Wednesday, 15 Feb 2023

Written Answers Nos. 33-57

Labour Market

Questions (33)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

33. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed in 2022, by industry and county, in tabular form. [7746/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of employment estimates in the State. Annual figures for 2022 are not yet available – Table 1 contains LFS data for Q2 2022.

The quarterly LFS employment estimates are produced by NUTS3 Regions (NUTS3 is a geocode standard referencing the eight subdivisions of Ireland for statistical purposes ). Due to the methodology and sample size of the survey it is not possible to produce reliable county estimates from the LFS.

https://www.cso.ie/en/methods/revnuts23/

Table 1 below shows the number of persons aged 15-89 years in employment (ILO) by NACE Rev.2 Economic Sector and by NUTS3 Region for Q2 2022.

Employment Data Table

Constitutional Amendments

Questions (34)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

34. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach to report on his plans for constitutional amendments. [6930/23]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There are various proposals for constitutional reform under consideration, including some arising from the Programme for Government, others from the work of Citizens’ Assemblies and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality and others, such as the EU Agreement on a Unified Patent Court, that arise from legal requirements.

While no final decisions have been made as yet on the timing for the holding of referendums, the Government is anxious to progress matters expeditiously and attaches a particular priority to the gender equality issues. I note that with the establishment of the Electoral Commission it will now fulfil the role of referendum commissions which will help to streamline the process necessary for the conduct of referendums.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Questions (35)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

35. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent engagements with the social partners. [6931/23]

Awaiting reply from the Department.

Trade Relations

Questions (36)

Seán Haughey

Question:

36. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered the implications for Ireland and the EU regarding the US Inflation Reduction Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7543/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Inflation Reduction Act includes a tax incentive encouraging US consumers to buy electric vehicles that are produced in the US and meet “local-content” requirements and a range of subsidies to encourage the adoption of clean and green technology. The Act provides for $369bn of subsidies in the area of Electric Vehicles, batteries, hydrogen production and renewable energy.

The full implications of the US legislation on Ireland and EU will take time to analyse, and the Government has been working with the EU Commission and other Member States to understand the implications for Europe and to develop appropriate policy responses.

An EU-US taskforce on the Inflation Reduction Act was launched on 25 October 2022. The taskforce provides a specific platform to address the EU’s concerns on the problematic elements of the Inflation Reduction Act and is led by officials from the White House and Commission President von der Leyen’s cabinet. The taskforce is expected to continue meeting regularly until March 2023, when the final implementation guidelines are due to be issued by the US Department of the Treasury.

While acknowledging that Europe must ramp up its existing climate change efforts, we must ensure that we continue to collaborate with our US counterparts. We recognise that the EU-US taskforce on the Inflation Reduction Act is working hard to address EU concerns and other constructive bilateral engagements which we believe will be beneficial to Europe in the longer term.

Earlier this month, the EU Commission published a new industrial strategy: A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age. This strategy is far-reaching, touching many policy areas across government. The strategy proposes a new Green Deal Industrial Plan for the EU, to set out the path for Europe to climate neutrality and being a global leader in the net-zero industrial age. Investments in renewable energy including hydrogen, decarbonising industry and electric vehicle battery technology are all covered.

Europe requires a robust strategy for decarbonising industries, but this needs to be paired with a fiscal plan that ensures that a relaxation of State Aid rules can benefit every Member State, not just wealthy Member States.

Equally, the EU must not be drawn into, nor contribute to, a subsidies war. Rather, as we transition to net zero, we look for the EU to become the home of industrial innovation. Ireland believes that our Union should take common action, focusing in particular on a competitive business environment, access to finance and skills and talent investment. The need to develop clean technologies, renewable energy sources and improved digital capacity are central to Ireland’s own White Paper on Enterprise Strategy to 2030, which Government launched last December.

My officials and I have been engaging with colleagues in the EU Commission and other Member States to ensure that Ireland's interests are represented in any trade responses or State Aid policy changes.

Work Permits

Questions (37)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

37. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider reviewing the decision to refuse applications that failed pre-check where the remuneration figures were incorrect due to the change in minimum wage between 2022 and 2023 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7588/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The applications submitted in respect of the Employment Permits in the details supplied were returned to the applicant following an initial pre-check, as discrepancies were identified in the Labour Market Needs Test and the application form.

As the applications concerned were not formally accepted for processing, the returns are not considered to be refusals. The applicant has been advised to submit new applications.

A full refund of the fee paid has been returned to the applicant. New applications are currently being processed within 5-8 business days.

Work Permits

Questions (38)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

38. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of horticultural operative employment permits remaining out of the total quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7590/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The role of horticultural worker is subject to a quota of 1,000 permits. There are currently 73 permits remaining in this quota. Once the quota for horticulture workers has been filled, no new permits will issue in respect of this role.

A checklist document has been prepared to assist applicants when applying for a General Employment Permit specifically for the role of a horticultural worker and this document can be accessed on the Department’s website through the following link:- enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/publication-files/checklist-for-horticultural-meat-dairy-general-employment.pdf.

All applications received are dealt with in order of date of receipt.

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (39)

Paul Murphy

Question:

39. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if any data centres applied for assistance under the Ukraine enterprise crisis scheme; and if any data centres were granted assistance under the scheme. [7616/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department officials have consulted with Enterprise Ireland and I can confirm that no data centres have been granted assistance under the Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme. To date no data centres have applied for assistance under the Scheme.

National Standards Authority of Ireland

Questions (40)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

40. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the members of the National Standards Authority of Ireland panel who drafted IS-398:2013; and the members of the National Standards Authority of Ireland panel who drafted IS-398:2017. [7640/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

In relation to I.S. 465 and the membership of the relevant National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) committees, I am providing tables containing details as requested for 2013 and 2017.

I am advised by NSAI that there are two parts to I.S. 398:

Part 1 relates to reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - part 1: Testing and categorization protocol. There are two editions of part 1 - 2013 and 2017 publications, developed by NSAI/TC 58/SC1. The membership is provided for both projects.

Part 2 relates to reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - part 2: Methodology for remediation works published in 2013, developed by NSAI/TC 58/SC2. Membership is also provided for this project.

NSAI keeps membership of its committees under constant review to endeavour to have a balanced representation within the constraints imposed by availability of suitable experts and interested stakeholders, and the voluntary nature of the committee. The contribution made by members, in terms of time and expertise to this essential standardisation work, is very much valued.

1. NSAI/TC 58 SC1 "Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Testing and categorization"

The following members participated in the development of I.S. 398-1:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - part 1: Testing and categorization protocol

Note: An Observer is a member on the circulation list for documents but not in attendance or participating in meetings.

Name	Representation
Michael Maher	Chairperson (Golder Associates Ltd.)
Therese Clarke	Technical Secretary NSAI
Bernadette Azzie	Golder Associates Ireland Ltd.
Feargal Bracken	OSG
Pamela Marchant	OSG (Observer)
Brian Byrne	Aidan O'Connell Associates Ltd
Patrick Casey	Arup
Sean Cassidy	NSAI Aggregates Panel
Liam Smyth	NSAI Aggregates Panel (ICF)
Dermot McCarthy	NSAI Aggregates Panel
Eddie Comerford	ACEI
Michael Hughes	OSG
John Kelly	SLR Environmental Consulting
James Lombard	Ground Investigates Ireland
Sarah Neary	Dept of Environment, Community and Local Government
Oliver O'Brien	Dept of Environment, Community and Local Government
John Wickham	Dept of Environment, Community and Local Government
Aidan O'Connell	Engineers Ireland
Michael Robinson	Testconsult Ireland Ltd
Gerry Stanley	Geological Survey Ireland
Conor Taaffe	Homebond
Paul Quigley	Engineers Ireland (Geotechnical)
Eoin Wyse	Arup

2. NSAI/TC 58 SC1 "Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Testing and categorization"

The following Members participated in the development of I.S. 398-1:2017 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - part 1: Testing and categorization protocol

Member	Representation
Michael Maher	Chairperson (Golder Associates Ltd.)
Therese Clarke	Technical Secretary NSAI
Bernadette Azzie	Golder Associates Ireland Ltd.
Martin Bennett	DBFL
Eddie Comerford	ACEI
John Kelly	SLR Consulting
Dermot McCarthy	NSAI Aggregates Panel (Roadstone)
Liam Smyth	NSAI Aggregates Panel (ICF)
Sarah Neary	Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Oliver O'Brien	Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
John Wickham	Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Aidan O'Connell	Engineers Ireland
Mairead Phelan	LGMA
Paul Quigley	Engineers Ireland (Geotechnical )
Michael Robinson	Test Consult Ireland
Eoin Wyse	Arup
Robert Goodhue	Trinity College
James Lombard	Ground Investigates Ltd.
Gerry Stanley	Geological Survey of Ireland
Conor Taaffe	Homebond
Linda Lally	Fingal County Council
Thomas Little	Kilsaran
Colin Scott	Aidan O'Connell Associates
Fergal Bracken	OSG (Observer)
Seamus Duggan	MBCA (Observer)

3. NSAI/TC 58 SC2 Remediation works

The following Members participated in the development of I.S. 398-2:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - part 2: Methodology for remediation works

Member	Representation
Paul Forde	Chairperson (DBFL Consulting)
Elizabeth O'Ferrall	Technical Secretary NSAI
Sean Balfe	NSAI Agrement
Fergal Bracken	OSG
Peter Finnegan	Dublin City Council
Hubert Fitzpatrick	CIF (Irish House Builders Association)
Philip Maguire	Ballymun Regeneration Ltd.
Jim Mansfield	Kavanagh Mansfield and partners
Pamela Marchant-Ragan	OSG
Brian McKeon	CIF (Irish House Builders Association)
Sarah Neary	Dept. Environment, Community and Local Government
Oliver O'Brien	Dept. Environment, Community and Local Government
Aidan O'Connell	Engineers Ireland (Aidan O'Connell and Associates Ltd.)
Colin Scott	Aidan O'Connell and Associates Ltd.
Derry Solon	Ballymun Regeneration Ltd.
Mathew Stevens	Ballymun Regeneration Ltd.
Conor Taaffe	Homebond
Michael Hughes	OSG
John Wickham	Dept. Environment Community and Local Government

The following revised reply was received on 7 March 2023.

Reactive pyrite

Low Pay

Questions (41)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

41. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No.50 of 08 February 2023, if his attention has been drawn to a Low Pay Commission report (details supplied) whose recommendations include that an interdepartmental working group be established and legal advice sought regarding the establishment of a universal basic income pilot scheme; his plans to do so; the reason he stated there are no plans to introduce or further trial universal basic income at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7723/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I am familiar with the Low Pay Commission’s report on piloting a Universal Basic Income, and its accompanying research report, authored by ESRI under the terms of the Low Pay Commission / ESRI Research Partnership Agreement, titled ‘A universal basic income for Ireland: Lessons from the international literature’, both submitted by the Low Pay Commission during 2022.

In their report the Low Pay Commission noted that “the recommendations and guidelines in this report regarding how UBI might be piloted in Ireland should not be seen as an implicit endorsement of the concept of a UBI by the Low Pay Commission. The Low Pay Commission was not asked to evaluate the concept of a UBI. Nor was it asked to evaluate whether or not UBI should be piloted”.

The Commission’s report describes five general principles that the Low Pay Commission recommends for the design of any UBI pilot for Ireland.

It also provides ten guidelines which may help in the design of a UBI pilot for Ireland. The report notes that “these should be seen as non-binding guidelines, which should be developed upon as a pilot is designed”.

These ten guidelines, which the report noted should be contingent on the policy preferences of Government, included the establishment of an interdepartmental working group and obtaining legal advice on the establishment of a universal basic income scheme.

As I noted in my response to Parliamentary Question No.50 of 08 February 2023, the Commission on Taxation and Welfare recently reported that “The Commission does not support the development of a Universal Basic Income in Ireland” and that “Further, it is noted that resourcing such a pilot project may detract from the State’s ability to fund means-tested welfare schemes, or other targeted measures to address poverty.”

Given the recent implementation of Basic Income for the Arts scheme, and the views of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare on the development of Universal Basic Income in Ireland, there are no plans to introduce or further trial Universal Basic Income at this time.

Environmental Policy

Questions (42)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he considers that the independence and focus of the EPA is comprised and diluted by the fact that its functions and lines of accountability are spilt between departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Environmental protection policy falls primarily under the remit my Department, in conjunction with the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) which has primary responsibility for water protection policy. The EPA is a key regulator in both these sectors and its relationship with and accountability to the two Departments is underpinned by a Performance Delivery Agreement. The PDA, which is reviewed annually, defines an agreed level of performance with the aim of providing efficient and effective delivery of public services to protect and improve our environment.

Wind Energy Generation

Questions (43)

Bríd Smith

Question:

43. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the timeframe for the publication of the revised wind energy development guidelines and the reason for the significant delay in publishing it; if the regulations will bring us up to EU norms with regard to distance to turbines and noise levels; whether the Government will continue to outsource the provision of renewable energy to foreign multinationals if it will establish a State-led, nationalised model of provision for wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7488/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I refer to the reply to Question No 214 of 26 January 2023 provided by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The preparation and adoption of statutory planning guidelines are a function of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, pursuant to Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). As such, the Minister has no statutory role in their preparation or adoption. The preparation of revised Wind Energy Guidelines is an action provided for in the Climate Action Plan 2023 (reference no. EL/23/4, table 12.7), and reflecting the relevant statutory provisions, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the designated lead department. My Department will be supporting this review and work is already underway to input into the process over the course of 2023.

The Government has no plans to move to a state-led model for the development of wind energy. The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate as a competitive market. As such, while state-owned bodies may own and operate renewable energy developments, these bodies do so on a commercial basis and the State itself does not directly own or operate any such generation assets.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (44)

Frank Feighan

Question:

44. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the body or outside agency associated with his Department that has the ultimate authority on the guidance to local authorities in relation to signage and the correct spelling of placenames, towns and villages across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7535/23]

Awaiting reply from the Department.

Environmental Schemes

Questions (45)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

45. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grant funding to aid the implementation of environmentally friendly and energy efficient changes is available for a business (details supplied) in County Donegal; the application process to access such funding if available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7573/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department funds a number support schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to help businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their activities.

The detailed administration and management of these schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function regarding specific requests/applications for the various schemes.

The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is [e-mail]

Inland Fisheries

Questions (47)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

47. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of funding provided to Inland Ireland in the past three years to date; if he will clarify the status of work underway at a state asset in Galway (details supplied); if sanction was granted to expend funds on the works; and if IFI obtained planning permission for the works and the felling of trees on the site. [7585/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The table below shows the voted funds that were allocated to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in each of the years 2020 to 2023.

Year	Allocated
2023	€32,721,000
2022	€30,513,000
2021	€30,442,000
2020	€31,095,000

Funds allocated to IFI are not generally disaggregated towards specific work or projects and it is an operational matter for IFI to assign funding as required.

Issues in relation to planning status of IFI property, including Aasleagh Lodge, are also operational matters for IFI and neither I nor my Department have any function in the matters raised.

The role of my Department in property matters is confined to seeking sanction, if required, under established financial process, from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in the event that a Public Body under its aegis wishes to purchase or dispose of property.

IFI has established a specific e-mail address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is [e-mail].

Post Office Network

Questions (48)

David Stanton

Question:

48. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the current situation with respect to the €30 million funding package announced in June 2022 to support the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7592/23]

Written answers

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

An amendment to the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 is proposed under the Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Bill 2022. The proposed amendment will provide a statutory base for the provision of funding from the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Communications to the post office network, via An Post. The Bill has completed fifth stage in the Dáil and cleared second stage in the Seanad on 8 February and is due back for final stages in the Seanad this week.

Payments to Postmasters will made as soon as practicable once the enabling legislation is passed, with payments backdated to January 2023.

Broadband Infrastructure

Questions (49, 50)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

49. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeframe for the rollout of at least 30mb broadband speeds to a location (details supplied) in County Donegal as part of the national broadband plan; if such areas with poor or no broadband coverage shall be prioritised during the rollout phase as part of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7698/23]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

50. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeframe for the rollout of at least 30mb broadband speeds to a location (details supplied) in County Donegal as part of the national broadband plan; if such areas with poor or no broadband coverage shall be prioritised during the rollout phase as part of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7699/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.

The Questions refer to premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.

Further details are available on specific areas within County Donegal through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, [e-mail], which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.

I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 3rd February 2023, over 125,800 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 118,000 premises passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. NBI has advised that 3,059 premises in County Donegal are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection.

The network rollout for the NBP is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. The architecture of the network design is specifically based on the design of the NBI network coming from the eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs). It is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to reach every premises as quickly as possible working within the confines of how fibre networks are built. Villages, townlands and counties may be covered by a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for the rollout across county areas.

NBI have created a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie.

Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high-speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 3rd February 2023, 863 SCP sites (281 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 582 schools) have been installed and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Donegal all 12 BCP’s have been installed. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/.

In County Donegal 38 schools have been installed to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.

Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 49.

Energy Conservation

Questions (51)

James Lawless

Question:

51. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps his Department is taking to encourage a reduction in energy usage in public sector buildings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7713/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Public Sector has a very strong track record in energy efficiency, having achieved the ambitious 2020 target of a 33% energy efficiency improvement, compared to an overall economy wide target of 20%. Given the ongoing situation in relation to energy prices and supply, there is a concerted effort across the public sector to continue this leadership role in reducing energy use.

Government took the decision that all public sector bodies must continue to lead by example in lowering energy consumption and costs by signing up to and implementing the SEAI and the OPW Reduce Your Use energy efficiency initiative for public bodies which commenced in September 2022.

The ‘Reduce Your Use’ energy efficiency initiative provides a structured programme of energy saving activities during the winter months and offers energy saving advice for the Public Sector.

Public sector organisations are now implementing a number of measures including; setting temperatures to a guideline 19 degrees where appropriate, turning off heat in office buildings at least 1-2 hours before the building closes, ensuring no non-security/safety lighting is in use after 8:00pm, and organisations are also seeking to reduce unnecessary lighting at other times.

It is expected that this campaign can deliver 5-10% energy savings overall across the sector, and up to 15% in buildings.

To ensure Public Bodies are supported in delivering these targets, there is a need to monitor progress and capture more detail on activities carried out. To this end, my Department and the SEAI have issued a survey on a monthly basis to the Energy Performance Officer in each public body in order to tailor supports and share learnings across the public sector.

Energy Prices

Questions (52)

Holly Cairns

Question:

52. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of any engagement that he has had with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in relation to setting an upper limit on energy standing charges; if he will provide details of his engagement with the Commission with regard to carrying out a review of standing charges, particularly in view of recent price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7747/23]

Awaiting reply from the Department.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (53)

Steven Matthews

Question:

53. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to cases whereby some sports clubs cannot apply for the sports club EV charging scheme due to not having phase 3 power set ups in their facilities; if funding could be provided to upgrade their electrical systems in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7572/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland launched a new destination charging scheme, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, at the end of January to support the installation of fast electric vehicle chargers into sports clubs. The scheme aims to install approximately 200 chargers into local communities providing a network of fast chargers across the island. It has been developed on an all-island basis in partnership with Sports Ireland and its recognised National Governing Bodies as well as in collaboration with the ESB Networks and Northern Ireland Electric and the commercial sector.

The Scheme is funded to the value of €15m by the Shared Island Fund and aims to install 50KW chargers into viable sites. Subject to the available connection and the number of car parking spaces available it may also provide a 22KW charger in addition.

There are specific criteria by which each site will be assessed including the power available. In developing the scheme, ZEVI has been advised that 3 phase electricity is required to power a 50KW charger and so that is one of the scheme's minimum requirements.

However, ZEVI is aware that clubs have an assortment of power arrangements in place including: 3 phase, single phase, and in some cases, are generator powered.

Until the sports clubs make an expression of interest through their National Governing Body to Pobal at the end of this month, it is not possible to assess the number of clubs that are interested and have 3 phase power. Having 3 phase power already installed is the most cost efficient option in relation to maximising the number of sites funded by the scheme.

Transport Policy

Questions (54)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

54. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the current legal situation with respect to e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7743/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Under current road traffic legislation, e-scooters are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires tax, insurance and a driving licence. Since they do not fit into any existing licence category, it is not possible to tax or insure them and they may not currently be used on public roads or in public places. They may be used on private land with the landowner's permission.

The Programme for Government commits to legislating for e-scooters. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which is before the Seanad, includes provisions for regulation of the use of e-scooters. The Bill defines a new category of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act, 1961, powered personal transporters or PPTs, which will include e-scooters. Establishing this new vehicle category will enable me to put regulations in place to govern the safe use of e-scooters. E-scooters which meet the criteria established in the Bill and subsequent regulations will become legal to use on their introduction.

While the passage of the Bill through the remaining legislative stages is subject to the Oireachtas, it is anticipated that the Bill will be enacted before the end of Quarter 1. Once the Bill has been enacted and the relevant sections commenced, formal drafting of the regulations can begin. However, the introduction of new technical regulations for vehicles is subject to mandatory examination by the European Commission for a minimum of 12 weeks, under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535 and relevant regulations would not be put in place until that process is completed.

Public Transport

Questions (55)

Holly Cairns

Question:

55. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport to provide interim funding for the provision of transport to enable young people in Beara, County Cork, to access disability services in Bantry, County Cork, until the permanent service is in place later in 2023. [7748/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local link services, and delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. Connecting Ireland is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for bus services in West Cork, including to/from the Beara peninsula, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (56)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

56. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if the two-year grace period afforded to taxi drivers during Covid-19 for car replacement can be extended to all taxi drivers due to the delays in ordering electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7441/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.

Since August 2022, a series of global circumstances has, in the NTA’s view, considerably worsened the capability of taxi and hackney licence holders to secure new vehicles, with lead times of one year not uncommon already. Therefore, the NTA introduced new Regulations on 18 November last, permitting an extension to the final operation date of vehicles due to reach their final date of operation/maximum permissible age between 13 March 2020 and 31 December 2024.

The purpose of these Regulations is to amend Regulation 31 of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015, Maximum Permissible Age Requirements and to revoke the Small Public Service Vehicle (Emergency Measure Covid-19) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 482 of 2021). This amendment is made as an exceptional provision and contingency measure, resultant from current vehicle supply issues and to ensure that no current vehicle licence holder is forced out of the industry because a replacement vehicle cannot be purchased. The NTA is contacting SPSV licence holders to confirm the new final operation date of their current licensed vehicle.

Bus Services

Questions (57)

Mark Ward

Question:

57. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the penalties that are in place for public transport bus operators when buses do not operate on schedule; the operators that received penalties; the amount of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7461/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the penalties that are in place for public transport bus operators when buses do not operate on schedule, the operators that received penalties and the amount of each, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.