's own consumption, and thereafter with an entitlement to receive remuneration for excess electricity fed into the grid. This remuneration is different to the retail electricity market and the prices a domestic electricity consumer is charged by their supplier. Retail prices take account of the cost to purchase electricity on the wholesale market, while covering the operational costs of the company and their operating margin; and also remaining competitive in the marketplace. This also includes the network charges required for use of the electricity grid. As such, retail electricity prices and CEG remuneration tariffs cannot be compared on a like for like basis. Maximising the consumption of self-generated renewable electricity will provide the most benefit to microgenerators to offset rising electricity costs, as well as shorten the payback period for their investment. This can be achieved by actively matching home energy use against the peak generating times of the Solar PV system, whenever possible.

Departmental Transport

Questions (154)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

154. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of domestic flights for work purposes taken by him, Ministers of State in his Department and Department staff for each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [47912/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

There were no domestic flights taken by Ministers or Department staff during the periods referenced in the Question.

Electricity Generation

Questions (155)

Neale Richmond

Question:

155. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether if incentives were to be introduced for microgeneration of electricity, more microgeneration would be encouraged and emissions and fossil fuel dependency would reduce; if he will consider this course of action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47971/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The phased introduction of incentives under the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) has already begun with the commencement of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).  

The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22nd September, sees Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW. Grants will also be administered by SEAI and are up to a maximum of €2,400.  

Moreover, with the recent introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment; which further supports the investment.

Since 2018, the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for over 12,000 homes, and with demand for the domestic Solar PV grant increasing significantly throughout the year, we expect that grant applications will exceed 12,000 in 2022 alone. I also understand that approximately 40,000 micro- and small-scale generators have successfully registered for export and over 26,550 of this cohort have smart meters which means they are already accruing the value of the CEG tariff for their exported electricity.  

The final phase of the MSS will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, to support non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. This will consist of a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations, that is fixed for 15 years; and it is expected the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff by end of 2022.  

While the level of interest in the MSS indicates that the scheme is working well, its operation and effectiveness will, like all such schemes, be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (156)

Chris Andrews

Question:

156. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the pension entitlements of a former employee (details supplied) of the Department of Post and Telegraphs. [48066/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

On 1st January 1984, “Vesting Day”, the Department of Posts and Telegraphs was disbanded and 2 limited companies were formed, namely An Post and An Bord Telecom.

As this former employee continued with An Bord Telecom after vesting day they would be a member of the An Bord Telecom pension scheme and should refer any pension queries to Eir.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (157)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

157. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide grant aid to homeowners to install radon barriers in older houses in areas with high levels of radon gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48124/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Radon gas is recognised as a serious threat to public health and estimated to be responsible for approximately 350 cases of lung cancer annually in Ireland. In response to this issue, the Government established a National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS). The Strategy is now in its second phase covering the period 2019 to 2024.  Implementation of the Strategy is overseen by an interdepartmental and agency group chaired by my Department. While there are currently no financial supports in place in respect of radon testing or remediation works, the development of such a scheme is one of the action points for the next phase of the NRCS, which will run until 2024.

Climate Action Plan

Questions (158)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

158. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the projects that are being delivered under the just transition fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48141/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Government remains committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat extraction by Bord na Móna.56 National Just Transition Fund projects have entered into a grant agreement with my Department, with €22.1 million in grant funding to be provided through the National Just Transition Fund. These projects will bring €15 million in additional funding to the region and support an estimated 178 direct jobs and 999 indirect jobs, as reported by grantees.

The objective of the National Just Transition Fund is to support a diverse range of innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the wider Midlands region. They include new enterprise hubs, supporting local business and community development, research and exploratory studies, tourism and heritage projects, development of greenways, and opportunities for education, training and reskilling. Further information on these projects is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund

Departmental Policies

Questions (159)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

159. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the proposal in the European Citizens’ Initiative (2021) 000004 to ban fossil fuel ads. [48164/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I am committed to increasing the supply of renewable energy to our grid and the overriding need to rapidly replace fossils fuels in our energy system and welcome any initiative that supports this objective.

However, I have no function regarding restricting advertising for fossil fuels in general. While forthcoming new regulations on solid fuels for domestic heating purposes will include restrictions on the marketing of certain non-approved solid fuels, my remit does not extend to regulating the advertising of fossil fuels which can legally be placed on the market such as petroleum products and natural gas.

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (160)

Robert Troy

Question:

160. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will approve the 2% pay rise for An Post pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48189/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I received a recommendation from my officials on 1 September and granted my consent on 2 September to the payment of an increase of 2% to An Post pensioners with effect from 1 January 2022. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the proposal was subsequently provided on 7 September. An Post has been made aware of this and has communicated with the Group of Unions.

An Post formally sought Ministerial approval on 4th May of this year, in accordance with the relevant Code of Practice from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), to increase pensions and deferred pensions (for members of the An Post superannuation scheme) by 2% per annum with effect from 1st January 2022 and up to a further 2% per annum with effect from 1st January 2023. In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA’s views on the proposal were sought. This is to inform the business case required under DPER Circular 16/2021 (setting out the strategic, policy and financial rationale for providing the increases). The process is required to ensure good governance. On 9 August NewERA provided  a recommendation on the proposals and my Department is obliged to be satisfied that the business case is justified,  before the relevant approvals are formally sought from DPER.

NewERA and the Departments worked as quickly as possible to finalise their assessment, in accordance with the governance requirements. This is the same procedure that must be followed for any State body. In relation to the proposed increase for 2023, neither my Department nor DPER is legally permitted to grant pre-approval for a pension increase at this point. An Post has accordingly undertaken to submit that request in 2023 with the appropriate financial and actuarial reports required for further analysis. When this is received the same process will have to be followed, with NewERA’s views and assessment by officials again being required for the 2023 proposed increase prior to the consent of both Ministers being sought.

Energy Infrastructure

Questions (161)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to advance a district heating system in the city of Dublin; and his plans to legislate for a role for the climatic research unit in the context of existing district heating systems. [48192/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Dublin District Heating Scheme was awarded funding under the Climate Action Plan and Dublin City Council is, with the support of other organisations such as the City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (CoDEMA) and the National Development Finance Agency, working on delivery of the scheme. More broadly, my Department established a District Heating Steering Group in February, which draws together expertise and experience relevant to district heating from a number of public sector stakeholders. The Steering Group has met on eight occasions to date and is currently in the process of drafting its Report to Government, in which it will make recommendations to advance district heating projects in the State. A Research and Policy Insights Working Group was also established to advance in-depth examination of the research needs of the sector. The Working group is chaired by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and reports to the wider Steering Group.

I remain committed to the development of the appropriate regulatory and legislative basis necessary for the expansion of district heating in Ireland and my Department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders in order to accelerate utilisation of this technology in the context of decarbonising of the built environment.

Departmental Staff

Questions (162)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

162. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the whole-term equivalent staff by job title working in the geological survey division of his Department as of 1 January 2021 and 27 September 2022, in tabular form; the number of vacancies currently in this division; and when will these vacancies be filled, in tabular form. [48244/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

We currently have no vacancies in the Geological Survey Division at this time. The figures queried by the Deputy can be found in the tables below:  

GSI Numbers as of 1 January 2021

Director of GSI	1
Assistant Principal	1
Chief Superintendent	1
GIS Manager	1
Principal Geologist	3
Senior Geologist	13
Senior Driller	1
Driller	2
Executive Engineer	1
Geologist	10
GIS Officer	1
Superintendent of Cartography	2
Cartographer GSI	1
Assistant Superintendent GSI	1
Executive Officer	3
Clerical Officer	5
Temporary Clerical Officer	1
Graduate Geologist*	6
Total	54

GSI Numbers as of 27 September 2022

Director of GSI	1
Assistant Principal	1
Chief Superintendent	1
GIS Manager	1
Principal Geologist	4
Senior Geologist	11
Senior Driller	1
Driller	2
Executive Engineer	1
Geologist	9
GIS Officer	1
Superintendent of Cartography	2
Cartographer GSI	1
Higher Executive Officer	2
Executive Officer	2
Clerical Officer	5
Temporary Clerical Officer	1
Graduate Geologist*	6
Total	52

* The Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) have offered work placements to students since 2018 under the bursary scheme. These work placements are for 11 months.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (163)

James Lawless

Question:

163. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48370/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

Earlier this year, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, (DHLGH) in consultation with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, completed a review of the solar panel planning exemptions set out in the Planning and Development Regulations, with a particular focus on facilitating increased self-generation of electricity. Included as part of this review is a recommendation to fully remove the maximum limit on the size of a solar panel installation and therefore to exempt from planning permission, the placing or erection on a roof of a house, of a solar PV or a solar thermal collector installation, subject to necessary conditions and limitations. Draft regulations were published for public consultation on 15th June 2022. The consultation closed on 13th July. The draft regulations are available at gov.ie - Public Consultation on the Draft Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 3) Regulations 2022 and the Draft Planning and Development (Solar Safeguarding Zone) Regulations 2022- Solar Exemptions (www.gov.ie). As required under planning legislation, the proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made and the process concluded. This process took place on the 4th October and it is expected that the regulations will be signed by the Minister imminently.

Energy Policy

Questions (164)

Martin Browne

Question:

164. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will confirm that no household will have their electricity turned off by their energy provider this winter (details supplied). [48406/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Government is acutely aware of the impact that the increases in global energy prices is having on households and that is why mitigating measures were introduced throughout 2022 amount to €2.4 billion and as part of Budget 2023 where €2.5 billion has been allocated for once off cost of living supports. My Department is working across the energy supply system, and with NGOs, to ensure that households and businesses are protected this winter.

The measures include:

- the initial and now the an enhanced electricity credit of three €200 payments (inclusive of VAT) to Domestic Electricity Accounts to be paid in the November/December, January/February, and March/April billing cycles

- an extension of the 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas until February 2023

- a €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients

- €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase

- €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment

- double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children

- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November

- €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability payment The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.As part of its statutory role, the CRU also has consumer protection functions and sets out a number of rules for suppliers to follow in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers Handbooks. These include special provisions for vulnerable customers around areas such as billing and disconnections. Following engagement with customer representative groups, energy suppliers and network operators, the CRU announced enhanced consumer protection measures. These include:

- An extension to moratoriums on disconnections from 1 month to 3 months (1 December to 28 February)

- Extended debt repayment periods

- Reduced debt burden on pay-as-you-go top-ups

- Better value for those on financial hardship meters

- Promotion of a Vulnerable Customer Register A vulnerable customer is defined as a household customer who is critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment. This category of vulnerable customers cannot be disconnected for non-payment at any time. Vulnerable customers are also defined as those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during the winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health. The moratorium on disconnections for this group has been extended to 6 months (1 October to 31 March). It is important that people who are in such a situation contact their energy supplier to register with them as a vulnerable customer. Their electricity supplier will then notify ESB Networks. ESBN maintains a Vulnerable Customer Register based on the information provided to them by suppliers. The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question, to CRU at [e-mail] for timely direct reply

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (165)

Duncan Smith

Question:

165. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a pension entitlement for former workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48444/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post.

The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.

Electricity Supply Board

Questions (166)

Ged Nash

Question:

166. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected dividend from the ESB in 2022 and 2023, respectively; if he has sought a specific figure from the ESB for windfall profits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48537/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Increased wholesale gas prices, which are mainly caused by Russia reducing supplies to Europe and the war in Ukraine, are leading to unprecedented increases in electricity and gas prices for households and businesses. They are also leading to windfall gains for some energy companies across Europe, particularly those companies involved in the production of fossil fuels and those who are producing energy at a much lower cost than the cost of gas. ESB’s generation and supply businesses are required to operate separately, so increased profits from ESB’s generation business cannot be used to offset costs incurred by Electric Ireland. Group profits are invested in critical networks, renewable generation and other important energy infrastructure, as well as used to pay tax and dividends to the Government.

Formal dividend policies are in place for all the Commercial Semi State Bodies (CSSBs) operating in the energy sector. These have been developed via the Shareholder Expectations Framework and, in each case, seek to strike an appropriate balance between the payment of dividends and re-investment in the business. Where the dividend target is based on adjusted profits after tax, higher profits arising in any given year in the ordinary course would fall within the scope of the normal targeted dividend payments.

ESB is experiencing greater than forecast profits and would be expected to return significantly higher Dividends in accordance with existing dividend policies. As a shareholding Minister, I have no specific power to direct ESB to pay a dividend.  It would be a matter for the Board to determine at their discretion in any year whether a dividend should be declared when, in their opinion, the profits of the company justify such payment. Projected profits and dividends are a confidential matter for the company.

ESB recently published their interim accounts confirming the payment of an interim dividend of €122m to the Exchequer. The dividend will be used to help ease the energy bill crisis. Profits and dividends paid over the last five years for ESB are set out in the table below.

Figures expressed in EUR'm

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

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

*ESB published Interim results for the six months to June 2022.

*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.

At the Council of Energy Ministers meeting on 9 September, which I attended, the issue of windfall gains was discussed in some detail.  On 14 September the European Commission published a proposed regulation which includes measures aimed at addressing windfall gains in the electricity sector and in fossil fuel production.

The principle that I am leading on is that windfall gain on the back of the war in Ukraine and the impact on prices, needs to be captured and redistributed to customers. The mechanism by which this is done, be it by windfall taxes, dividends, or EU regulations is being finalised with a view to identifying the optimum solution.

On Friday I attended a meeting of the Council of Energy Ministers to finalise and approve the proposal, which is expected to raise additional revenues to be used to reduce the cost of energy for households and businesses.  Decisions were taken on three matters in an agreed package including: (i) a windfall tax or levy on the surplus profits made by fossil fuel companies with activities in the crude petroleum, natural gas, coal and refinery sector; (ii) another levy on excess revenues that low-cost power producers make from soaring electricity costs; and (iii)  a mandatory 5% cut in electricity use during peak price periods. The regulation introduces common measures to collect and redistribute the energy sector’s surplus revenues to final customers. The full Council Regulation proposal can be found at the following link: data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-12999-2022-INIT/en/pdf

National Broadband Plan

Questions (167)

Carol Nolan

Question:

167. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the details of the funding his Department has allocated to date for the delivery of the national broadband plan; the projected expenditure required to fund the plan for 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48256/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The contract for the National Broadband Plan (NBP), signed with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in November 2019, provides for the deployment, management and operation by NBI of a high-speed broadband network to all premises in the NBP Intervention Area. The maximum possible cost to the State for the NBP contract will be €2.7 Billion over the 25 year term of the contract. €278.98 million has been paid to NBI to date under the NBP contract.

As part of Budget 2023 an allocation for 2023 of €218 million was announced for the NBP. The NBP budget allocation for 2024 will be determined next year as part of the 2024 Estimates process.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (168, 169, 170, 171, 172)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

168. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total capital funding provided for his Department in 2022, broken down by programme; the expenditure profile at the end of September 2022 on each programme; if there is likely to be an underspend in any particular area; the reason for such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48601/22]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

169. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a subhead breakdown of the €513 million allocated to the energy transformation programme in budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48603/22]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

170. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a subhead breakdown of the €143 million allocated to the climate action and environment leadership programme in budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48604/22]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

171. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a subhead breakdown of the €110 million allocated to the circular economy development programme in budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48605/22]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a subhead breakdown of the €272 million allocated to the connectivity and communications delivery programme in budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48606/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 172, inclusive, together.

My Department prepares a profile of projected monthly spending at the start of each year and actively manages expenditure throughout the fiscal year to deliver on its agreed business priorities and objectives.  However, it is not unusual for actual expenditure to vary from profiled expenditure. The war in Ukraine has had a prohibitive effect on Energy supply which in turn increased the cost of Energy, in response my Department has completed two Supplementary Estimates; the first tackled the rising cost via a universal Electricity credit; the second was necessary for the procurement of additional electricity generation equipment.

The 2022 Capital Allocations for my Department by programme are given in the table below:

Programme Allocations (€m)	Capital
A - CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP	97
B - ENERGY TRANSFORMATION	318
C - CIRCULAR ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT	52
D - CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATIONS DELIVERY	234
Gross Total	700
Appropriations in Aid	-
Net Total	700

As set out in the Fiscal Monitor report for August 2022 (gov.ie - Fiscal Monitor August 2022 (www.gov.ie))  my Department was 10.8% behind on a profiled spend of €733m at the end of August, inclusive of the Supplementary Estimates.  The profiled spend to end September is €873m with a forecasted outturn of €708m.

The 2023 Capital Allocations for my Department by programme are set out in the table below:

Programme Allocations (€m)	Capital
A - CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP	90
B - ENERGY TRANSFORMATION	453
C - CIRCULAR ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT	61
D - CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATIONS DELIVERY	246
Gross Total	850
Appropriations in Aid	-
Net Total	850

The Department is currently reviewing financial performance by programme for Quarter 4 with a view to preparing a forecast outturn for the year end.

My Department has a number of critical deliverables in 2023 specific to its remit including:

1. Coordination of the National Energy Security Framework which provides an overarching and comprehensive response to Ireland’s energy needs in the context of the war in Ukraine.

2. REPowerEU Programme for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy, eliminating EU dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030.

3. The scale of the ambition to be delivered by Ireland to achieve its commitments to limiting climate change as set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 including:

a. A 51% reduction in annual greenhouse gases from a base year of 2018 by 2030 and net zero emissions no later than 2050, 

b. The Government Decision (S180/20/10/2704) on Sectoral Emission ceilings including additional targets re;

i. 2GW of offshore wind for the production of green hydrogen,

ii. Obligations on the heat sector by 2024 to incentivise 5.7TWh anaerobic digestion by 2030

iii. Additional 3GW (5.5GW in total) of solar energy by 2030.  

4. Ireland’s commitments under the EU Green Deal including a just transition to zero emissions with no person or place left behind and commitments to cleaner energy.

5. Section 5.6.2 of the ‘Housing for All’ Plan which commits this Department and National Broadband Ireland to the acceleration of the rollout of the National Broadband Plan (Housing Policy Objective 26)

6. The Programme for Government commitment to ‘Ensure that the Department of Climate Action has the capacity and expertise to manage the transition in energy efficiency and renewable energy and to carry out its expanded function in relation to carbon budgets.

7. Implementation of the Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy as committed to in the Programme for Government.

8. Implementation of the reform of the National Security Strategy 2019-2024, including the recommendations from the 2021 capacity review of the National Cyber Security Centre.

9. Complete the land use review committed to in the Programme for Government, to optimise the storage of greenhouse gases, the restoration of biodiversity and pristine water systems and the development of rural communities.

 A breakdown within the programmes will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume later this year.

Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 168.

Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 168.

Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 168.

Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 168.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (173)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

173. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the target number of retrofits per retrofit scheme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48607/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Budget 2023 included an exchequer capital funding allocation of €337.3 million for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including Solar and Microgen. €291 million of the exchequer allocation is being provided from carbon tax revenue.

This allocation compares to €244.2 million in funding in 2022 (allocation following the Supplementary Estimate in July) and equates to an increase of €93 million.

This overall allocation is the highest ever and means that the Warmer Homes Scheme, National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, Better Energy Homes, Community Energy Grant Scheme and the Solar PV Scheme and Microgen will each have record budget allocations for 2023.

This investment will deliver over 37,000 home energy upgrades including over 13,800 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 and 6,000 free upgrades under the SEAI energy poverty scheme.

Delivery of the residential and community energy efficiency schemes will be considered as part of the SEAI business planning process for 2023 which will finalised before the end of this year.

Electricity Generation

Questions (174)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

174. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of solar photovoltaic installations targeted for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48608/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Solar PV panels are installed under a number of scenarios and are supported under a number of Department funded and SEAI administered schemes. For domestic installations, solar PV is installed on new homes, as one of the measures to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. They are also installed on existing buildings through grant supports offer by Government, through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).  

The Government approved the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in December 2021 to support 380 MW of new micro-generation by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan. This amounts to 60,000 homes and 9,000 non-domestic installations, such as small farms and businesses, schools and community groups etc, which would generate over 300 GWh of renewable electricity per annum, with the potential to abate 1.4 million tonnes of CO2eq over the lifetime of the installations.  

Since 2018, the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for over 12,000 homes and with demand for the domestic Solar PV grant increasing significantly throughout the year, we expect that grant applications will exceed 12,600 in 2022 alone. Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in early 2022 applications levels are up 250% year on year. For 2023, the SEAI is forecasting to support over 12,500 homes and over 1,000 small businesses and community organisations.  

In addition to the MSS offering grant support to domestic and non-domestic applicants for renewable installations up to 6kW, these applicants will also be eligible to avail of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff. As such, any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment; which further supports the investment.

Electricity Generation

Questions (175)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

175. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost of installing solar photovoltaic panels on all schools as announced in budget 2023; the number of panels to be installed on each school; the timeframe for this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48609/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The programme of works in relation to installation of solar photovoltaic panels on school buildings, as announced in the Budget, are a matter for my colleague the Minster for Education.

More broadly, the public sector has a very strong track record in energy efficiency, as evidenced by achieving the ambitious 2020 target of a 33% energy efficiency improvement compared to an overall economy wide target of 20%. It is important that the Public Sector continues to lead by example in these challenging times.

Since 2017, the SEAI's Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, which is co-funded with the Department of Education, has provided capital supports to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings. The programme is paving the way for, and informing, a much larger national schools’ programme for the energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008, as included in the National Development Plan. The Pathfinder programme has, to date, supported the retrofit of 41 schools across Ireland, with work on an additional 15 schools currently at various stages of progress.

My Department's contribution to the 2022 schools initiative is over €11 million, which will see 6 schools benefiting from a selection of energy efficiency works. The general principles and approach to school selection for the Programme include schools meeting Energy Monitoring and Reporting requirements, as well as demonstrating a strong and holistic commitment to energy management practices through participation in the SEAI and the Department of Education partnership initiative, Energy in Education Programme. The programme selection also seeks to enable various cross sections of school types and sizes, energy consumption profiles, different elements of construction type and different heritage/conservation requirements, where specific learnings are being targeted. Further information for schools is available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/community-energy/schools/save-energy-at-school/

Question No. 176 answered with Question No. 151.

Electricity Generation

Questions (177)

Emer Higgins

Question:

177. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a community enterprise (details supplied) is eligible to apply for the newly launched new solar photovoltaic grants for businesses, public organisations and community groups; if so, the category the organisation should apply under; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48645/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

On the 22nd September I announced the extension of Government supports of up to €2,400 for the installation of solar PV panels for non-domestic buildings – aimed specifically at businesses, public organisations and community groups. The new grants are the next phase in the Government’s Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) and are administered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme provides grant funding of up to €2,400 towards the installation of solar PV technology up to a maximum of 6kWp, which is approximately 16 solar panels. This provides an opportunity for all areas of the non-domestic sector to not only reduce their electricity bills, but to visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Ireland’s broader climate action goals. Full details and how to apply are available at www.seai.ie . Moreover, with the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG),any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises is now eligible for an export payment which further supports the investment. This means that the installation can pay for itself quickly – thus helping to protect businesses and organisations across the country against rising energy prices into the future. The final phase of the Micro-generation Support Scheme will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff – to support electricity exported to the grid from non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWe up to 50kWe. The CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) will consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff, which will consists of a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations that is fixed for 15 years.

Departmental Transport

Questions (178)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

178. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the number of domestic flights for work purposes taken by him, Ministers of State in the Department and Department staff for each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [47924/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Deputy, please see the number of domestic flights for work purposes taken by Ministers, Junior Ministers and Departmental staff for each of the years 2019 to 2022 inclusive, set out in tabular form.  

Number of domestic flights

Year	Minister	Junior Ministers	Department staff – return flights	Department staff – single flights	Destination
2019	0	0	13	7	3 x return flights to Donegal All other flights to Kerry
2020	0	0	6	0	Kerry
2021	0	0	0	0
2022	0	0	0	0