Thursday, 13 Jul 2023

Written Answers Nos. 121-134

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (121)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

121. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on two foreign birth register applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35430/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications that 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 specific FBR applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these applications were registered by the Passport Service on 13 February 2023. These applications are within the current turnaround time.

Passport Services

Questions (122)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

122. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing this application given the fact that it is a renewal application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35453/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant on 27 June 2023. The Passport Service will contact the applicant directly regarding this matter.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (123)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

123. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the internships, apprenticeships and graduate schemes run by his Department and public bodies under the aegis of his Department. [35486/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

My Department has sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to employ up to 30 paid interns, who are recruited on contracts of up to 22 months and paid on the Executive Officer standard PPC pay scale. Interns are recruited through an open, competitive process and are assigned to policy areas in the Department, including Development Cooperation and Africa Division, Legal Division and Political Division.

My Department facilitates a paid internship scheme for University of Limerick students under the university’s Cooperative Education programme. Within the remit of that programme, my Department offers six month contracts running from January to July or from July to December to four students each year following a selection process. The students are paid at the first point of the Clerical Officer standard PPC pay scale.

My Department does not run any apprenticeship programmes, however it participates in a Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform led ICT apprenticeship programme. There is currently one officer from this programme assigned to my Department.

There are no public bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (124)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish Aid continues to arrive in designated countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35558/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

A Better World, Ireland’s policy for international development, provides the framework for our ‘all of government’ development cooperation programme.  Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), A Better World focuses our efforts on four policy priorities of gender equality, reducing humanitarian need, climate action and strengthening governance. The focus is on reaching the furthest behind first, through working with governments and communities in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and those living in conflict settings.  We ensure a particular emphasis on protecting women and girls.

Ireland channels its official development assistance (ODA) through multilateral organisations such as the UN, and international financial institutions such as the World Bank, funding to Irish civil society organisations, and bilateral ODA provided through Irish Embassies abroad. The most important basis for decisions on which channel to use, is the ability of a partner to reach those that are furthest behind, in the most timely and effective way possible. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement. 

The Government has provided an allocation of over €1.2 billion for ODA in 2023, the highest ever level, and an 18% increase on last year.  

Ireland continues to respond to humanitarian emergencies as they arise. We also continue to support protracted crises when they are not necessarily headline news. Last month the Tánaiste announced an additional €20 million for Syria to provide food, medicine and shelter for people who continue to suffer the consequences of war. We also announced an additional contribution of €8.5 million to deliver humanitarian support to people in Sudan, as well as Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries, through bodies including the UN, International Red Cross and Irish NGOs

Each year the Department of Foreign Affairs reports to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) on overall expenditure on ODA against a set of internationally agreed statistical standards. This analysis informs the annual Irish Aid report which includes details of the global locations in which ODA is directed to.   The Irish Aid annual reports are available publicly on the internet. 

Ireland's development programme has a strong global reputation and underpinning Irish Aid’s work is a commitment to quality. The 2020 OECD Peer Review of Ireland's development cooperation found Ireland to be a strong voice for sustainable development which invests in strong partnerships with civil society and was effective in addressing fragility.  Also in 2020, the international think-tank ODI found Ireland to be the most principled donor country in allocating overseas development.

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (125)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which overseas aid is determined on the basis of aid for trade in this country, or in other European jurisdictions involved in the provision of aid to poorer countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35559/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Government's policy for international development, A Better World, provides the framework for our ‘all of government’ development cooperation programme.  Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it focuses our efforts on the four policy priorities of gender equality, reducing humanitarian need, climate action and strengthening governance. The aim is to reach the furthest behind first, through working with governments and communities in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries.  There is a particular emphasis on protecting women and girls.  

The allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) for 2023 is over €1.2 billion.  This is the highest ever allocation and an 18% increase on last year.  

Our Official Development Assistance (ODA) is provided through multilateral organisations such as the UN, and international financial institutions such as the World Bank, funding to Irish civil society organisations, and bilateral ODA through our Embassies abroad. The most important criterion in deciding which channel to use, is the ability of a partner to reach those that are furthest behind, in the most timely and effective way possible. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement.  

All of Ireland's aid is untied, and we are recognised as global leaders in this regard.  Untying aid involves removing the legal and regulatory barriers to open competition for ODA funded procurement and increases aid effectiveness by reducing transaction costs and improving recipient countries’ ownership of development finance.

Each year the Department of Foreign Affairs reports to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) on overall expenditure on ODA against a set of internationally agreed statistical standards. This analysis informs the annual Irish Aid report which includes details of all of our ODA spending.    

Ireland's development programme has a strong global reputation and underpinning Irish Aid’s work is a commitment to quality. The 2020 OECD Peer Review of Ireland's development cooperation found Ireland to be a strong voice for sustainable development which invests in strong partnerships with civil society and was effective in addressing fragility.  Also in 2020, the international think-tank ODI found Ireland to be the most principled donor country in allocating overseas development.

Ireland’s development co-operation programme is at the heart of our foreign policy and recognises that international trade can play a major role in the promotion of economic development and the alleviation of poverty. The World Trade Organisation-led Aid for Trade initiative encourages developing country governments and donors to recognise the role that trade can play in development. In particular, the initiative seeks to mobilise resources to address the trade-related constraints identified by developing and least-developed countries. 

We continue to monitor the engagement by the EU and others on aid for trade. The  joint OECD-WTO ‘Aid for Trade at a Glance’ publication, last published in 2022, provides a comprehensive analysis of trends and developments. The EU adopted an updated EU Aid for Trade Strategy in December 2017, and Ireland participates in the ongoing implementation of this strategy. The 2022 EU Aid for Trade Progress Report was published earlier this year. 

I am pleased that since 2000, Ireland has provided practical support for a number of international organisations involved in Aid for Trade initiatives. This includes technical assistance programmes of the WTO; the International Trade Centre (ITC); the Advisory Centre for WTO Law; and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Port Management Programme. Our funding to these organisations amounted to €1.85m in 2022.

Angling Sector

Questions (126, 127)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which ongoing restocking of rivers and freshwater lakes continues in respect of trout, salmon or other fish species as appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35561/23]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the restocking of freshwater rivers and lakes and other waterways has progressed in the past five years; the degree to which this resulted in improvement as an attraction for angling tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35564/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that stocking is a complex matter that is carefully considered in the context of the protection of existing wild stocks.

IFI has supplied hatchery reared fish to angling clubs around the country. The main species stocked are brown trout and, in respect of put and take fisheries, rainbow trout. Re-stocking requests are considered in the context of EU legislation, biodiversity considerations and best scientific advice.”

A copy of IFI’s fish stocking guidance document is available by request at the email address designated for Oireachtas members : [e-mail].

Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 126.

Environmental Policy

Questions (128)

Richard Bruton

Question:

128. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for the proposed introduction of a levy on disposable cups and on a deposit/return scheme for PET bottles and cans; if he intends to modify proposals in view of submissions; and whether dates for commencement have been set. [34790/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Regulations to introduce the coffee cup levy have been drafted and I intend to bring these into force as soon as is possible. Once a commencement date for the levy has been agreed with the Collection Authority, at least three months will be provided to allow appropriate preparations to be made, including a comprehensive public awareness campaign, before the levy is applied. The regulations have been subject to public consultation and all submissions received were considered as part of the drafting process.

A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle drinks containers. It works by charging anyone who buys a drink a small deposit for the plastic bottle or can that it comes in, which is refunded when the container is returned for recycling.

DRS will increase the quantity of bottles and cans collected for recycling and will result in less going to landfill, incineration or becoming litter and, by ensuring a separate collection stream, will also improve the quality of recycled material being collected and generated.

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. DRS is a major project involving the development of complex IT, infrastructure and communication systems and Re-turn will work with all relevant stakeholders over the course of 2023 to prepare for go-live in February 2024.

Environmental Policy

Questions (129)

Holly Cairns

Question:

129. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he is taking to ban the production and use of single-use plastics, aside from medical supplies; to encourage the development of environmentally friendly alternatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34824/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

In July 2021, the Single Use Plastics Regulations came into effect. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent and reduce the impact of single use plastics on the environment and introduce a range of measures aimed at significantly reducing the consumption of certain single use plastics. Single use plastics which are intended for use as medical devices or for special medical purposes are excluded from the scope of the regulations.

Measures include market restrictions (bans), on single use products for which sustainable alternatives are readily available and affordable. From July 2021, single use plastic cutlery, plates, beverage stirrers, food / beverage cups and containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made from oxo-degradable plastic were banned from being placed on the Irish market.

For other SUP, measures are in place to limit the use or improve the design of those products and include:

- labelling requirements to inform consumers of the presence of plastic in the product and warn them of the environmental damage such plastic can cause,

- design requirements such as tethered caps and minimum recycled content levels for plastic bottles,

- separate collection for recycling targets for plastic bottles, which will be delivered through the Deposit Return Scheme.

In addition, the SUP regulations mandate the establishment of a number new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Since January 2023, EPRs are in place for single use packaging items and for tobacco filter products containing plastic, while EPRs for wet wipes, balloons and fishing gear will be in place from end 2024. Producers of these products have a responsibility to finance the collection and environmentally-sound waste management of their products at end of life. This includes contributing to the cost of data gathering, litter clean up and awareness raising measures.

The Circular Economy Act, signed into law at the end of July, provides me, as Minister, with the power to introduce levies and bans on a range of single use items, to incentivise people to choose to re-use and to help reduce single-use waste.

The immediate focus is on the introduction of a levy on single-use cups for hot drinks (Coffee Cup Levy). Regulations to introduce this levy have been drafted and the Department plans to bring these into force as soon as is possible.

Pension Provisions

Questions (130)

Noel Grealish

Question:

130. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give Ministerial approval for the two-phase increase of 6% pensionable pay in addition to the agreed 2% due from 1 January 2023 due under the An Post superannuation scheme; when approval will be granted for these pension increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34828/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

On 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 was submitted on 29 June. The two Shareholding Departments will now expedite consideration of the matter. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded.

Energy Prices

Questions (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 147, 185)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

131. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that wholesale electricity prices fell by 35% in June 2023 (details supplied); when he expects this will be passed on to the final customer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34868/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

132. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he was aware of comments made by the Taoiseach that energy prices would remain very high this winter; how many times he has met with the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to discuss this; if he will report on these meetings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34873/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

133. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he was aware of comments (details supplied) made by the Taoiseach that energy prices would remain very high this winter; how many times he has met with energy companies to discuss this; if he will report on these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34874/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the wholesale price of energy; if he expects the price of gas and electricity to fall; what has informed his conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34875/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what reliefs will be put in place for high energy prices, and when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34876/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

136. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that the easing in energy prices inflation for consumers in Ireland has to date lagged in the euro area as a whole (details supplied); what his plans are to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34877/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on his public comments (details supplied) that he expects energy bills to fall from this autumn; how this conclusion was informed; if he has met energy firms to discuss this; and how much he anticipates they will decrease by. [34915/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

185. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has discussed with energy providers what proportion of the wholesale energy they use is hedged; if so, to report on this; if not, if he has plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 to 136, inclusive, 147 and 185 together.

My clear message to energy suppliers is that prices for customers should be reduced at the earliest opportunity.

Unprecedented increases in energy prices since the outbreak of War in Ukraine has led the Government to take sustained action over the past year to support households and businesses to meet the cost-of-living challenges. Direct measures to reduce energy bills include the €800 in total of energy credits between April 2022 and April 2023, reductions in VAT and the Temporary Business Support Scheme.

Electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive with the market being overseen by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). As part of its role CRU is monitoring the implementation of the strengthened consumer protection measures put in place for the winter period.

Wholesale energy prices reached peak levels in August of last year, when wholesale gas prices were 706% higher than January 2021, while wholesale electricity prices increased by 463%. While wholesale gas prices have fallen dramatically and are currently well below the peak values of last year, they are still trading at twice their pre-pandemic levels.

Ireland faces particular challenges in this regard as we are a price taker on international markets and Irish electricity and gas prices have historically been affected by long standing drivers such as geographical isolation and low levels of interconnection comparable to Europe, dispersed population, fossil fuel dependency and small market scale.

Retail gas and electricity prices, based upon an estimated annual bill are 107% higher for gas and 90% for electricity this June vs June 2021. The difference in the volatility of wholesale and retail prices demonstrates the importance of supplier hedging strategies and the extent to which these strategies shield consumers against the full extent of this unprecedented international energy market volatility. This will vary from supplier to supplier, based on their current hedging and retail price positions.

I have recently written to the regulator, requesting that they investigate the pricing strategies in place, taking account of the hedging strategies of the electricity market participants. As part of this investigation, I have asked CRU to ascertain if there have been any market failures, particularly where vulnerable customers are concerned.

As Minister I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices. This includes energy suppliers. In addition to my interactions, my officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis and a key message to them is the critical importance of prices being reduced as soon as possible.

Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 131.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 131.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 131.