Written Answers Nos. 128-147
128. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the parliamentary oversight processes for the collection and allocation of revenue from dividends from commercial State bodies such as NewERA designated bodies. [25569/23]
View answerIn relation to An Post, while there is a statutory basis for the payment of dividends to the Exchequer by the company, there has been no dividend paid. Were any dividend to be paid it would be a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, to determine how the revenue from any such dividend would be allocated.
It would be a matter for the Board to determine at their discretion in any year whether a dividend should be declared when, in their opinion, the profits of the company justify such payment.
Any decision by the Board of the Commercial Semi State Bodies regarding declaration of a dividend is agreed jointly between the Body, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR). This is because dividends are not voted expenditure and so do not fall within the Estimates or Revised Estimates process.
Additional detail may be found in the relevant Annual Report and Accounts as published by the Companies.
My Department does not have a role in the allocation of the dividend. The dividend is paid by the State Body directly to the exchequer, and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has responsibility for its allocation.
|
Body |
Dividend Policy |
Dividend Paid Directly to Exchequer (Y/N) |
|
Bord na Móna |
Dividends are paid out based on State shareholding. The dividend target is based on 30% of adjusted profits after tax. |
Y |
|
Eirgrid |
Current dividend policy is for a fixed €4m annual dividend payment. |
Y |
|
ESB |
Dividends are paid out based on State shareholding.The dividend target is based on 40% of adjusted profits after tax. |
Y |
129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the staffing levels of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, by job title; the estimated full-year cost of filling each position, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26409/23]
View answer169. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the staffing levels in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and their salaries, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26333/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 169 together.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) was established under the Sustainable Energy Act of 2002. The Authority is a body corporate with functions and responsibilities as set out under Section 6 of the Act, which include inter alia promoting and assisting;
• environmentally and economically sustainable production, supply and use of energy,
• energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy,
• the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
• minimising of the impact on the environment of the production, supply and use of energy,
• research, development, and demonstration of relevant technologies.
The SEAI also has a role to provide advice, information and guidance to the Minister, Government Departments and agencies, energy suppliers, and energy users.
SEAI is funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Transport. In 2023 the Agency’s total budget allocation is just under €600 million.
SEAI is key to informing, supporting, implementing, and delivering Government energy policy and the Climate Action Plan. The programmes administered by SEAI have a major impact on the Irish economy through home and community energy upgrades, business supports, research and innovation funding, and Electric Vehicle (EV) grants. SEAI has also been designated as the National Retrofit Delivery Body. In this role, the SEAI act as the lead agency in driving the delivery of Ireland’s residential retrofit targets.
While a cohort of staff within SEAI are involved in a range of administrative functions that support schemes, the agency is also assisted by a service provider that provides the front-end customer service.
SEAI are continuing to enhance their staffing levels consistent with the scaling up of capacity to support the significant policy developments announced in recent years under the Climate Acton Plan and National Retrofit Plan. It is anticipated that the funding provided to the Authority will bring staff levels close to 235 by the end of 2023.
Information provided by SEAI on staffing and salary levels can be found detailed in the below table.
SEAI Staffing at 30.04.2023
|
Salary Band |
HC |
FTE |
Salary Band |
HC |
FTE |
|
1 - 25,000 |
0 |
0 |
115,001 - 120,000 |
2 |
2 |
|
25,001 - 30,000 |
3 |
3 |
120,001 - 125,000 |
1 |
1 |
|
30,001 - 35,000 |
1 |
1 |
125,001 - 130,000 |
1 |
1 |
|
35,001 - 40,000 |
1 |
1 |
130,001 - 135,000 |
2 |
2 |
|
40,001 - 45,000 |
0 |
0 |
135,001 - 140,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
45,001 - 50,000 |
42 |
41.5 |
140,001 - 145,000 |
1 |
1 |
|
50,001 - 55,000 |
28 |
27.4 |
145,001 - 150,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
55,001 - 60,000 |
9 |
8.6 |
150,001 - 155,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
60,001 - 65,000 |
9 |
9 |
155,001 - 160,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
65,001 - 70,000 |
15 |
14.8 |
160,001 - 165,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
70,001 - 75,000 |
20 |
19.5 |
165,001 - 170,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
75,001 - 80,000 |
10 |
10 |
170,001 - 175,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
80,001 - 85,000 |
11 |
11 |
175,001 - 180,000 |
1 |
1 |
|
85,001 - 90,000 |
1 |
1 |
180,001 - 185,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
90,001 - 95,000 |
11 |
10.2 |
185,001 - 190,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
95,001 - 100,000 |
11 |
11 |
190,001 - 195,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
100,001 - 105,000 |
0 |
0 |
195,001 - 200,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
105,001 - 110,000 |
5 |
5 |
Over 200,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
110,001 - 115,000 |
2 |
2 |
Total at 30.04.2023 |
187 |
184 |
130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost to retrofit a dwelling to a building energy rating of B2 or higher under the better energy homes scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [26421/23]
View answer131. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost to retrofit a dwelling to a building energy rating of B2 or higher under the better energy warmer homes scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [26422/23]
View answer132. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost to retrofit a dwelling to a building energy rating of B2 or higher under the one stop shop scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [26423/23]
View answer133. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost to retrofit a dwelling to a building energy rating of B2 or higher under the better energy community grant scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [26424/23]
View answer156. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits that were completed to B2 standard in 2022 and to date in 2023 under each scheme; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26300/23]
View answer157. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a B2 standard that did not have new heating systems installed under each scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26301/23]
View answer158. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a B2 standard that had new heating systems installed under each scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26302/23]
View answer159. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a B2 standard that had fossil fuel boilers installed under each scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26303/23]
View answer160. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a B2 standard that had heat pumps installed under each scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26304/23]
View answer161. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits that were completed to a lower-than-B2 standard in 2022 and to date in 2023 under each scheme; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26305/23]
View answer162. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a lower-than-B2 standard that did not have any new heating systems installed under each scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26306/23]
View answer163. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a lower-than-B2 standard that had new heating systems installed under each scheme in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26307/23]
View answer164. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a lower-than-B2 standard that had fossil fuel boilers installed under each scheme in each of the years 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26308/23]
View answer165. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of houses retrofitted to a lower-than-B2 standard that had heat pumps installed under each scheme in each of the years 2022 and to date in 2023; and the average costs, in tabular form. [26309/23]
View answer166. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost of achieving a B2 BER cost optimum standard in the better energy homes scheme in each of the years 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [26310/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 to 133, inclusive, and 156 to 166, inclusive, together.
The National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government's approach to achieving the Climate Action Plan targets of upgrading the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and installing 400,000 heat pumps to replace older, less efficient heating systems by 2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, last year, the Government launched a package of significantly enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades.
Following the introduction of the new measures, 27,200 home energy upgrades were supported in 2022, which represents a 79% increase year-on year. Figures to end of March 2023 show 9,946 home energy upgrades have been delivered so far this year. A further breakdown of the home energy upgrades by Scheme shows:
• 4,438 homes were delivered across the Warmer Homes and Warmth and Wellbeing schemes in 2022 which represents an increase of 85% year-on-year. Figures to the end of March 2023 show 946 home energy upgrades completed under the Warmer Homes Scheme.
• 8,481 homes were upgraded to a post works BER or B2 or better in 2022, representing a 95% increase year-on-year. Figures to the end of March 2023, show 3,304 homes have been upgraded to a post works BER of B2 or better.
• 643 home energy upgrades were completed under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme in 2022. Figures to the end of March 2023 show 255 home energy upgrades completed.
• 11,806 home energy upgrades were completed under the Better Energy Homes scheme in 2022, representing a 54% increase year-on-year. Figures to the end of March 2023 show 4,730 home energy upgrades completed.
• 10,017 home energy upgrades were completed under the Solar PV scheme in 2022, representing a 145% increase year-on-year. Figures to the end of March 2023 show 3,985 home energy upgrades completed.
• 295 home energy upgrades were completed under the Community Energy Grants Scheme in 2022. Figures to the end of March 2023 show 30 home energy upgrades completed.
My Department is working with SEAI to continue to build on the strong performance of 2022. A record €356 million in funding has been allocated to SEAI for residential and community retrofit for 2023 to support the delivery of 37,000 retrofits this year.
A more detailed overview of the SEAI 2022 performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published quarterly report, which can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/news-and-media/home-energy-upgrades-2022/. A report on Q1 2023 performance on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes is available at SEAI-Retrofit-Quarterly-Report-Q1-2023.pdf.
The additional detailed data sought by the Deputy is not routinely supplied by the SEAI to my Department.
134. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the EPA’s emissions data will provide a breakdown of emissions by income decile to highlight the relationship between emissions and wealth. [25568/23]
View answerThe EPA is responsible for compiling the inventories of greenhouse gas emissions for Ireland and for reporting the data to the relevant European and international institutions. As such, Ireland’s legal reporting obligations require that the agency submits data to the European Commission and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The emissions data are compiled using methodologies in accordance with UNFCCC reporting guidelines and are disaggregated on a sectoral basis in alignment with the classification used for UNFCCC reporting, although some adjustments are made for ease of comparison with national policies.
Providing a breakdown of emissions by income decile is not available from the data collated and published by the EPA. However, there is significant work being undertaken to assess the economic and socio-economic impacts of climate change in Ireland, including research and analysis from the EPA.
Moreover, the Government has adopted, through Climate Action Plan 2023, a framework for a just transition to support and inform climate action policy and implementation. The framework comprises four principles:
• An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just climate transition requirements.
• People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.
• The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.
• Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.
As set out in the plan, all relevant Ministers should consider this framework in the process of climate action policy formulation and implementation, so that policies are informed by the need to ensure a just transition. This includes creating sustainable employment opportunities, providing reskilling and retraining opportunities, and providing appropriate supports for those most vulnerable as part of Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy.
135. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the next steps in the process for awarding the 2% increase in the An Post pension, agreed on 1 January 2022, following the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform providing his consent on this matter on 8 September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25582/23]
View answer136. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will authorise the payment of pension increases due to postal workers since January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25658/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
In May 2022, An Post requested an increase of 2% with effect from 1 January 2022. Having sought the necessary advice from NewERA, the relevant Ministerial consents to the payment of an increase of 2% to An Post pensioners with effect from 1 January 2022 were provided to An Post in early September.On 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.In accordance with the relevant Code of Practice from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, An Post must seek Ministerial approval to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme.As per Circular 16/2021, all such proposals require NewERA’s views, as well as a business case setting out the strategic, policy and financial rationale for the proposed increase. Circular 16/2021 states that pension approval requests should be submitted for approval well in advance of any decision to implement changes in acknowledgement of the necessary processes that must be completed and in order to ensure that pension increases are not unduly delayed. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.Following receipt of the requests and associated documentation in recent weeks and months from An Post, the standard process is now being followed, with NewERA’s views and assessment by officials being required prior to the consent of both Ministers being sought.
137. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 19 March 2023, if the Local Government Management Agency has yet submitted draft codes of practice for the purpose of setting standards for the operation of CCTV and other mobile recording devices in order to deter environmental pollution and to facilitate the prevention, detection, and prosecution of littering (Section 33) and illegal dumping (Section 22) offences; when he expects to receive these draft codes; the timeframe in which local authorities can commence the installation of CCTV cameras in the vicinity of bottle banks and other waste collection locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25668/23]
View answerThe Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) are currently working on the preparation of the draft Codes of Practice and Data Protection Impact Assessments. Following assessment and approval by me approval, the Codes of Practice must then be laid before both Houses of Oireachtas by the LGMA and published on a website maintained by or on behalf of myself as Minister or the Government. Local authorities will only be in a position to initiate litter and waste enforcement measures involving the GDPR compliant use of technologies such as CCTV when that process is complete.
When initiating CCTV schemes, local authorities will also be required to prepare a site management plan in respect of each individual scheme setting out the proposed arrangements for the monitoring, recording and disclosing of the images produced and for preserving the recordings, within the meanings assigned under the Data Protection Act 2018. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer of the relevant local authority will be required to sign off that they are satisfied that any proposed scheme is proportionate to the enforcement needs identified at the proposed site, meets the relevant data protection requirements, and can only be accessed by persons of good character in direct employment with the local authorities concerned or, where relevant, An Garda Síochána.
138. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will make the solar PV panel grants available to new-build houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25700/23]
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. While the level of interest in the MSS indicates that the scheme is working well, its operation and effectiveness will, like all such schemes, be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.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..” This is a permanent change that it will come into effect from 1 May 2023. This measure underlines the Government’s commitment to help households and would reduce the average cost of the supply and installation solar panels for consumers from €9000 to €8000.
139. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will move to ban hard styrofoam p6 plastic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25733/23]
View answerP6 plastic refers to polystyrene or styrofoam, which is widely used in packaging and insulation. Waste polystyrene is accepted at some local authority civic amenity sites for disposal. These are listed on MyWaste.ie.
Certain applications of polystyrene have already been banned. For instance, the EU Single Use Plastics Directive transposed into Irish law in July 2021, banned a range of single-use items from being placed on the Irish market and this included expanded polystyrene cups and food containers.
Polystyrene packaging is subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions which ensures that producers of all such packaging are liable for the costs associated with the collection, transport and treatment of the packaging they place on the market in addition to the costs of providing adequate information to waste holders and data gathering agencies.
Ireland’s national packaging compliance scheme has introduced an eco-modulation model for plastic packaging to drive environmental considerations and members who place recyclable packaging material on the market incur fees lower than those for non-recyclable materials.
Separately, my officials are actively involved in negotiations on the proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The draft Regulation does not ban any specific substance such as polystyrene, but rather proposes to place strict environmental criteria on materials to be used in packaging. These criteria include:
• Mandatory use of reusable or refillable packaging, for example takeaway drinks and meals or e-commerce deliveries;
• Banning certain forms of packaging for example single-use packaging for food and beverages when consumed inside restaurants, single-use packaging for fruit and vegetables, miniature toiletries in hotels;
• Mandatory rates of recycled content in packaging;
• Requirements that all packaging is recyclable at scale.
140. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the development of the new policy statement for inland fisheries in Ireland; if he will provide a breakdown of the draft policy papers prepared to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25763/23]
View answerThe development of of a new policy statement for the inland fisheries sector is a significant and complex undertaking which will take account of developments and challenges around conservation, protection, biodiversity, ecological and environmental issues over recent years. Significant progress has been made by my Department.
To date, draft preparatory policy/discussion documents have been prepared based on a range of themes including::
• Regulatory and policy framework.
• International and EU requirements.
• Review of secondary legislation.
• Fisheries Management.
• Sea angling.
• Review of salmonid management.
• Impacts of water quality and climate change.
• Impacts of aquaculture.
• Aquatic alien invasive species.
• Funding models.
Similar papers on additional themes will be progressed over the coming months. All of the theme-based draft papers will inform a single comprehensive draft policy statement for the whole sector. The intention is to submit the final draft policy for public consultation.
141. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports available for apartment complexes in terms of energy-efficiency upgrades, or access to the installation of solar panels and any other energy efficiency supports. [25764/23]
View answer142. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can clarify whether the one stop shop system of retrofitting supports is applicable to apartment complexes or individual apartment owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25765/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
In February 2022, Government approved a package of supports as part of the delivery of Ireland’s National Retrofit Plan. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and emissions.
Included in these measures is the establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering unprecedented grant levels towards the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new way to undertake home energy upgrades with SEAI registered one stop shops providing an end-to-end service for homeowners.
The new higher grant rates available for relevant measures under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme are also available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme.
Homes, built and occupied pre-2011 (pre-2021 for Solar PV scheme) and owned by private homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies are eligible for the schemes. Individual apartments can receive support across the range of schemes. It is also worth noting that a key feature of the new one stop shop model and the Community Energy Grant Scheme is the bringing together of groups of homes for aggregated projects thereby creating efficiencies in delivery and developing new innovation in processes and technologies.
The Microgeneration Support Scheme domestic solar PV grant scheme commenced on the 16th February 2022. Domestic applicants can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing solar PV equipment, up to a maximum of €2,400.
Eligibility for this scheme when living in an apartment block is dependent on the particular circumstances in the apartment block, including ownership and access to a suitable location to mount solar PV panels. An apartment owner or a group of apartment owners may be able to apply for this scheme.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is also currently working on the regulatory framework to facilitate renewable energy communities following a recent public consultation .
Further information on SEAI energy upgrade supports is available from www.seai.ie.
143. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of revenue that was raised by the carbon-revenue levy from the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Carbon Revenue Levy) Act 2010 for the duration set out in the Act and any subsequent extensions of the Act. [25845/23]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 (ERA) and subsequent legislation.
Under Section 9 of the ERA, Functions of Commission, the CRU have responsibility for collecting and recovering the carbon revenue levy as set out in the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Carbon Revenue Levy) Act 2010.
The matters raised in this question are operational matters for the CRU and therefore not a matter in which the Minister has a function. The Deputy may wish to note that the CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions the the CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
144. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of climate action coordinators, community climate officers, and climate action officers hired by each local authority to date, in tabular form. [25846/23]
View answer145. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a breakdown of the indicative costs associated with hiring a climate action coordinator, a community climate officer, and a climate action officer, in tabular form. [25847/23]
View answer146. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on plans to strengthen climate action teams in local authorities; the gaps and challenges which exist to reaching their potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25848/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 145 and 146 together.
In order to increase the capacity of Local Authorities to support the preparation of Local Climate Action Plans, my Department allocated €3.5 million in 2022 to assist in securing staffing resources for Climate Action Officer and Climate Action Coordinator roles. The Chief Executive of each Local Authority was issued with a letter in October 2022 informing them of the provision of these resources. By early 2023, approximately €3.3 million had been drawn down by all Local Authorities against this funding stream.
In relation to the Community Climate Action Officers, the Department has an agreement with Local Authorities that a contribution of 12% of the overall €24 million budget for Phase 1 is set aside for administration that can be used towards hiring a Community Climate Action Officer. This means that each Local Authority receives approximately €92,903 for the first phase of the Community Climate Action Programme and the same will be provided for Phase 2.
My Department cannot provide information in relation to hiring costs as these depend on each Local Authority's own recruitment processes.
Please see attached table indicating the recruitment status of the Climate Action Coordinators, Climate Action Officers and Community Climate Action Officers by each Local Authority as of May 2023.
My Department also funds the four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) and the Local Authority Climate Action Training Programme. The training programme supports upskilling and capacity building in the Local Government sector, with a commitment of €1.575 million over the period 2021 to 2023. The CAROs were set up by my Department in 2018 to work with Local Authorities to coordinate, facilitate and monitor implementation of local climate actions, and are assisting in the preparation of the Local Authority Climate Action Plans. They were assigned a budget of €10 million for the period 2018 to 2023.
As is evident from the above, there has been significant strengthening of the climate action teams in Local Authorities. We are receiving feedback from the CARO coordinators that some Local Authorities are struggling to recruit and retain staff for these posts due to a tight labour market and, as a result, there have been some delays in recruiting staff but interview processes are actively underway.
|
Climate Action Team Resources |
Update - May 2023
|
Local Authority |
Staffing Resources |
||
|
- |
Climate Action Coordinator |
Climate Action Officer |
Community Climate Action Officer |
|
Carlow County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
Not in post |
|
Cavan County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
Hired & Due to Start |
|
Clare County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
|
Cork City Council |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Cork County Council |
Not in post |
Not in post |
Not in post |
|
Donegal County Council |
Not in post |
Not in post |
Not in post |
|
Dublin City Council |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
Not in post |
|
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
Not in post |
Not in post |
Not in post |
|
Fingal County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
Hired & Due to Start |
|
Galway City Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & Due to Start |
Not in post |
|
Galway County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & Due to Start |
Not in post |
|
Kerry County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Kildare County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & Due to Start |
Not in post |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & Due to Start |
Hired & In Post |
|
Laois County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Leitrim County Council |
Not in post |
Not in post |
Not in post |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
Not in post |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Longford County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Louth County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Mayo County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Meath County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Monaghan County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & Due to Start |
Hired & In Post |
|
Offaly County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
|
Roscommon County Council |
Hired & Due to Start |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Sligo County Council |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
|
South Dublin County Council |
Not in post |
Not in post |
Not in post |
|
Tipperary County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & Due to Start |
Hired & In Post |
|
Westmeath County Council |
Hired & Due to Start |
Not in post |
Hired & In Post |
|
Wexford County Council |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
Not in post |
|
Wicklow County Council |
Hired & Due to Start |
Hired & In Post |
Hired & In Post |
|
* Not in post includes where recruitment is underway and where recruitment has not yet commenced. |
|
** Hired and in post includes where an individual has taken on the acting position. |
147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he received data on the number of application for the hardship fund in 2022 and to date in 2023 made to energy companies. [25855/23]
View answerThe Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has no function in this matter.
The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
