Written Answers Nos. 154-172
154. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) has not received their foreign birth registration; the reason they are waiting since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24841/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was registered on 15 October 2020. On 7 November 2022 the Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant. The most recent submission of further supporting documents was received on 17 January 2023. The application has now been approved and an FBR certificate will issue to the applicant in the coming days.
155. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens who remain in Sudan; the steps he is taking to ensure their safe return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24965/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs has assisted 280 Irish citizens and their dependents to evacuate from Sudan since the commencement of the conflict there on 15 April.
No definitive records are available as to the exact number of Irish citizens remaining in Sudan because of the voluntary nature of the citizens’ registration system that is in place.
The Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi, which is accredited to Sudan, has maintained close contact with those who have registered as being in Sudan throughout the crisis. This includes a small and decreasing number of Irish citizens who are remaining in Sudan and who wish to leave. Our experienced consular teams are continuing to provide advice and support to these citizens.
While large scale evacuation operations from Sudan have now ceased, a number of commercial options are in place that are continuing to allow citizens to leave the country, where they decide to do so at their own risk. In such cases, the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi is providing information and other supports.
Ireland fully supports international mediation efforts to end the conflict. It is vital for humanitarian assistance to reach the population and to create an environment for the safe return of civilians. Together with our EU and international partners, Ireland will continue to work for a peaceful and democratic future for the people of Sudan.
156. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the assessment that has been undertaken by his Department of the efficacy of the United Nations arms embargo on Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24966/23]
View answerThe crisis in Sudan requires urgent and coordinated international engagement. The immediate focus must be on ensuring humanitarian access and protection for civilians, alongside consistent efforts to secure a ceasefire. Concerted international pressure for a credible mediation process will be also be vital.
Sanctions are an important tool of foreign policy, to deter States and non-state actors from pursuing actions which threaten international stability and harm people and communities, including through human rights violations and abuses.
UN sanctions on Sudan were first imposed in 2005 to address the conflict in Darfur through an arms embargo and targeted measures. Those who may be listed under this regime include individuals or entities which: impede the peace process; constitute a threat to stability in Darfur and the region; commit violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or other atrocities; or are responsible for offensive military overflights.
The UN sanctions regime primarily addresses the situation in Darfur, an area in the west of the country where some of the current fighting in Sudan has been concentrated. Three individuals have been listed to date— all in 2006.The EU added further provisions to the UN regime, extending the arms embargo to the whole of the territory of Sudan.
The most recent report from the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan, in 2023, noted that in the last reporting period, the proliferation of weapons and ammunition in Darfur intensified and continued to pose a serious threat to security.
Overall, implementation of the arms embargo in Sudan has been challenging. We will continue to monitor developments in Sudan, including with regard to sanctions. We will work closely with our partners in the EU to ensure there is a coordinated and clear response that promotes a resolution of the conflict in Sudan, and ensures a focus on the urgent humanitarian and protection needs of the Sudanese people.
158. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of revenue generated for his Department through all aspects of passport fees in the years of 2022, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [24980/23]
View answerMy Department is currently in the busiest season for passport applications, as citizens prepare for their upcoming summer travel plans. Thanks to operational and staffing plans implemented by my Department, the Passport Service is successfully responding to the current high demand, and has issued over 440,000 passports to date this year. All turnaround times are at their target level and there are no backlogs. The Customer Service Hub is responding to over 3,200 queries per day.
The total income for passport fees in 2022 was €63.592m. It has not been possible to compile the total 2023 income to date in time for the Parliamentary Question response. The Passport Service will follow up directly with the Deputy to provide this figure.
159. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagement he has had with energy companies in advance of winter 2023 in order to protect vulnerable persons from high energy costs. [25020/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that those most vulnerable are protected from the impact of high energy costs. Supplier companies are required to maintain a register of vulnerable customers, who cannot be disconnected for non-payment. There are a range of additional protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers, including measures around communication and other important areas. Suppliers are obliged to provide customers with a free and easy way to register as a vulnerable customer, and must take reasonable steps to identify customers eligible for registration.
Supplier obligations towards vulnerable customers fall under the regulation of the retail gas and electricity markets, which was assigned to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) by the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation. CRU is directly accountable to the Oireachtas, and has a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members to contact them at: oireachtas@cru.ie. More information about supplier obligations and consumer rights can be found in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers' Handbook 2023, and on the CRU website: www.cru.ie/consumer-information/your-rights/vulnerable-customers/.
As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders, including supplier companies, on how best to ensure vulnerable people can stay warm and well during the winter months. Officials from my Department also regularly engage with suppliers on how best to protect vulnerable customers and those in arrears, and to discuss actions being taken by suppliers, such as the provision of supplier hardship funds.
The Government will engage with relevant stakeholders in the coming months to further the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, and to examine additional support measures in the context of Budget 2024.
160. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address an issue of small retailers collecting plastic bottles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24060/23]
View answerGovernment’s commitment to introduce a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers is set out in the Programme for Government and Ireland's national waste policy, A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.
Drinks containers are typically consumed on the go and are often thrown away in mixed waste or littered rather than being recycled. DRS is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle bottles and cans and to ensure we meet EU targets for the recycling of those products.
In November 2021, I signed regulations to establish a national DRS. In July 2022, I approved Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (trading as Re-turn) as the DRS operator. Re-turn is a not-for-profit, industry-led body representing beverage producers and retailers. DRS was officially launched in November 2022 and the planned go-live date for consumers is 1st February 2024.
Under the DRS regulations, retailers are obliged to charge the consumer a deposit for every in-scope drink sold, to take back the empty drink container and to refund the deposit when it is returned for recycling. Retailers have two options when providing take-back services:
• Manual collection by storing returned containers in plastics bags or similar, or
• Automated collection through the use of reverse vending machines (RVMs).
Retailers are free to choose between manual collection or automated collection and the volume of sales and estimated returns will be the key drivers in determining which collection system a retailer chooses to operate.
Re-turn is working with retailers to prepare for go-live and have published a Guide for Retailers (at www.re-turn.ie/retailer) which includes information on the supports available to retailers, including, in some circumstances, financial support for the purchase of RVMs.
161. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the protections, if any, that are currently in place to ensure vulnerable, elderly people who live alone are not disconnected from their utilities due to increased energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24110/23]
View answer179. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the responsibilities and duties of energy providers when dealing with and identifying vulnerable customers, including four particular aspects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24600/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 179 together.
The Government is committed to ensuring vulnerable people are protected during the cost-of-living crisis.
Supplier companies are required by their license conditions to establish, maintain and regularly update a register of vulnerable customers, who cannot be disconnected from their utilities for non-payment. This category refers to people who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, including life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment, and those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
There are a range of additional protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers, including measures around communication and other important areas. Energy suppliers are required to provide customers with a free and easy way to register as a vulnerable customer. Suppliers are also legally obliged to take reasonable steps to identify customers eligible for registration. This includes ensuring that appropriate and relevant questions and information to identify vulnerable customers are included on all written and oral communications provided to customers at sign up.
For customers with additional communication requirements, such as those with hearing loss or visual impairment, suppliers are required to provide alternative communication formats. This requirement covers various communications, including bills. Suppliers are also required to enable the registration of nominated representatives, who can manage account details and communication on behalf of the customer. More information about this can be found in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers' Handbook 2023, and on the CRU website: www.cru.ie/consumer-information/your-rights/vulnerable-customers/.
Elderly people who live alone and may not meet the statutory definition of vulnerable customer can also avail of supports through the Department of Social Protection, such as the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme and Fuel Allowance, which can provide assistance to those struggling to meet the costs of higher bills. Anyone having difficulty paying their bills are also encouraged to communicate with their supplier directly. Under the Energy Engage code, suppliers have committed to not disconnecting customers who continue to engage with them.
The Government introduced €2.5 billion in once-off measures to support households in Budget 2023. including an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme which credited €600 to every electricity account nationwide over three billing cycles. It is continuing to monitor the effect of existing supports, completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, and exploring future measures to support consumers in the context of Budget 2024.
162. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action, if any, the Government intends to take to decrease energy prices for struggling consumers, given that similar action taken by governments across Europe has resulted in savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/23]
View answerThe Government recognises the significant impact the rise in energy prices is having across Ireland and has taken decisive action to support families and businesses to pay their bills.
The Government is continuing to monitor the effect of existing supports, completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, and exploring further measures to support consumers in the context of Budget 2024. The Government is also committed to a long-term strategy of protecting Irish consumers from volatility in international energy markets and reducing prices by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and through deeper integration with the European energy market.
Budget 2023 introduced €2.5 billion in once-off measures to support households with the rising cost of living. This included an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €600 was credited to each domestic electricity account, in three payments of €200 between November 2022 and April 2023. The cost of this assistance was over €1.2 billion, bringing the total amount paid to directly assist consumers with their electricity bills to €1.5 billion. In February, the Government brought forward further measures to help social protection recipients from April to July and extended the reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas bills until October 2023.
Regulation of retail energy markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) since the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation.
163. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a response will issue to communication (details supplied) relating to a broadband issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24129/23]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High-Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high-speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these State aid rules. The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Any complaint regarding quality of service should, in the first instance, be raised directly with the service provider. Should the service provider fail to resolve the matter to the customer’s satisfaction and in a timely matter, they may escalate the matter to ComReg who may be contacted via www.comreg.ie or their consumer care hotline at: consumerline@comreg.ie or phone 01-8049668.
164. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update as to when an area in Tralee (details supplied) will get broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24143/23]
View answerThe estate referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High-Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high-speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these State aid rules. The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. I understand that the estate in question can currently avail of 80Mbps broadband from a number of retail service providers.
In December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets namely:
* all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028;
* all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030; and
* digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023.
The majority of digital connectivity across the State will be delivered through commercial investment by the telecommunications industry and this will be complemented by the National Broadband Plan.
165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications received under the "revisit" warmer homes scheme since its announcement; the number of homes completed in the country; the number of applications received in County Tipperary; the number of homes that have been completed under the scheme in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24161/23]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide upgrades to those living in, or at risk of, energy poverty.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households, as quickly as possible, is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. An unprecedented budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 6,000 home upgrades.
Last year, as part of a number of changes to the Warmer Homes scheme, to improve the targeting of the support available, the scheme was re-opened to homeowners who previously received works under the scheme but could still benefit from the deeper measures now available. Re-visits are now allowed on homes that previously had minor upgrades done and where more work is recommended following an SEAI survey of the home.
|
Total applications since end February 2022 |
15,203 |
|
- of which were revisits |
18% |
|
Total applications in Co. Tipperary since end February 2022 |
519 |
|
- of which were revisits |
22% |
|
Total completions since end February 2022 |
5,287 |
|
- of which were revisits |
2%* |
|
Total completions in Co. Tipperary since end February 2022 |
149 |
|
- of which were revisits |
less than 1%* |
* Note that applications for revisits only allowed since end February 2022 & there is an approximate 2 year waiting time for completion of works
166. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the low-cost loans for energy upgrades will be made available to the public; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24163/23]
View answerMy Department is working with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund to develop a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme, which will be backed by a counter guarantee provided by the EIB Group.
The loan guarantee will provide risk protection to retail credit institutions participating in the scheme and will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates to private homeowners and non-corporate landlords making comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable to consumers. Further, it will signal to the banking sector, new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy as well as increasing the volume of retrofit activity within the State.
The development of this innovative scheme is a complex process involving several stakeholders. Intensive engagement to develop the scheme is ongoing and there has been extensive due diligence between the EIB Group and the Irish banking and credit union sector. Significant progress has been made to date, with two open calls for expressions of interest to participate in the scheme completed, and a number of banks and credit unions submitting formal expressions of interest.
The residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme will be the first consumer-focused guaranteed loan of its kind in Ireland. All stakeholders both at national and European level are committed to finalising the project and it is expected that the loan guarantee will be in place in Q3 2023.
167. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a breakdown of how the dividend arising from the ESB in 2009 was allocated, in tabular form. [24202/23]
View answerIn 2009, the Government approved the taking of a special dividend from ESB and the then Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), now the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), was tasked with implementing this decision through the mechanism of the network tariffs.
It is important to note that the CRU was established as an independent statutory regulator by the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and enhanced under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002 and the Water Services (No.2), Act 2013.
The CRU is legally independent in the performance of its functions and is entirely accountable to the Oireachtas for such performance. It is funded by means of a levy on electricity and gas undertakings and income from licensing fees.
Following the 2009 Government Decision, the CRU, then the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), published Information Note CER/09/117, which is attached for reference. This note outlines the CER decision to continue the rebate scheme set out in Information Note CER/09/002, also attached, for all LEUs to ensure they did not face any rise in their network tariffs.
The attached extract, Bill impacts of customer rebates, is taken from the CER Information Note CER/09/002, which sets out the details of the rebate mechanism.
"PSO Related Rebate
Monies from the sale of some ESB power stations under the CER-ESB Asset Strategy agreement will be rebated to all customers. Some of these generation stations received support through the Public Service
Obligation (PSO) mechanism and following their sale a rebate can be given to all electricity customers in 2009. The value of the PSO related rebate varies by customer category and is shown in Annex I.
While the above contributions have offset price increases for ESB Customer Supply customers, they also benefit customers of all Independent Suppliers. Both rebates will be passed from ESB through the networks companies, EirGrid and ESB Networks Ltd. to suppliers who will distribute them to their customers."
This rebate mechanism was continued for the 2009/2010 tariff year, as outlined in the CER Information Note CER/09/117.
The attached extract, Electricity Network Tariffs Overview, from CER Information Note CER/09/117 outlines the rationale for the continuation of the rebate scheme for LEUs. This was a targeted response to the industrial competitiveness concerns arising during the economic circumstances 14 years ago in July 2009.
"The Government have stated their continuing concern about the impact of energy prices on Large Energy Users (LEUs), who contribute so substantially to employment and are particularly affected by electricity prices. It has therefore been decided that there will be a continuation of the rebate scheme for LEUs.
This should ensure that LEUs do not face any rise in their network tariffs from October 2009. The rebate will comprise: 1.5003 cent/kWh and €8.63/kVA per annum for the period 1st October 2009 to 30th September 2010."
There is no tabular breakdown of these amounts, as the amounts received depended on the energy consumed by each LEU in that period, and the rebates were passed through the network companies, EirGrid and ESB Networks Ltd.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which has full independent responsibility to regulate network charges, provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members. This enables members to raise questions directly to the regulator for timely reply.
If further clarification is required on the above, please contact oireachtas@cru.ie.
168. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department have put in place any measures to prevent an app (details supplied) and other AI applications being used to undermine future public consultations on inland fisheries policy and inland fisheries legislation where written submissions are accepted from stakeholders as well as the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24213/23]
View answer169. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department will issue any guidance to Inland Fisheries Ireland, which operates under his Department's aegis, regarding the threat of an app (details supplied) and other AI applications to future public consultations run by the statutory body where written submissions are accepted on inland fisheries plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24214/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
Any use of ChatGPT or other AI tools in my Department is governed by existing GDPR, Cloud Computing and Acceptable Usage policies which prohibit entering any commercial, sensitive or non-public information into such services. The OGCIO and NCSC have a role in relation to this topic but at present there is no advice from either body to block access to ChatGPT. My Department will continue to monitor this area and act upon any future guidance received.
Specifically in relation to the Inland Fisheries Sector, public consultations, where required, relate to policy and legislative proposals which are largely based on robust scientific advice supporting the management advice of inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The vast majority of submissions are made by stakeholders across the angling, commercial fishing, environmental and ecological sectors.
The Department or IFI cannot direct the manner in which submissions to public consultations are formulated other than to specify that they are in writing. However, submissions are viewed through the lens of the expert advice referred to above and the legislative framework underpinning the Inland Fisheries sector.
170. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects to approve a proposed increase in the pension entitlements of An Post workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24240/23]
View answerOn 9 March 2023 An Post wrote to the Department seeking consent to the second phase of their current pay agreement which provides for a 2% increase in pay from 1st January 2023.
In addition to this, on foot of a recent Labour Court decision, An Post also wrote to the Department on 9 March seeking approval to make increases to pensions in payment and deferred pensions of a 5% increase from 1 January 2022 and a 1% increase from 1 July 2023.
Now that the requests and associated documentation have been received from An Post, the standard process is being followed, with NewERA’s views and assessment by officials being required prior to the consent of both shareholding Ministers being sought.
171. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will engage with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with a view to altering the cut-off date for the solar electricity grant to accommodate householders who would have qualified if the property had been completed prior to 31 December 2020, but their completion was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24252/23]
View answerThe Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and is open to houses built prior to 2021. The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the minimum BER C3 requirement was removed and the eligibility of the homes was changed from those built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021.
Targeting the grant scheme at existing homes rather than new builds, ensures that the grants available through the SEAI maximize emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible; whilst also ensuring efficient and effective use of exchequer funding.
New build houses must follow Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. There are options to meet this requirement under the standard by including heat pumps and/or Solar PV, with the cost of installing Solar PV systems during the new build process significantly lower than for existing homes. Consequently, new build houses already enjoy significantly higher energy performance and resultant energy efficiency, compared with existing houses.
Since 2018, the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for over 22,500 homes, with demand for the domestic Solar PV grant increasing significantly throughout 2022, reaching over 10,000 by year end. Projections for 2023 indicate another record year for solar PV applications and while this 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.
Additionally, on the 5th of April 2023 the Government approved an amendment to Finance Bill 2023 to apply a zero percent VAT rate for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels” on domestic buildings, from 1 May 2023 onwards. This measure is expected to reduce the average cost of the supply and installation of solar panels for consumers from €9000 to €8000, underlining the Government’s commitment to supporting households with Solar PV.
172. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the solutions his Department can offer to businesses (details supplied) facing closure due to the lack of adequate fibre broadband services; if, in light of the serious nature of the situation outlined and the probable loss of 30 jobs in deep rural Ireland, he will expedite the national broadband scheme in the Tubbercurry deployment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24254/23]
View answerThe Question refers to a business 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.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 12th May 2023, over 136,300 premises are passed and available for order and immediate connection. Over 40,300 connections have already been made to the NBP high-speed broadband network.
NBI has advised that as of 12th May, 2,893 premises in County Sligo are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,112 premises connected.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Sligo can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. A county update can be selected to provide 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. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
The network roll-out 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 network is specifically designed based on the NBI network coming from the eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs) which allows NBI to reach every premises as quickly as possible. Villages, townlands and counties are covered by a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for the roll-out across county areas.
Surveys are needed to establish the condition of existing poles and ducts, to ascertain whether repairs are needed. NBI’s contractors walk the fibre route to inspect infrastructure and gather detailed information on local conditions and this work is on-going. Further steps are then required prior to fibre build and connections including:
• Results from surveys are sent to NBI’s design teams who then develop detailed designs for each of the 227 Deployment Areas for submission to the Department for “Approval to Proceed” with fibre build;
• Repair/activities (“Make Ready”) carried out to ensure existing infrastructure is sufficiently prepared to pass the premises with fibre;
• Installation of and connection to electronic equipment in each Local Exchange building;
• Laying of the physical fibre along the poles and ducts;
• Fibre build quality checks, network testing and handover within NBI;
• Upload of specific fibre build details by premises to computer systems within NBI, enabling retail service providers to make connection orders visible on their respective systems which in turn allows premises’ owners to place orders.
• On completion of network build works customers can then place an order and request a connection to be scheduled with the retail service provider of choice.
The NBP network build, that started in 2020, is scheduled to be completed by 2027. NBI advise that the DA in which the premises referred to in the question is located is ‘Survey Complete’ and it is anticipated that should all works go to plan, premises may be passed late 2025. My officials understand that 4G/5G services are not sufficient. The company referred to in the Question may choose to investigate alternative broadband service solutions e.g. wireless or satellite provision in the interim.
