Written Answers Nos. 132-165
132. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of the projects that have received funding from the Climate Action Fund in 2022 and to date in 2023; the amount of funding awarded to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38289/23]
View answer134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount currently in the Climate Action Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38306/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 134 together.
The Climate Action Fund (CAF) was established under section 37B of the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Act 2020 (the Act). The purpose of the CAF is to provide financial support to projects which will help Ireland achieve its climate and energy targets. The CAF will provide at least €500 million in Government funding up to 2027 towards this objective. It will allow for the development of innovative initiatives which, without this support, may not otherwise be possible to accomplish. My Department is responsible for the Fund's implementation.
The balance in the CAF as on 25th August 2023 is €202,256,978.45
The following projects have received funding in the amounts specified from the CAF in 2022 and so far in 2023
|
|
Amount Received 2022 |
Amount Received to date 2023 |
|
Irish Rail Hybrid Drive |
€320,160 |
0 |
|
South Dublin County Council – Tallaght District Heating Scheme |
€1,202,715 |
€1,930,600.17 |
|
ESB e-Cars |
€541,889 |
0 |
|
South East Energy Agency -Driving HGV Efficiency Into Brexit |
€192,825.36 |
€207,658.08 |
|
Bord na Móna Bog Rehabilitation Scheme* |
€12,707,362.33 |
€13,939,896 |
|
Creative Climate Action Programme |
€1,000,000 |
0 |
|
Community Climate Action Programme Strand 2 Projects |
€1,105,018.91 |
|
|
Community Climate Action Programme Strand 2 Pobal fee |
€212,162 |
€143,384.53 |
*Initially, funding was secured from the Climate Action Fund to the value of €108 million. However, this will be reimbursed from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility on completion of agreed milestones.
Overall current commitments to the CAF amount to €413,293,842, to date €43,730,517 has been paid from the CAF, leaving €369,563,324 outstanding current commitments.
133. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he last spoke formally with the CEO of An Post; and when he is next scheduled to speak with the CEO. [38303/23]
View answerI last spoke formally to the CEO of An Post on Wednesday July 5th 2023 when I had a meeting with him in Leinster House. While at this point in time I have no further meetings scheduled with the CEO, as a matter of course I, as Minister, meet with the CEOs of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department as the opportunity or need arises.
135. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what actions he will implement to ensure that the substantial windfall earnings of energy companies throughout 2022 are included in the forthcoming windfall tax initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38456/23]
View answerCouncil Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 is an emergency intervention to address high energy prices. It is being implemented in Ireland through a Temporary Solidarity Contribution and a Cap on Market Revenues.
The proceeds from the temporary solidarity contribution will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners and remitted to the Exchequer.
It will be a matter for Government, as part of the annual Budget process to determine how the proceeds collected from the temporary solidarity contribution will be distributed.
Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 requires the proceeds from the temporary solidarity contribution to be distributed in accordance with Article 17.
The proceeds from the cap on market revenues will be retained by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (or EirGrid on their behalf) to be used to support final electricity consumers in line with Article 10 of the Regulation.
The Council Regulation details potential suitable measures such as financial compensation and direct transfers to final electricity consumers, lowering the cost of purchasing electricity for energy consumers and promoting investments by final energy consumers into de-carbonisation technologies, renewables and energy efficiency investments.
136. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what measures are being taken to ensure that domestic energy providers are transparent about their pricing and that they are not overcharging consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38457/23]
View answer137. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what is being done to monitor the energy market to ensure that it is functioning properly and that Government can ensure that the decreases in wholesale prices for electricity and gas benefit consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38458/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
Recent reductions in wholesale gas and electricity prices are welcome. The Government expect to see this reflected in retail bills (for households and businesses) as soon as possible.
I welcome the price reductions announced by 4 companies in recent week and I expect that all companies would continue to keep their prices under review.
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.
Responsibility for the regulation of the retail gas and electricity markets was assigned to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. CRU is accountable to the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. CRU has a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members to contact them at: oireachtas@cru.ie.
138. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on a SEAI application (details supplied); and if he will provide the details of same. [38499/23]
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 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. An unprecedented budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 6,000 home upgrades.
As Minister I have no function in relation to individual grant applications. Operational matters such as that raised by the Deputy are managed by the SEAI. Applicants can contact SEAI directly to get an update on the status of their application and/or works by phone on 1800 250 204 or by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie.
Alternatively, SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
There are also other grants and schemes available from Government that could be of assistance where there is an urgent need for home repairs. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
139. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much was drawn from the support scheme for renewable heat in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; how many businesses were supported, broken down by intended use, that is, a biomass application versus installation of a heat pump versus additional upgrade measures and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38509/23]
View answerThe SEAI provides a wide range of supports to business across a number of schemes including EXEED, Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH), Community Energy Grant, Support Scheme for Energy Audits, EV Grants, Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grants. In 2022, across all these supports, the SEAI supported over 2,500 businesses, with over €50 million of grant funding.
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) was developed to financially support and stimulate the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.
These schemes are under regular review and the SSRH was relaunched in March 2023. The scheme now provides for increased support for heat pump installations of up to 40% of costs and support for additional upgrade measures in buildings to facilitate the installation of heat pumps. The SSRH maintained the maximum support for biomass applications at €3.5 million over 15 years and, subject to EU state aid approval, will expand to the Emissions Trading Scheme sector, comprising of large industry and large fossil fuel users. The SEAI has experienced a significant uplift in enquiries since the relaunch of the SSRH, and it is envisaged that applications will follow, as these businesses develop their plans to avail of the scheme supports.
Since 2021 to date, expenditure has exceeded €1.6m, with 32 business benefiting from ongoing operational support and 1 currently received a grant for a Heat Pump.
|
Heat Pumps |
No. of business supported, (Letters of offer issued) |
No. of business supported. (No. of projects commissioned and payments made) |
|
2021 |
2 |
1 |
|
2022 |
2 |
0 |
|
2023 (ytd) |
1 |
0 |
|
|
5 |
1 |
|
Biomass |
No. of business supported, (Letters of offer issued) |
No. of business supported, (No. of projects commissioned and payments made) |
|
2021 |
23 |
10 |
|
2022 |
23 |
17 |
|
2023 (ytd) |
11 |
5 |
|
|
57 |
32 |
|
SSRH Drawdown |
Capital Spend (€) |
Lifetime value of commitments to scheme participants (€) |
|
2021 |
219,470 |
2,876,665 |
|
2022 |
719,853 |
9,624,270 |
|
2023 (YTD) |
690,614 |
10,060,485 |
|
Total |
1,629,937 |
22,561,420 |
140. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many grants were provided for energy audits as part of the support scheme for renewable heat in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38510/23]
View answerEnergy Audits are not provided under the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH).
The Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) is a voucher scheme that offers certain businesses and public sector bodies a voucher for €2,000 to undertake an energy audit. The scheme was launched in June 2021 and is currently open for applications. No data is available on how many recipients of the voucher went on to avail of SSRH.
|
Reporting period |
Number of vouchers issued |
Number of grants paid |
Amount of grants paid |
|
June – December 2021 |
196 |
8 |
€16,000 |
|
January – December 2022 |
1,400 |
879 |
€1,758,000 |
|
January – July 2023 |
598 |
713 |
€1,426,000 |
|
Total |
2,194 |
1,600 |
€3,200,000 |
141. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much was drawn from the excellence in energy efficient design in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; how many businesses were supported, broken down by intended use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38511/23]
View answerThe Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) programme supports high impact investments, where an energy efficient design (EED) process is followed to design out energy consumption and develop high performance projects. The EXEED programme was relaunched in March 2023 to provide projects with increased support to a maximum of €3 million and an improved application process.
Details of the amounts drawn down by year are set out in the table below.
|
- |
No. of business supported (Letters of offer issued) |
No. of business supported (Letters of offer issued) |
EXEED Drawdown |
|
|
Year |
EXEED Stage 1 |
EXEED Stage 2 |
Grand Total |
Capital spend |
|
2021 |
73 |
21 |
94 |
€ 3,393,883 |
|
2022 |
47 |
9 |
56 |
€ 1,242,628 |
|
2023 (YTD) |
43 |
9 |
52 |
€ 563,946 |
|
Grand Total |
163 |
39 |
202 |
€ 5,200,457 |
142. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many grants were provided for energy audits, broken down by scheme in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38512/23]
View answerThe Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) is a voucher scheme that offers certain businesses and public sector bodies a voucher for €2,000 to undertake an energy audit. The scheme was launched in June 2021 and is currently open for applications. The number of vouchers issued and paid since the scheme launch is summarised in the following table:
|
Year |
Reporting period |
Number of vouchers issued |
Number of grants paid |
Amount of grants paid |
|
2021 |
June – December 2021 |
196 |
8 |
€16,000 |
|
2022 |
January – December 2022 |
1,400 |
879 |
€1,758,000 |
|
2023 |
January – July 2023 |
598 |
713 |
€1,426,000 |
|
Total |
2,194 |
1,600 |
€3,200,000 |
143. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what measures the Government will take to support individuals with the cost of energy going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38528/23]
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. 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.
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.
My Department is also conducting a spending review of household energy budget supports during Winter 2022/23 with the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in order to provide an evidence base for policy making ahead of Budget 24.
144. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate if Bord na Móna is in compliance with the shareholder letter of expectation issued to the company that provides guidance to Bord na Móna and its board of directors with respect to the Government's current objectives in view of serious concerns raised with me by farmers regarding rewetting, the preservation of bog land and the destruction of biodiversity and wildlife in the construction of Bord na Móna wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38534/23]
View answerBord na Móna (BnM) is obliged to comply with climate, biodiversity, water and other environmental policies, objectives and standards set out in the Programme for Government, Government strategy and policy documents, legislation and the Shareholder Letter of Expectations.
While Bord na Móna is not exempt from compliance with local and national planning and environmental laws and regulation in the conduct of its activities, whether construction of wind farms, battery storage or in the rewetting of bogs, it is an independent commercial semi state company. Compliance with the law is a matter for the Board and Management of the company and one in which I as Minister have no function.
Compliance with the Shareholders letter of expectations is asserted through the company's annual return with regard to the Code of Practice for State bodies.
Bord na Móna, in line with its vision, has transitioned to a Climate Solutions company, working towards the Government net zero target. The Company is clear that it is working with, and for, nature, having changed how it manages natural assets, and created climate solutions that seek to renew energy, recycle waste, and neutralise carbon emissions. It continues its leading role in peatlands remediation and rehabilitation, including through the Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme, with appropriate public engagement and consultation with local communities to ensure the continuing public support for this important project along with peatlands rehabilitation works on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
145. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) within his Department; if any section of his Department currently makes use of A.I., and if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; and if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of A.I. [38565/23]
View answerMy Department continues to take advice from the National Cyber Security Centre in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.).
My Department is following recommendations provided in June 2023 and work is continuing to ensure that best practice and advice is followed.
All applications used within the Department are required to be in line with Departmental policies and procedures.
My Department has not purchased any licenses or subscriptions to AI tools and have not consulted with any consultancy firms on this matter. No costs have been incurred.
148. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether the trend in electricity prices have been tracked to ensure that customers are not being unfairly charged in situations where underlying forward contracts for fuel stocks remain undisclosed; if it is expected that intervention will be needed by public authorities to ensure falling costs are fairly shared; and how it is intended that the revenue from new caps on renewable energy prices and taxes on the profits of energy companies will be shared with customers. [38641/23]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned this responsibility following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999. The CRU is accountable to the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister.
As part of its statutory role, the CRU also has consumer protection functions and monitors energy retail markets to ensure that competition continues to develop for the benefit of the consumer. 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.
Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854, an emergency intervention to address high energy prices, came into force in October 2022 and seeks to address windfall gains in the energy sector through a temporary solidarity contribution based on taxable profits in the fossil fuel production and refining sector and a cap on market revenues of specific generation technologies in the electricity sector. The cap on market revenues will apply for the period December 2022 to June 2023, and is currently being legislated for through the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill. The temporary solidarity contribution will apply for 2022 and 2023, and was enacted in July through the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Act 2023.
Deciding how the revenues which result from these changes is spent is a matter for Government, as part of the annual Budget process and in line with the Council Regulation. The proceeds from the Cap on Market Revenues will be used to provide financial supports to households and companies heavily affected by high energy prices. Revenue resulting from the Temporary Solidarity Contribution may also be used to help support climate actions, including investment in renewable energy.
149. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can confirm whether or not his Department ever made a submission or application for funding for a grant aid scheme for digestor farm waste units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38653/23]
View answerI have no function in relation to this matter. Responsibility for policy and funding in relation to farm waste is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 141, 142, 145, 154 and 156 of 13 July 2023, to provide an update on the nationally representative fortnightly research tracker, and his statement that there has been a reduction in the difficulty in meeting energy costs; if he can provide more detail on this research and how this conclusion was reached; the specific groups of people who are finding it less difficult; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38663/23]
View answerDuring the evolving energy crisis, the ongoing Government of Ireland Reduce Your Use/Stay Warm and Well public information campaign has provided clear and timely advice to Irish families, households, and businesses. A key component of the campaign strategy is to ensure that Government is actively listening to people; understanding and responding to their needs and concerns to determine the most useful advice, information and interventions that can be provided.
To ensure this is achieved, quantitative research has been carried out by Amárach Research on a fortnightly basis since October 2022, and on a monthly basis since April 2023. A nationally representative group is surveyed to test response to messaging and consumer sentiment. The results of this tracker indicate that overall there has been some reduction in the difficulty of meeting energy costs since October, and that families are making consistent efforts to reduce their energy use. However, the high cost of energy remains a serious concern, particularly among vulnerable groups.
The Government is working towards completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, monitoring the efficacy of existing supports, and exploring further measures to support consumers in the context of Budget 2024. The Consumer Sentiment and Reported Behaviour Research October 2022- June 2023 is available at: gov.ie - Consumer Sentiment and Reported Behaviour Research (www.gov.ie) www.gov.ie/en/publication/66899-consumer-sentiment-and-reported-behaviour-research/.
151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the next meeting of the National Climate Stakeholder Forum will take place; how participants in the Stakeholder Forum are selected; to provide a list of organisations which have participated in the Stakeholder Forum to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38664/23]
View answer166. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the National Climate Stakeholder forum; if he will report on the forum that took place on 10 May 2023; who took part; if any NGOs/civil society organisations were there; and when the next one will take place. [38866/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 166 together.
The fourth National Climate Stakeholder Forum will take place in the Convention Centre, Dublin on 6 November. Over 200 participants were invited to the last National Climate Stakeholder Forum from a wide range of stakeholders including policy makers, interest groups, agencies, local authorities, the e-NGO sector, community and voluntary groups, and academics. A full list of organisations who have attended the first three National Climate Stakeholder Fora is attached.
List of organisations who have attended the first three National Climate Stakeholder Fora
A report from the third Stakeholder Forum, held on 10 May 2023, will be published shortly which will highlight the outputs of this forum, which have been incorporated into the National Dialogue on Climate Action through the Climate Conversations 2023. The outputs of the Climate Conversations will be used to inform policy by inputting into future iterations of the Climate Action Plan.
152. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to include NGOs/civil society organisations working in the sphere of poverty/energy poverty on the Energy Poverty Steering Group; how these groups have been consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38665/23]
View answer153. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Energy Poverty Steering Group; how many times it has met since its inception; how the group has consulted NGOS/civil society organisations working in the sphere of poverty/energy poverty; how many times it has met with these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38666/23]
View answer154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the report on the Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38667/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 to 154, inclusive, together.
On 13 December 2022 Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan. The Plan is available at www.gov.ie and sets out a range of measures to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes. The implementation of the Action Plan is being monitored by a cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department.
This group was established in August 2022, has met 5 times and is scheduled to meet next on 14 September 2023.
As part of the work of the Steering Group, the inaugural Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum was held on 7 July 2023. The Forum sought to improve and accelerate the implementation of the plan, by fostering dialogue and cooperation among NGOs, industry representatives, and public bodies. It provided a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, assess progress on objectives from across the action plan, and share new ideas to combat energy poverty.
A report on the recommendations and outcomes of the Energy Poverty Stakeholder Forum is due to be published in the coming weeks.
In addition, my Department commissioned a nationally representative fortnightly research tracker, which is indicating that Irish families are making every effort to reduce their energy use and that there has been a reduction in the difficulty of meeting energy costs.
Ultimately, the best way to combat energy poverty in the long-term will be by continuing to make investments to improve the energy efficiency of homes, boost renewable energy adoption, and deepen interconnection with Europe. Improving home energy efficiency and cutting our dependence on fossil fuels will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future.
155. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide and update on how the temporary solidarity contribution will be spent; how it will provide relief to households facing high energy costs; how it will be used to target energy poverty; if it will be targeted at large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38668/23]
View answerThe proceeds from the temporary solidarity contribution will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners and remitted to the Exchequer.
Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 requires the proceeds from the temporary solidarity contribution to be distributed in accordance with Article 17.
It will be a matter for Government, as part of the annual Budget process to determine how the proceeds collected from the temporary solidarity contribution will be distributed.
156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the legislation for the cap on market revenues will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38669/23]
View answerThe Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector)(Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023 will implement part of Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices, in particular that which requires a cap on market revenues of specific electricity generators.
The Bill, and the EU regulation on which it is based, are designed to provide assistance for final electricity consumers who have experienced exceptionally high energy prices, both as a result of the post-pandemic inflationary pressures and the energy-market implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Bill and its explanatory memorandum were published on Thursday 31 August by the Bills Office.
157. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on how the cap on market revenues will be spent; how it will provide relief to households facing high energy costs; how it will be used to target energy poverty; if it will be targeted at large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38670/23]
View answerOn the 31st August, the Government published the Energy (Windfall gains in the Energy Sector)(Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023. The bill aims to cap the revenues of energy companies, which have experienced large profits in recent times, and provide for the re-distribution of that money back to consumers.
The legal basis for this Bill is provided for in Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 which represents an emergency intervention to address high energy prices. Article 10 of the Council Regulation states that surplus revenues collected through the Market Cap must be distributed in accordance with measures to support final electricity customers in a transparent and proportionate manner.
The Council Regulation details potential suitable measures such as financial compensation and direct transfers to final electricity consumers, lowering the cost of purchasing electricity for energy consumers and promoting investments by final energy consumers into de-carbonisation technologies, renewables and energy efficiency investments.
This Article is provided for in Section 28 of the Bill which outlines the arrangement of schemes which can be used for the disbursement of proceeds from the Market Cap Fund. The proceeds from the cap on market revenues will be retained by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (or EirGrid on their behalf) to be used to support final electricity consumers in line with Article 10 of the Regulation.
158. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Government’s plans to develop energy storage as part of Ireland’s 2030 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38671/23]
View answerElectricity storage plays a critical role in providing flexibility to the electricity system by facilitating the integration of renewable generation, supporting the grid, and shifting electricity to the time when it is most needed. We have already seen tremendous progress in terms of the deployment of electricity storage in Ireland, with more than 600MW of batteries currently active on the system and 292 MW of pumped hydro storage (Turlough Hill).
Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, my Department has committed to developing an Electricity Storage Policy Framework by Q3 2023. To help inform the development of the final framework, my Department held a public consultation which closed on the 27th January. As part of the consultation process, my Department also ran an industry stakeholder event to further discuss the key issues/questions raised within the consultation.
The responses to the public consultation have now been analysed and a Summary Report was published in May. My Department is now in the process of preparing the final Framework and is engaging closely with key stakeholders including Government Departments, State agencies and industry experts to that end.
160. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are any plans to develop underwater pumped hydro energy storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38706/23]
View answerElectricity storage plays a critical role in providing flexibility to the electricity system by facilitating the integration of renewable generation, supporting the grid, and shifting electricity to the time when it is most needed. We have already seen tremendous progress in terms of the deployment of electricity storage in Ireland, with more than 600MW of batteries currently active on the system and 292 MW of pumped hydro storage (Turlough Hill).
To further support energy storage development my Department is currently in the process of developing a national Electricity Storage Policy Framework that aligns with our renewable energy ambitions, security of supply, and flexibility policy drivers. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities is also reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage, including licensing, charging and market incentives.
While my Department does not develop or support individual energy storage projects, such as novel underwater pumped storage systems, the potential need for the introduction of R&D opportunities and/or a specific procurement framework for long-duration storage is something that is being considered as part of the forthcoming storage policy framework.
Additionally, Enterprise Ireland, the state agency responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises, provides various funding opportunities for new ventures, including those that support the energy transition.
161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on efforts to reduce construction and demolition waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38710/23]
View answerGlobally construction represents one of the most resource intensive forms of economic activity. Improving the circularity rate of the domestic Construction & Demolition (C&D) sector has significant potential to improve Ireland’s circularity rate as a whole.
My Department has begun preparing the 2nd iteration of the current Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy. As required under the Circular Economy Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, the new Strategy will contain a range of sectoral targets in relation to specified resource-intensive sectors, including C&D. Following a public consultation, the Strategy will be submitted for Government approval.
Additionally, a Circular Construction Roadmap is being prepared my Department, in conjunction with an expert subgroup of the Construction Sector Group chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The Roadmap is intended to provide guidance to industry practitioners regarding circular construction and to identify, for further consideration by policymakers, potential regulatory and financial measures which could enhance the overall circularity of the C&D sector. The Roadmap is in drafting and will also be submitted to Government for approval.
'The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, 2020', also committed to streamlining the application process for End-of-Waste and By-Product determinations operated by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). In fulfilment of this commitment, the Circular Economy Miscellaneous Provisions Act, contains provision for the making of Regulations in relation to, inter alia;
- The charging of fees for End-of-Waste and By-Product notifications
- The format of notifications and the information that must accompany them
- The circumstances in which applications may be refused or rejected
Regulations are currently being drafted in this regard, with a view to going to public consultation this autumn.
Separately, the EPA is in the process of developing criteria for a national End-of-Waste decision for recycled aggregate. A consultation on these draft criteria has closed and publication of the criteria is expected before year end. The Agency also expects to publish criteria for National By-Product decisions for road plannings this year and for greenfield soil and stone early in 2024.
Delivery of national criteria for these three streams will greatly facilitate the reuse of materials within the construction sector by obviating the need for companies to seek individual decisions where they can demonstrate compliance with the new criteria.
162. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he is aware that a person (details supplied) has had construction ongoing in their home since June under the SEAI warmer homes scheme, with no completion timeline given. [38712/23]
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 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. An unprecedented budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 6,000 home upgrades.
As Minister I have no function in relation to individual grant applications. Operational matters such as that raised by the Deputy are managed by the SEAI. Applicants can contact SEAI directly to get an update on the status of their application and/or works by phone on 1800 250 204 or by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie.
Alternatively, SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
163. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what actions his Department will be taking to assist families to cope with the increased energy prices; if he is worried in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38735/23]
View answerGovernment is aware of the pressures on families caused by continued high energy costs, and has taken a range of measures to support families to stay warm and well. This included a €2.4 billion package of supports implemented during 2022, and a package of once-off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023. This included an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) was credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT). The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion brought the total amount paid to consumers to provide on-bill support with energy costs to €1.5 billion.
In February 2023, Government announced a further €470 million package of measures to help social protection recipients from April to July and an extension to the reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas bills until the end of October.
The Government is working towards completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, monitoring the efficacy of existing supports, and exploring further measures to support consumers meet energy costs for the coming winter. Any further supports will be considered in the context of Budget 2024.
In the past weeks, price reductions have been announced by SSE Airtricity, Energia, Pinergy, and Electric Ireland who share approximately 75% of the retail electricity market and a further approximate 45% of the retail gas market in Ireland.
164. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or his officials have compared and contrasted the economic reliefs that each EU country is applying to increased energy costs and how they compare to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38736/23]
View answerIn December 2022, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan. The Plan is available on gov.ie and sets out the range of measures implemented to meet high energy costs, as well as key longer-term measures, to ensure that those least able to afford these increased energy costs are supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes.
A cross-departmental and inter-agency steering group meet periodically to review progress towards the objectives outlined in the Energy Poverty Action Plan, including short and long-term actions to support people to meet the cost of energy. Officials from my Department meet regularly with stakeholders, including energy suppliers and representative organisations, to review the effect of existing supports and consider future policy directions.
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. However, officials from my Department correspond with CRU on an ongoing basis to track developments in retail and wholesale energy markets, including the effect of government supports on arrears levels, among other indicators. This includes meeting with representatives from other European countries, and staying up to date with European measures through ACER, the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators. In November, officials from my Department will attend an EU meeting of the Energy Poverty and Vulnerable Consumers Coordination Group in order to engage with Commission recommendations for combatting energy poverty.
In addition, my Department commissioned a nationally representative research tracker to monitor public sentiment and knowledge in relation to energy issues. The results of this tracker indicates there has been some reduction in the difficulty of meeting energy costs, and that Irish families are making consistent efforts to reduce their energy use. The Government is working towards completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, monitoring the efficacy of existing supports, and exploring further measures to support consumers in the context of Budget 2024.
My Department is also conducting a spending review of household energy budget supports during Winter 2022/23 with the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in order to provide an evidence base for policy making ahead of Budget 24.
165. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to ensure that the next phase of the National Radon Control Strategy (2024) includes designated State funding for financial supports towards radon testing and remediation works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38785/23]
View answerRadon gas is recognised as a serious threat to public health and estimated to be responsible for approximately 350 cases of lung cancer annually in Ireland. The Government has established a National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS), which is now in its second phase covering the period 2019 – 2024. Implementation of the strategy is overseen by an interdepartmental and agency NRCS Group chaired by my Department. The NRCS Group last met in April 2023.
A Mid-Term Report to Government on Phase Two of the NRCS is available at gov.ie - Environmental Protection (www.gov.ie). This report sets out progress made towards delivering on the strategy and its actions between May 2019 and June 2022. Previous reports are available at www.epa.ie/publications/.
While there are currently no financial supports in place in respect of radon testing or remediation measures, work to develop such a scheme is one of the action points for the current phase of the NRCS, which will run until 2024.
The development of next phase of the NRCS will be discussed by the NRCS Group in the period up to 2024. The Group is scheduled to meet again in November 2023.
