Wednesday, 8 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 39-57

Climate Action Plan

Questions (39)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

39. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress report on the Climate Action Plan. [11012/23]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Department of the Taoiseach prepares quarterly progress reports on the implementation of measures committed to under Climate Action Plans. The reports provide a detailed breakdown of completed and delayed actions each quarter.

Once approved by Government, they are published online for full transparency on climate action delivery.

The most recently compiled progress report was published on the 28th of February, covering actions due for reporting in Q4 2022. This was the fourth and final progress report on the Climate Action Plan 2021.

An implementation rate of 64% was achieved specifically on those measures that were due in Q4 2022. Overall, 79% of the 965 measures that were due under the lifetime of the Climate Action Plan 2021 were completed.

High impact measures completed in Q4 2022 and spotlighted in the most recent progress report include:

- Ireland’s first offshore renewable energy auction commenced, and a consultation on the design of our third onshore auction launched.

- Ireland’s first all-electric bus service launched in Athlone.

- Restoration measures carried out on six raised bog sites covering an area of over 300 hectares.

- 4,550 green skills training places provided, with 60,000 modules made available to learners through the SOLAS Green Skills programme.

- A new Deposit and Return Scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans launched to promote the circular economy.

All delayed measures listed in the Q4 2022 Progress Report have been carried forward for consideration in the drafting of the new Annex of Actions for the Climate Action Plan 2023.

Quarterly progress reporting helps to maintain accountability and transparency for the delivery of climate actions across all Government Departments and Agencies and will continue under the Climate Action Plan 2023.

Departmental Staff

Questions (40)

Réada Cronin

Question:

40. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Taoiseach if each Government Department now has a full-time, dedicated climate scientist on its staff; and if they do not, the reason therefor. [11634/23]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Climate Action Unit is part of the Economic Division of the Department of the Taoiseach. It was established in 2019 to meet the challenges of climate change and drive the necessary transition to a climate-neutral economy. The Unit assists in coordinating a whole-of-government response to the climate crisis, including supporting the delivery of the Government’s climate commitments as outlined in the Programme for Government.

The Unit includes officials with a range of relevant experience and qualifications, including two specialist staff seconded from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland respectively.

Official Engagements

Questions (41)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

41. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the senior officials of the major tech companies that he met with during his recent visit to the west coast of the United States. [11708/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

On 6 February last, I travelled to the US West Coast for a series of high-level meetings with a range of existing IDA Ireland client companies. I was accompanied on the visit by the IDA Ireland Interim CEO. The senior officials of the tech companies which I met were all at C-suite level in those companies.

We had discussions about the technology sector in the first instance and the meetings also covered a range of other topics including :

-Ireland’s commitment to FDI and discussion of client’s operations in Ireland, including contractions in the Technology Sector and plans for the future.

-Legislation on Digital Services and the Digital Market Acts.

-Ireland’s value proposition for potential future investment.

-Irish government policy in areas of interest to international investors.

-The ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine on FDI.

As well as engaging with, and hearing from, enterprise leaders during the visit, I highlighted Ireland’s strong FDI value proposition which remains our pro-enterprise policy environment, highly educated English-speaking workforce and our membership of the European Union.

National Minimum Wage

Questions (42)

Colm Burke

Question:

42. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to granting the full minimum wage to workers from the age of 16 years, rather than an incremental approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11773/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

In the past, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) was asked to examine the issues around subminimum rates under the National Minimum Wage Acts and reported on the matter in December 2017.

The LPC, having examined all available evidence and submissions, and having considered a range of options, made recommendations in its report to simplify youth rates based on age and to abolish training rates unless an employee is part of certain apprenticeship programmes already approved by the State.

In 2022, the Low Pay Commission was requested to re-examine the issues around retaining or removing the youth rates and to make recommendations on the subject. To inform its work, the LPC has asked the ESRI to conduct background research on this issue under the terms of the LPC-ESRI Research Partnership Agreement. The LPC’s report and recommendations on sub-minimum rates are expected in 2023.

While the issue of subminimum youth rates is being considered, the Government will continue to be guided by the recommendations of the LPC with regard to any future changes in the National Minimum Wage.

Work Permits

Questions (43)

Michael McNamara

Question:

43. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline any improvements made to introduce a minimum time for the processing of applications for work permits for non-EEA workers in the hospitality sector, in which there is a critical shortage of available skilled workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11807/23]

Written answers

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

There was a significant increase in applications for employment permits in 2021 and 2022, which led to delays in processing times. Following the implementation of an internal action plan the number of applications awaiting processing has now significantly reduced in all sectors including the hospitality sector. Processing times are currently running at 4-7 business days.

The table below shows the current processing dates as of 3rd March in respect of each permit type.

Standard new applications	22nd February 2023
Standard renewal applications	22nd February 2023
Standard critical skills applications	22nd February 2023
Trusted partner new applications	24th February 2023
Trusted partner renewal applications	27th February 2023
Trusted partner critical skills applications	27th February 2023

Energy Prices

Questions (44)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

44. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department is liaising with IDA Ireland and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to ensure that business energy costs can be reduced through the EU reform of the electricity market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11902/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I and my officials engage regularly with our national enterprise development agencies, including IDA Ireland, and directly with business stakeholders on the issues that impact on them. I am extremely conscious that current high energy prices are placing a strain on many businesses. As the Deputy alludes to, the cost of electricity for businesses is a concern from a competitiveness and resilience perspective for Ireland’s economy. A broad range of measures is being progressed to mitigate the pain of these increases in the short-term while investing in a secure and competitive energy market for the medium and long-term.

For example, last week I Government announced changes to the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) to make it more accessible for businesses, with further changes to increase the level of support pending State Aid approval. I'm encouraging all businesses dealing with electricity or gas costs that have risen by more than 50% to apply immediately for support.

To deliver greater energy price competitiveness and stability over the medium-term, the Government plans to deliver a more diversified and secure energy system. Significant support for energy efficiency and a large volume of domestic renewable energy, alongside independent regulation that protects consumers will further deliver efficient, competitive energy prices in retail and wholesale markets.

My colleague, Eamonn Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications is leading on EU proposals for electricity market reform, engaging the Commission and Member States energy Ministers. The European Commission launched a public consultation into electricity market reform on 23rd January and Ireland submitted a position paper on the 13th February which can be accessed at gov.ie. The Government is supportive of reform proposals, and we will look to ensure that reforms incorporate the competitive principles in any revised market design. It is appropriate to look at the market design with a view to improving it particularly in context of increased renewables on our system, protecting our security of supply and ensuring competitive pricing for consumers. We need to strike the right balance in relation to investment opportunities to accommodate increasing renewable penetration, as well as flexibility signals for storage, demand side response and back up generation technologies. Ireland's position is that it is critical for market design and energy market contracts to operate such that consumers receive the full direct benefit of low-cost renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The Commission has indicated that it will publish a proposal around 16th March, which is welcome.

Energy Prices

Questions (45)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

45. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to establish a scheme to assist manufacturers in paying energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11904/23]

Written answers

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

The €200 million Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Fund, which was launched in October 2022, provides liquidity support to viable but vulnerable manufacturing and internationally traded services companies experiencing trading difficulties, as well as targeted supports for eligible energy intensive companies experiencing severe increases in energy costs.

The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) is a grant designed to help businesses with increasing energy costs. The Scheme which has been designed by Department of Finance is being administered by the Revenue Commissioners. However, funding for the Scheme is allocated to the Vote of my Department and provides daily transfers at the request of the Revenue Commissioners.

Following extensive stakeholder engagement in late January/early February 2023 on the operation of the Scheme, the Department of Finance conducted a review of the Scheme. Following this review, the Government as part of the new round of cost of living supports, decided to amend the Scheme to allow more businesses apply for this grant, including extending the Scheme to 30 April 2023 and increasing the eligible amounts.

For claim periods from 1 March 2023 onwards, a number of other proposed enhancements to the scheme are subject to State aid approval including to extend the Scheme to 31 May 2023 and other improvements.

I am also exploring options for providing assistance to businesses who rely on Oil and LPG as their energy source and I will revert to Government on this in due course.

Employment Rights

Questions (46)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

46. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a situational update on the application of an Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for those who work in the security sector; if a new ERO is to be introduced; when an ERO will be implemented vis-a-vis the signing of a statutory instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11909/23]

Written answers

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

On 3 August 2022, the former Minister of State for Employment Affairs, Business and Retail announced an intention to issue an Order to give effect to a statutory recommendation of the Labour Court concerning minimum rates of remuneration and other terms and conditions in the Security Sector. The Order was to apply from 29 August 2022.

On 24 August 2022, my Department was informed that High Court had granted an injunction prohibiting the commencement of the proposed Statutory Instrument giving effect to the new Employment Regulation Order for the Security Industry.

At this moment in time the Order cannot be proceeded with. The matter is before the courts.

Redundancy Payments

Questions (47)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

47. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what actions he and officials in his Department are undertaking to ensure that appropriate redundancy pay is paid by an organisation (details supplied) to 38 of its employees at Raheen, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11910/23]

Written answers

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

I extend my sympathies to the former workers who have been made redundant. I fully appreciate how difficult the situation is for those involved and for their families. At the time of the job losses concerned, dedicated staff in the Department of Social Protection worked directly with the employees to ensure they received their entitlements and other supports swiftly in order to avoid any further distress.

By law, it is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy to eligible workers. In situations where an employer is genuinely unable to pay statutory redundancy entitlements due to financial difficulties or insolvency, the State provides a safety net and may make the statutory redundancy payments on the employer’s behalf from the Social Insurance Fund.

However, negotiations on enhanced redundancy packages over and above the statutory entitlement are entirely a voluntary matter between employers and workers. The State has no role in this matter.

For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms, that is, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. I must emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature. The responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives.

The WRC and the Labour Court are independent offices of the Department and recommendations arising from the WRC and the Labour Court are not legally binding. The State cannot compel a party to comply with a Labour Court Recommendation and as Minister I cannot intervene in this matter.

I strongly encourage parties to engage in the industrial relations process in a constructive manner and to comply with any recommendations arising from this process. All parties should respect the industrial relations mechanism of the State, which works extremely well and effectively in most cases.

Energy Prices

Questions (48, 62)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

48. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the Government will reduce energy costs for businesses in 2023; how the EU reform of the electricity market will impact these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11903/23]

John Paul Phelan

Question:

62. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how he intends to reduce energy bills for business customers throughout 2023; how the upcoming EU electricity market reform will feed into such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 62 together.

The electricity retail market in Ireland operates within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive and prices are no longer regulated. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is solely a matter for 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.

Nevertheless, Government recognises the difficulties businesses are facing due to the unprecedented increase in energy costs resulting from the military aggression by Russia in Ukraine. The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced to specifically address these challenges and Government have now made amendments to this scheme, to ensure businesses continue to be fully supported during this time. The scheme was designed to support qualifying businesses in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023, subject to monthly caps. However, in order to facilitate the continuation of the scheme, the Minister for Finance has exercised the power contained in Section 100 of Finance Act 2022 to extend the scheme to 30 April 2023. From 1 March, the monthly limit on aid under the scheme is also increased to €15,000 per qualifying business in relation to a trade or profession, subject to an overall cap of €45,000 in cases where a business is carried on from more than one location. Moreover, Government proposes to make a number of further amendments to the scheme. These changes will require State aid approval and subject to receiving that approval will be provided for in the forthcoming Finance Bill. The additional changes are as follows: - The Scheme will be extended, to 31 May 2023 - The threshold for qualification will be reduced from a 50% increase in electricity or gas costs to 30% increase (to apply retrospectively from 1 September 2022) - From 1 March 2023 the level of relief will increase from 40% to 50% of eligible costs Pending implementation of these changes, claims can continue to be made under the current scheme, with full details available on the Revenue website at the following link: Qualifying criteria for eligible businesses Making a claim (revenue.ie) The European Commission launched a public consultation into electricity market reform on 23 January. Ireland submitted a position paper on the 13 February and while we are supportive of reform, we should not depart from the competitive principles of our market design, which would undermine the cost-effective decarbonisation of our energy system, jeopardize affordability and risk security of supply. We need to strike the right balance in relation to investment opportunities to accommodate increasing renewable penetration, as well as flexibility signals for storage, demand side response and back up generation technologies. It is critical that market design and energy market contracts operate so that consumers (including businesses) receive the full direct benefit of low-cost renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The European Commission has indicated that it will publish its proposal by end of March 2023.

Exploration Industry

Questions (49)

Michael Ring

Question:

49. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any licences have been granted in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10909/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

There are currently no active mineral prospecting licences that have been granted in the area referred to in the Question.

Additionally, there have been no petroleum exploration licences granted in the same area referred in the Question.

Wildlife Protection

Questions (50)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

50. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends amending bye law 806 and 809 in relation to inland waters for all SAC-designated waters in order to preserve the ecosystems there and preserve the wild trout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11615/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Bye-laws referred to by the Deputy have been in place for some 16 years. However, to provide for the most robust, modern, comprehensive and sustainable management of SAC designated waters, I requested Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to prepare and submit to me a comprehensive draft management plan for all waters within the Great Western Lakes.

This Plan aims to address some of the many factors that impact on the ecological well being and the status of native fish stocks in the catchments of the Great Western Lakes. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have previously submitted a draft Management Plan to me and I have written to IFI to confirm my support for the draft plan.

Any legislative change that may be considered for SAC-designated waters will be done so in the context of this plan.

Departmental Staff

Questions (51)

Réada Cronin

Question:

51. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of specifically qualified climate scientists employed by his Department; the level of qualification of each; their specific areas of expertise within climate science; if he will list their peer reviewed, specialist publications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11635/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department employs a number scientific and technical advisers, as well as other civil servants with backgrounds in environmental sciences and other related disciplines. I should also make the Deputy aware that the Public Appointments Services are currently running a competition for Administrative Officers with backgrounds in Environmental Science, Energy, Agriculture, Economics, Electrical or Technical Engineering.

My Department's work in the areas of climate policy is also supported by a range of climate, energy and environmental experts in a number of State Agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the SEAI. Met Éireann, which is under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, also provides vital scientific input with regard to our changing climate.

In addition to the above, technical support for the development and management of national climate and energy policy is provided by the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG), which comprises external experts under contract to my Department. Established by the Government in 2015, and chaired by my Department, CAMG has supported the development of the Climate Action Plan. There are currently five contracted bodies (the CAMG partners) providing modelling and research on climate, economic, air quality and energy issues. These are University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, the Economic and Social Research Institute and EnvEcon.

I am also advised by the statutorily independent Climate Change Advisory Council.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (52)

Niall Collins

Question:

52. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can address the queries raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11639/23]

Written answers

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

The 2020 Programme for Government committed to a target of 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity in Ireland’s maritime area by 2030. This target, along with the commitment that up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity will be sourced from renewables by 2030, was affirmed in the Climate Action Plan 2021 and in the updated 2023 Plan. Also in 2021, the Government adopted the Policy Statement on the Framework for Ireland’s Offshore Electricity Transmission System, which outlined that a plan-led offshore grid model would maximise societal benefits.

The Government has approved plans to accelerate the delivery of 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. This will deliver a secure, sustainable, and cost-effective supply of indigenous energy for future generations, while unlocking green energy export opportunities.The Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind outlines how the auction for offshore wind under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 2) will launch by the end of 2023, following a public consultation on draft auction terms and conditions in mid-2023.This auction relates to the delivery of offshore wind capacity on the south coast of Ireland, geographically aligned with available onshore grid capacity. This auction, and all subsequent Phase Two auctions, will result in the development of offshore wind capacity within 'Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Designated Areas'. These areas, which will be designated according to legislative provisions for Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) in the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act, will guide investment and decision-making and will complement the forthcoming network of Marine Protected Areas. This plan-led approach will ensure that development is managed in a planned, strategic and sustainable way.

Importantly, it will provide greater certainty for all maritime users as to where development will be situated.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (53)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

53. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a person (details supplied) is entitled to claim the Government energy credit payment. [11690/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Budget 2023 included an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT). The first two payments have already been made to accounts and suppliers began crediting the third payment to accounts from 1 March. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.The payments apply to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application/approval process.

Legislative Measures

Questions (54)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

54. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether it is the view of the Government and his Department that the obligations created by section 6A(5) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 remain to be fully discharged; if so, what specific obligations remain to be discharged; on whom does these outstanding obligations fall to be discharged (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11693/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 provide for the establishment of carbon budgets to support the delivery of our legally binding emission reduction targets, setting Ireland on a pathway consistent with a sustainable economy and society where we reach climate neutrality no later than 2050.

In accordance with the legislation, the Climate Change Advisory Council adopted, and submitted to me, a Technical Report setting out its recommendations for the carbon budget programme on 25 October 2021.

Following a consultation and review process provided for under the legislation, Ireland's first carbon budget programme came into effect on 6 April 2022, following approval from the Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Section 6A(5) of the Act provides: “The first two carbon budgets proposed by the Advisory Council shall provide for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions such that the total amount of annual greenhouse gas emissions in the year ending on 31 December 2030 is 51 per cent less than the annual greenhouse gas emissions reported for the year ending on 31 December 2018, as set out in the national greenhouse gas emissions inventory prepared by the Agency.”

The obligations under Section 6A(5) are fully met and the first two carbon budgets proposed by the Advisory Council and adopted by the Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas, provide for the reduction of 51% by the end of 2030 from the annual greenhouse gas emissions reported for the year ending 31 December 2018.

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (55)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

55. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will confirm that he received a request for a pension increase in 2022 (details supplied); if the request has been considered; and if he will confirm a timeframe in which a decision will be provided. [11713/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Eircom Main Superannuation Scheme (as amended) was established by Statute for the purpose of providing for the pension liabilities of staff transferred from the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs to Telecom Éireann on its establishment on 1st January 1984, the Vesting day. The pre-vesting and post vesting liabilities of the scheme members were paid entirely out of the Main Fund until 1996.

Following extensive discussions with the Department of Finance at the time, formal arrangements for payment of the sums due in respect of pre-vesting service were settled between the company, Fund Trustees and that Department. The arrangements involved, inter alia, the establishment of the Eircom No. 2 Fund in 1999 to provide funding towards pre-vesting liabilities while the Main Fund continued to provide only for the post-vesting day liabilities arising.

The provisions of the eircom Superannuation Scheme (Section 10) stipulate that eircom Limited may grant pension increases to members as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance

Therefore, all pension increases require authorisation at Ministerial level across two Departments; my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (in line with delegated functions).

In October 2022, my Department received a request from the trustees for sanction for an increase of 3%, backdated to 1 July 2022. In order to consider the request, a report was requested from NewERA on the pension increase proposal, which was received at the end of February.

My Department is currently awaiting confirmation of concurrence from the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to sanction the request, following which the decision will be communicated to the trustees.

Departmental Consultations

Questions (56)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

56. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 15 December 2022, the name of the company that won the tender for research to examine the potential social, economic and environmental implications of a transition to reduced working time, including a four-day workweek; the value of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11728/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I refer to the reply to Question No. 138 of 15 December 2022. As indicated that response, my Department issued a request for tenders (RFT) for research to examine the potential social, economic and environmental implications of a transition to reduced working time, including a four-day workweek. Only one tender was received which complied with the Terms & Conditions as set out in the RFT and, as that tender also met the necessary award criteria, it was selected to be awarded this contract. The successful tender was submitted by the firm of KPMG and the tendered value of the contract amounted to €75,000 (exclusive of VAT). My Department will seek to finalise the contract for this project by the end of Q1 2023.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (57)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason simple heating controls such as those provided by a device (details supplied) are not eligible for funding support from the SEAI given their recognised benefit; if he will review this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11743/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government funds a number of home energy grant schemes which are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Grants of €700 are available to all homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2011, for the installation of fully integrated heating controls in line with the SEAI's Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications. Summary performance requirements are available from the SEAI website.

This grant available is based on the energy efficiency and carbon savings that can be achieved by installing the fully integrated heating controls in a home that previously had no or very basic heating controls installed. Replacement of existing heating controls equipment is not eligible for funding.