Written Answers Nos. 193-212
193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount allocated to climate finance in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39278/23]
View answerInternational climate action, including climate finance, is a key priority for the Irish Government. My Department, alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are committed to providing accurate and transparent reporting on all funding allocated to climate finance each year. Each Department annually reports these figures to the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs compiles an annual narrative report entitled Ireland’s Climate and Environmental Finance Report in which further detail on each Department's spend is provided alongside explanations of how climate finance to developing countries is calculated.
Where finance is channelled through multilateral organisations, my Department follows the OECD methodology for calculating the climate-specific percentage of each contribution. This involves applying an Imputed Multilateral Share to each contribution to determine the percentage of funding which directly seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate change. This has been determined as the most accurate method for calculating multilateral climate finance to date.
The amount of climate finance provided by my Department in 2020 and 2021 is outlined below. The final figure for the amount allocated to climate finance in 2022 is still being calculated.
|
Year |
Amount provided by DECC |
Total provided by Ireland |
|
2020 |
€ 6,787,941 |
€ 88,341,096 |
|
2021 |
€ 17,517,172 |
€ 99,618,603 |
Figures for 2022 and 2023 are not yet available. 2020 and 2021 figures have been taken from Ireland’s Climate and Environmental Finance Report 2021 and 2020 respectively.
198. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of live applications for the better energy warmer homes scheme currently; the average waiting time for an application to be assessed in 2023, both countrywide and by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39348/23]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide upgrades to those living in, or at risk of, energy poverty. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department.
Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme are driving increased levels of demand for the scheme. This can be seen in application numbers with over 9,900 applications received in 2022 and over 10,000 additional applications received up until the end of August this year alone.
There are currently 17,000 homes on the scheme work programme. This includes homes that are:
• Awaiting the initial survey of their home;
• Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor;
• Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or,
• Currently undergoing works.
It should be noted that the scheme has been delivering a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have increased from €2,600 in 2015 to €24,000 in 2023. The increase in depth of retrofit is also reflected in the waiting times as more significant works take a longer time per home to complete. It also is important to note that the scheme was also impacted significantly by construction sector closures and restrictions on home visits associated with COVID-19 in recent years which resulted in a build up of applications.
The average waiting time from application to survey is currently 8 months. The average waiting time from application to completion in Q2 2023 was just under 19 months. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades delivered. An unprecedented budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 6,000 home upgrades. Additional funding of €264 million has also been secured for the scheme from the European Regional Development Fund and will supplement the annual allocations over the period from now until 2027. Importantly, a new contractor panel for the scheme was recently established. It is intended that the panel will be in place for 4 years, with an estimated contract budget of €700 million for that period, which is a very strong signal of commitment.
The data requested on waiting times is not routinely compiled on a county-by-county basis by the SEAI.
199. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of solar PV upgrades undertaken on an annual basis from 2020; the cost of those grants on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39351/23]
View answerThe Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme.
Since 2018, the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for over 29,456 homes, with demand for the domestic Solar PV grant increasing significantly throughout 2022. As part of the transition between schemes, the minimum BER C3 requirement was removed and the eligibility of the homes was changed from those built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021.
Additionally, on the 5th of April 2023 the Government approved an amendment to Finance Bill 2023 to apply a zero percent VAT rate for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels on domestic premises.”
In 2020 2,916 homes were supported at a cost of €7.4 million
In 2011 4,077 homes were supported at a cost of €9.4 million
In 2022 10,017 homes were supported at a cost of €24.4 million
So far 2023 has seen continued high demand that at the end of July 10,552 homes were supported already surpassing all of 2022 at a cost of €27.7 million and this level of demand is expected to continue for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, which indicates that the scheme is working well and citizens are recognising the benefits of investing in Solar PV.
The Non Domestic Solar scheme launched in September 2022 and there were 139 applications to June 2023 costing €21,600 in grants.
On July 4th of this year, the Government also approved amendments to the existing Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to extend supports to a wider range of businesses and non-domestic applicants. Since the amended scheme launch so far there have been 288 applications with a commitment of €5.5 million.
200. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the role of the Defence Forces in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force on the Golan Heights; whether the decision to withdraw that force will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37287/23]
View answer201. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel based at Golan Heights as part of UNDOF for each year 2013 to 2023, inclusive; the numbers currently based at Golan Heights; the proposals to retain a presence in the event of an Irish withdrawal from the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37288/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
Since 2013, Irish peacekeepers have played an important part in improving the lives of citizens on the ground in the Golan Heights as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
As of 31 July 2023, 139 Defence Forces' personnel were serving with UNDOF and 2,690 individual tours had been conducted since the first deployment ten years ago.
The number of Defence Forces' personnel deployed with UNDOF in each year from 2013 to 2023 (31 July) are as follows.
|
Year |
No of DF Personnel Deployed |
|
2013 |
120 |
|
2014 |
270 |
|
2015 |
289 |
|
2016 |
262 |
|
2017 |
266 |
|
2018 |
275 |
|
2019 |
276 |
|
2020 |
273 |
|
2021 |
267 |
|
2022 |
253 |
|
2023 |
139 |
The current role of the Defence Forces' Infantry Group includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force. Their tasks range from emergency evacuation of UN personnel to the carrying-out of routine patrols and convoy escorts, as necessary.
The decision to withdraw the Infantry Group from UNDOF next spring was not an easy decision, either for the Defence Forces or the Government, but was based on military advice and it will allow the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions as well as to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity available to fulfil their commitment to the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025.
That decision to withdraw the Infantry Group from UNDOF will not be revisited, not least given that plans to replace the Irish contingent are already well advanced. The 68th Infantry Group, which is due to depart to the Golan Heights in October, will be the last large-scale deployment of military personnel to this mission, at least for the present time.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are engaging with the United Nations with a view to maintaining some staff posts in the mission and it is possible that the Defence Forces will continue to occupy a small number of such staff officer posts. This will, however, ultimately be a matter to be determined by the United Nations.
202. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 4 July 2023, the current plans for these vacant units; if they will be brought back into use, given the ongoing housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37370/23]
View answer203. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 4 July 2023, if he will reallocate these vacant units to the local authority to be used as social housing, given the ongoing housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37371/23]
View answer204. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the Defence Forces assessment of the vacant housing stock to ascertain their suitability to return to accommodation usage for serving personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37372/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 204, inclusive, together.
Following my instruction to the Defence Forces to carry out an assessment of the vacant housing stock within the Defence portfolio, my officials have engaged with the Defence Forces in relation to the drafting of the necessary tender documentation to carry out such an assessment. The revised tender documentation is awaited in my Department. In terms of re-allocating vacant units to the relevant housing authorities, my Department has previously transferred houses to such authorities and has recently engaged with same in relation to them taking over housing stock outside military installations.
205. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update in relation to the application for a meritorious service promotion in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37436/23]
View answerI am advised that promotion to the rank of Corporal because of meritorious service or distinguished conduct is governed by Defence Forces Regulation, A10, para 38 (8).
This Regulation and the associated Administrative Instruction provide for such a promotion and indicate that an individual is nominated in the first instance by their Commanding Officer.
This nomination includes a comprehensive case outlining where a member has consistently been seen to contribute above and beyond what is expected of their rank. This is complemented by testimonials from serving and retired members. The application is then progressed through the chain of command to the relevant Formation HQ and the General Officer Commanding makes a determination as to whether a compelling case exists.
If the case is sufficiently compelling it is forwarded to Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), as the authorising authority, for consideration.
The Military Authorities have advised that the application in question, remains under consideration.
206. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason for capital expenditure running €27 million behind profile, as outlined in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37473/23]
View answerThe primary return on Defence capital investment is the maintenance and development of necessary military capabilities, which provide the means by which the Defence Forces contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government. Ongoing and future capital investment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructural requirements are planned and prioritised through the Defence Equipment Development Plan and the Defence Infrastructural Development Plan, with a significant number of programmes/projects in progress at any one time. Defence capital programmes/projects are atypical, multi-annual and often have long lead-in times.
Underspends on profile can arise for various reasons. For example, a payment of €15 million in respect of the acquisition of the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, profiled for June, was not made until July, shortly after its delivery at the end of June. At any time, there are multiple, ongoing Defence Forces Equipment & Infrastructural projects underway. Payments are made based on the progress in the projects, which can give rise to variances with the monthly profile. However, the Department expects that capital expenditure will align more closely with profile as the year progresses, and the capital allocation is projected to be fully expended by year-end.
207. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the review of the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the PDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37484/23]
View answerThe Conciliation & Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for the Permanent Defence Force is the mechanism for addressing industrial issues within the Defence sector. In line with the Irish model of Irish industrial relations, this is a voluntary mechanism which provides structures for management and staff to engage on collective issues that may arise. These structures have helped to maintain positive industrial relations in the sector over a number of years.
A revised Conciliation and Arbitration scheme is in place since 2020, incorporating the recommendations of an independent review of the scheme. An independent Chair of Conciliation Council, which the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations had sought as a key outcome from the review, was appointed in March 2020.
A review of the Scheme is currently being undertaken by the current Independent Chair of the Conciliation Council of the C&A Scheme. This was mutually agreed by all parties to the Scheme. Individual submissions have been sought and received by the Chair from all parties to the Scheme, and discussions between the Chair and the individual parties, on foot of those discussions, have been held. There will be a plenary session of all parties in Q3 2023, after which it would be hoped to conclude the Review of the Scheme as soon as possible thereafter.
208. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the publication of the detailed implementation plan in relation to the 130 recommendations arising from the Defence Forces High Level Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37506/23]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main recommendations and with sub recommendations there were 130 recommendations in total. The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken over a period of 5 months by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Following this engagement, a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government were brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. The High Level Action Plan set out the response of Government in relation to each of the 130 individual recommendations: Accept, Accept in Principle, Further Evaluation or Revert. 103 of its recommendations were accepted by Government for implementation, or accepted in principle, with 17 requiring further evaluation and a further 10 to revert to Government.
This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
The High Level Action Plan set out a total of 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision. A comprehensive written update on all 38 early actions was published on March 23rd of this year, and includes the status of each of the 38 early actions in tabular form. At that time over 80% of the early actions had been achieved. Progress continues on the remaining early actions, and to-date approximately 95% have been achieved, with the remainder at an advanced stage and due to be completed shortly.
Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised. The High Level Action Plan identified the recruitment, through an open process, for the new senior-level civilian positions of Head of Transformation and Head of Strategic HR for the Defence Forces as early actions required to progress this transformation. I welcome the recent appointments of Mr. Brian Molloy to the position of Defence Forces’ Head of Transformation and Mr. Declan Carville to the position of Head of Strategic HR.
A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is at an advanced stage and is expected to be published in Q3 2023.
When published, it will set out the approach to implementation for each of the 130 recommendations. Effective reporting mechanisms were put in place for the 38 early actions, and once the detailed implementation plan has been published similar reporting mechanisms will track the progress of all the Commission’s recommendations.
More generally, the Strategic Framework we are putting in place to drive the Commission's recommendations through will also be an important enabling mechanism for delivery of the Independent Review Group’s actions.
My priority now is to ensure that there is one Strategic Plan for the transformation of the Defence Forces, fully understood by everyone, that has the appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, and is properly resourced.
209. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 4 July 2023, for a breakdown, by rank, of the number of people leaving the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, by month, over the past five years, in tabular form, and indicating whether those individuals had completed their agreed contract or if they had paid to exit their contract early; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37554/23]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that it was not possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
210. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 4 July 2023, for a breakdown of the numbers of people joining the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, by month, over the past five years, in tabular form, and indicating whether they are joining at an officer or enlisted level and if they are entering through direct hire or general service recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37555/23]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the required information in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy when the information has been gathered.
211. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 4 July 2023, for a breakdown of the numbers of former Defence Forces personnel re-enlisting, and at what rank, with either the Army, Naval Service or Air Corps, by month, over the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37556/23]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the required information in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy when the information has been gathered.
212. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, with the addition of the two new inshore vessels recently purchased with the purpose of patrolling the State’s east coast, there are any future plans for the addition of new naval bases along this coast by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37639/23]
View answerI am advised that it is intended that the new acquisitions referred to by the Deputy will initially be berthed and operate from the Naval Service facilities at Haulbowline. As part of the wider Naval Service Regeneration Plan, the question of developing Forward Operating Bases in other locations around the Country is under active consideration. I can advise that the Naval Service have examined potential locations and my Department is engaging with the Defence Forces on same. The Deputy will appreciate given the operational sensitivities surrounding such matters it would be not appropriate to comment further at this juncture.
