Written Answers Nos. 17-33
17. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31446/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
18. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if passports will be issued for two children (details supplied). [31467/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for these applications were received on 16 June 2023 . Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to have a bilateral meeting with his Croatian counterpart. [31471/23]
View answerIreland and Croatia enjoy excellent bilateral relations which, as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am committed to strengthening. Alongside other European counterparts, I meet Minister Gordan Grlic Radman regularly at the Foreign Affairs Council, which convened again in Luxembourg earlier this week. I look forward to scheduling a formal bilateral exchange with the Minister in the period ahead, conscious of our many shared priorities.
In doing so, we will build on ongoing close engagement between our Governments. The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Peter Burke, visited Croatia on 6 June for consultations with his counterpart, State Secretary for European Affairs, Andreja Metelko-Zgombic . On 7 June, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, met with the Croatian Minister of Finance, Marko Primorac, at the OECD Ministerial Council in Paris. Mr. Kieran O'Donnell, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, also visited Zagreb around St Patrick's Day this year, meeting Croatian counterparts. As we mark Ireland's 50th anniversary of EU accession and Croatia's 10th, I am pleased that the connections between our countries have never been stronger.
20. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Irish Consulate General or Vice Consul in Texas, USA, has spoken formally with the Dallas Police Department Chief of Police in 2022 and to date in 2023. [31478/23]
View answerIreland's Consulate General in Austin works closely with local representatives and other key stakeholders in the Southern United States towards achieving Ireland's objectives as set out in the Government's US & Canada Strategy 2019-2025 and Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. This includes engaging with state and local political representatives, providing support to Irish communities and organisations, delivering consular assistance and services to Irish citizens, promoting trade and economic cooperation, and seeking other opportunities to enhance Ireland's profile and advance our interests in the region.
Neither the Consul General or Vice Consul have spoken formally with the Dallas Chief of Police in 2022 or to date in 2023.
21. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether documentation was lost for a passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31527/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the application. There is no record of documentation being lost and the application will progress as appropriate.
22. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will be issued for a child (details supplied). [31555/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 21 June. The application is being processed as appropriate.
23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the need to provide an exemption to the electronic travel authorisation scheme for tourists travelling to Northern Ireland via this State, taking into account that the island of Ireland is marketed as one tourist destination and the need to avoid barriers to free travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31616/23]
View answerThe UK government introduced secondary legislation in March to start to put in place its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme from Autumn 2023. Under the scheme non-Visa required nationals will need to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.
The ETA requirement will not apply to Irish citizens due to the Common Travel Area arrangements. Following extensive engagement by the Government with the UK government, the UK secondary legislation introduced last March also established an exemption for legal residents of Ireland.
This exemption is welcome. However, the fact that no exemption has been provided for international tourists who wish to travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland is a matter of significant concern for the Government and for the tourism industry, both North and South.
I once again raised the Government’s concerns regarding the UK’s ETA proposals with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at the most recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in London on 19 June. I underlined that the successful promotion of tourism on an all-island basis is one of the standout examples of cooperation under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement. I also emphasized that the ETA scheme presents particular risks to the tourism industry in Northern Ireland, given that a majority of international visitors travel to Northern Ireland via this jurisdiction.
At the recent BIIGC meeting, we committed to keep the impact of the ETA scheme under close review. The Government will continue to engage with the UK government, Northern Ireland stakeholders and others on this matter.
24. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31404/23]
View answerOn 9 March 2023 An Post wrote to my 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 my 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.
Consideration of the consent requests is well advanced and a report from NewERA is expected shortly. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision making process will be concluded.
25. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has met the Chairperson of the ESB in the past three months. [31470/23]
View answerIn my role as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I last met the Chair of ESB on 15 February 2023. I last met with the CEO of the Company on 31 May 2023.
26. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will set out the grants and other assistance available to owners of new houses who wish to make their homes more energy efficient by installing solar panels; if new homeowners are entitled to grant assistance to install solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31526/23]
View answerAs part of the Government’s Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS), the Domestic Solar PV Scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is open to houses built prior to 2021. The scheme has been designed this way as new buildings must already comply with higher standards than older buildings.
New-build houses must comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. There are options to meet this required standard by installing energy efficiency technology including heat pumps and/or solar PV. However, SEAI grants are not targeted at meeting building compliance requirements. Installing such technology while a building is being constructed is generally cheaper than installations on existing buildings and would not warrant grant support from limited Exchequer funding. Targeting the residential solar PV grant scheme at older homes ensures that the grants available through the SEAI maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible.
It should be noted that the reduction in the VAT rate to 0% on the supply and installation of solar PV panels on homes and public buildings, in effect since 1 May 2023, will benefit all households looking to install solar PV, including those with new homes, who are ineligible under the SEAI scheme. This reduction will ensure a saving of approximately €1,000, bringing the average €9,000 cost for installation down to €8,000, and reducing the average payback period from 7 to 6.2 years (at €0.32c per KWh).
In 2022, the SEAI received 16,819 applications to the Domestic Solar PV programme, which resulted in grant support for 10,018 homes, at a cost of €24.4m and a total installed capacity of 46.5 MW. This indicates an average installation size of 4.6kW. This is a significant increase from 2021 when 4,077 homes received grant support, with 16.3 MW capacity installed. Moreover, current projections for 2023 indicate an even higher level of applications will be supported. While this high level of interest indicates that the current design of the MSS is working well, its operation and effectiveness will be kept under review and adjustments made where necessary.
27. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how his Department arrived at the estimation (details supplied) as included in his Statement of early May 2023 when he announced the zero VAT rate on the sale of solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31535/23]
View answerThere are many variables in estimating a payback period for investing in a Solar PV system. My statement in May was designed to show the change in payback period as a result of the VAT change. A worked example (based on a 4.5 kW system, costing on average €9,000 prior to the VAT change) is as follows :
|
Assumptions |
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|
|
4.5kWp system, producing 800kWh per kWp per annum |
Electricity Tariff @ 0.32c per kWh |
80% Self Consumption |
|
Calculations |
|
|
|
4.5 kWp |
|
|
|
3600 kWh produced p.a |
800 kWh x 4.5 per annum |
|
|
2880 kWh self-consumed p.a |
@ 0.32c per kWh |
Saving €921.60 per annum |
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|
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|
|
Average 4.5 kW System Cost |
Minus Grant €2,400/savings p.a |
Payback Period |
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€9,000 (pre-VAT Change) |
€6,600/€921.60 |
7.16 years |
|
€8,000 (post-VAT Change) |
€5,600/€921.60 |
6.07 years |
28. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered a submission from microbrewers which identifies the restrictions on innovation and on exporting which features of the proposed charges under the deposit return scheme will create, through the obligation to register and pay registration fees on new products even if it is a very short product run, and through the differential approach to charging where some of the product is exported; and if he can consider modifications which would avoid such distortions. [31556/23]
View answerIn November 2021, the Deposit Return Scheme Regulations (S.I. No 599 of 2021) were signed. Under these Regulations, it is the responsibility of producers to establish and operate a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), to be funded by the following:
• Registration fees set by the approved body,
• Producer fees set by the approved body,
• Unredeemed deposits,
• Revenue derived from sale of returned containers, and
• Any other income sources created by the approved body.
In July 2022, I approved an application from Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (trading as Re-turn) to operate as an approved body under the DRS Regulations. Re-turn is a new, not-for-profit company set up by beverage producers and retailers to meet their obligations under the DRS Regulations. Re-turn is responsible for all operational matters relating to the DRS, including the setting of registration and producer fees.
I am aware of the concerns raised by small producers in relation to DRS, including those highlighted in a submission received from microbrewers. Re-turn are engaging with those producers and are in the process of considering what measures can be put in place to address those concerns.
My officials have been in contact with the microbrewer's representative body and I also intend to meet with them as soon as is possible.
29. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can outline what meetings, if any, took place between a company (details supplied), Government Ministers and a trade union following the revelation on 11 May 2023 that the company was experiencing difficult trading conditions; if so, the general substance of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31560/23]
View answerI have not met with the company concerned since 11 May 2023. My officials have been in ongoing contact with the company in relation to regulatory matters and, since 11 May 2023, they have met with the company twice - earlier this week to discuss ongoing regulatory issues and last week in the course of conducting a standard twice annual mine inspection.
Neither I nor my officials have met with the trade union referred to in the Question concerning the company since 11 May 2023.
30. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts he has made in relation to reducing energy costs for a company (details supplied), one of its major costs, since he received notification of its imminent closure in early May; if he will supply details of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31561/23]
View answerThe Government recognises the difficulties businesses are facing due to the unprecedented increase in energy costs. 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 initially 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 exercised the power contained in Section 100 of Finance Act 2022 to extend the scheme to 30 April 2023. The scheme has since been extended to 31 July 2023, while the time limit for all claims to be submitted has been extended until 30 September 2023.
Moreover, Government has made a number of further amendments to enhance the scheme. From 1 March, the monthly limit on support under the scheme was 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. The threshold for qualification was reduced from a 50% increase in electricity or gas costs to 30% increase (to apply retrospectively from 1 September 2022). The level of relief increased from 40% to 50% of eligible costs. There is more information on how businesses can apply for these supports on the Revenue website: www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/tbess/claim.aspx
All businesses carrying on a trade, from which profits or gains arising are chargeable to tax under Case I of Schedule D of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, are eligible to apply for support under the TBESS.
Senior officials from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, and Enterprise Ireland have met with company representatives to explore government supports and other options available to Tara Mines. Ongoing dialogue with the company has been agreed in that regard, and a coordinated government response is underway.
31. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if broadband capacity will be increased in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31603/23]
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, it is not permitted to intervene in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these 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.
My Department has been advised that an existing capacity issue on Open eir’s commercial fibre network means that the premises in question cannot currently connect is being addressed and should be resolved by end Q1 2024 at the latest.
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.
32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if clarification will be provided in relation to the deduction of €304 from monthly pension pay in the case of a person (details supplied); if a review will be undertaken to establish the appropriate amount of monthly pension to be paid in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31484/23]
View answerThe person in question served in the Defence Forces from 1979 to 1985 before being discharged “Below Army Physical Standards”. His service of 6 years was below the minimum length of service required to qualify for an occupational/service pension; however, a Short Service Gratuity was paid in 1985.
The person in question separately applied for a Disability Pension under the Army Pensions Acts. In April 1986, he was awarded a disability pension to the value of €4,071 (£3,206) per year. The current rate of his disability pension is €14,945 a year.
The person in question also instituted civil proceedings in respect of the same injury and in July 1986 the High Court awarded him compensation of €37,457 (£29,500). His Disability Pension was therefore reviewed by the Minister for Defence in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(2) of the Army Pensions Act, 1923 (as amended). Section 13(2) provides:-
“Any compensation which may be received from or on behalf of the person alleged to be responsible for the act which caused the wounding….. may be taken into consideration in fixing the amount of any pension, allowance or gratuity which might be awarded under this Act to or in respect of such person and if such compensation is received after the award of any such pension or allowance the Minister may review the award and, having regard to the amount of such compensation, either terminate or reduce the amount thereof”
The underlying objective of section 13(2) is to take into consideration compensation paid ‘on the double’ for the same disablement.
Under the provisions of Section 13(2) the then Minister for Defence decided, in March 1987, to reduce the Disability Pension in question by the annuity value (as assessed by an Actuary) of the total civil compensation received. The annuity value was assessed at €3,648 (£2,873) a year. The person in question applied to the High Court for a judicial review of the Minister’s decision to reduce his pension. The High Court decided that he had not been given adequate opportunity to present his case before the decision to reduce the disability pension was made. The Court quashed the decision to reduce the disability pension and ordered that the matter be considered anew. The Court did not express any view as to the outcome of the review to be made. The Department consented to the High Court’s decision and an Order to this effect was made on 23 November 1987. The Order did not preclude the then Minister for Defence from arriving at the same decision made previously.
A fresh review of the Disability Pension was undertaken and all aspects of the case, including, in particular, representations made by his solicitors, were fully considered. In March 1988 the Minister decided to take into account all of the civil compensation received by him and to reduce the disability pension by the assessed annuity value of that compensation. The reduction took place from 1 April 1988, two years after the date of discharge and after payment of the pension had commenced.
As the annuity value was assessed at €3,648 (£2,873) a year the effect of the decision under Section 13(2) is to reduce the rate of Disability Pension payable from €14,945 to €11,297 a year at the current rates payable. The annual deduction of €3,648 equates to a monthly deduction of €304.
It should be noted that whilst the annual deduction has remained fixed at €3,648 per annum since 1988, the annual value of the Disability Pension has increased over time from €4,071 (£3,206) in 1986 to a current value of €14,945. In addition, Defence Forces’ disability pensions are not subject to Income Tax.
In order to provide more information to pensioners the payslip now shows the gross pension amount and the deduction amount rather than just the net amount for payment as was previously the case. The reference to “Annuity – NCOs Non Taxable” relates to the paycode applied to deduct the annuity value, as assessed by an actuary, from the Disability Pension in line with Section 13 (2) regulations. The word “NCO” refers in this case to a cohort of pensioners other than Officers. This includes the rank of Airman.
An annuity value can be applied as a deduction. In this case, the word “Annuity” indicates that this amount, assessed by an actuary, is the amount which needs to be deducted from a pensioner on a Disability Pension who has already received compensation for the same injury.
In summary, the appropriate amount of monthly pension is being paid in this case.
33. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide any update of the position in respect of a member of the Irish Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31562/23]
View answerThe Terms and Conditions governing the Military Medicine Scheme provide that trainees are appointed on an eight year short service commission, to allow for blocks of specialised training to be completed over a five year period, followed by a three year service undertaking, with the opportunity to apply for a commission without limitation as to time at the end of this period.
All educational courses (including the Military Medicine Scheme) that are undertaken by the Defence Forces at public expense, there is a requirement for an officer to subscribe to an undertaking and the terms and conditions for this scheme provide for this.
Undertakings are standard practice across the public / civil service where taxpayers/public money is paid to educate personnel. In return a specified length of service is required or alternatively a return of public monies for time paid whilst in the service of the Defence Forces.
The Terms and Conditions associated with the Military Medicine Training Scheme are therefore no different in this regard, and clearly set out that candidates will have to serve a period of time in the Defence Forces, on completion of the scheme, in order to provide a return on any costs associated with qualifying under the scheme.
Should an Officer wish to leave the Defence Forces before that period of time, a reimbursement to the Exchequer, of training costs, pay, and allowances is then required.
Accordingly, there is an undertaking associated with the individual’s training and as per the Terms and Conditions of the appointment.
For the Military Medicine Scheme, the costs are calculated based on salary paid while attending external aspects of the scheme (ie GP placements). Service provided during any period of external placement is deducted from cost.
The Military Medicine Training Programme is managed by the Defence Forces and they are responsible for the necessary undertakings for these and many other educational programmes.
The education of Defence Force personnel, including the management of the administration of educational undertakings, also falls under the remit of the Defence Forces.
I am advised that the Certification of Satisfactory Completion of Training (CSCST) for the General Practice qualification is awarded by the Irish College of General Practitioners, while the same certification for the military qualification is awarded by the Faculty of Military Medicine of Ireland.
Under the scheme, the Certification of Satisfactory Completion of Training (CSCST) for the General Practice qualification is awarded by the Irish College of General Practitioners, which, I am advised, has finalised for this scheme.
I would reiterate that where an individual receives a qualification, at the expense of the exchequer, under any such educational schemes, such as GP in this case, the individual either provides time in service or reimburses the cost in line with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme as outlined above.
I am further advised, that exams for the military qualification, which is awarded by the Faculty of Military Medicine of Ireland, will take place on 25 and 26 July 2023.
