Written Answers Nos. 124-141
124. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if any chief executive of a State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body/organisation for each of the years 2019 to date; if so, the amount and details, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40760/23]
View answerThere are no State, semi-State, or other public bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
125. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money spent on climate finance commitments in each year from 2018 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40877/23]
View answerInternational climate finance is a priority for the Government and for Ireland’s foreign policy. The Government is working to implement Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap (2022) which commits to providing at least €225 million per year in international climate finance by 2025. This target was announced by the then Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, at COP 26 held in Glasgow in November 2021. The Roadmap reasserts Ireland’s commitment to support some of the most vulnerable developing countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change and building longer term climate resilience.
The Government reports Ireland's climate finance expenditure on an annual basis under the provisions of the EU Governance Regulation, in line with the reporting requirements of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and with reporting guidance provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Department of Foreign Affairs produces an annual climate finance report, which provides information on the sources of finance, the thematic and geographic focus of funding and the channels through which funding is provided. These reports are available on the Irish Aid website. Over the past decade, Ireland has steadily increased its international climate finance. Between 2016 and 2021, it has grown by 40%.
The table provided below indicates Ireland’s international climate finance from 2018 to 2021.
|
Year |
Ireland’s total Climate Finance |
|
2018 |
€79,730,051 |
|
2019 |
€93,684,608 |
|
2020 |
€ 88,341,096 |
|
2021 |
€99,618,603 |
The figures for Ireland’s climate finance for 2022 will be published later in 2023.
Ireland’s international climate finance is provided by four Government Departments: Foreign Affairs; Environment, Climate and Communications; Finance; and Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Climate finance provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs is sourced from Official Development Assistance, under Vote 27, and targets climate-related activities in vulnerable developing countries.
126. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any chief executive of a State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body/organisation for each of the years 2019 to date; if so, the amount and details, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40758/23]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
127. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the delay in the supply of energy report which is overdue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40784/23]
View answerThe Department is currently finalising the Energy Security Package which will address the energy security challenges facing Ireland, focused on the period to 2030, but in the broader context of transitioning Ireland to net-zero by 2050.
The Government’s policy objectives are to ensure energy is affordable, sustainable and secure, as well as in line with Ireland’s climate targets and statutory carbon budgets. Underpinned by these objectives, the energy security of supply review considered the risks to both natural gas, electricity and oil supplies, and a range of mitigation measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy but also energy imports, energy storage, fuel diversification, demand side response and renewable gases (such as hydrogen).
To support its development, a detailed technical analysis has been published and an extensive consultation process carried out, providing important insights from over 450 individuals and organisations on the range of options that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework. The McCarthy Review into Security of Supply of the Electricity System (the McCarthy Report) has been a further key input informing the analysis and will be published alongside the completion of the review.
The completion of the review is a key priority and I have committed to bring my energy security recommendations to Government for consideration in the coming weeks.
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of air quality monitoring locations throughout the country and their exact location; the extent to which air quality has deteriorated in each location over the past ten years, and the consequent risk to public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40937/23]
View answerThe national air quality monitoring stations are operated, maintained, and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme. My Department has provided funding for a significant upgrade to the network in recent years, and as a consequence the number of monitoring stations has increased from 29 in 2017 to 114 today. The expansion will be complete when the remaining stations are connected in 2023 which will bring the final number of stations to 116.
All stations collect air quality data for a range of pollutants to provide information to the public, and for assessment against European legal limit values and World Health Organisation guideline values. The EPA produce an annual report on Air Quality in Ireland which provides an overview of our air quality and key issues that impact upon it.
Details of the locations of all monitoring stations currently in operation, along with real-time and historic data from each station, can be found at the website, www.airquality.ie .
129. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any chief executive of a State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body/organisation for each of the years 2019 to date; if so, the amount and details, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40755/23]
View answerThis is a NIL return for the Department of Defence.
No chief executive of a State or other public body under the aegis of my Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body for the years in question.
130. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures he is taking to guarantee the future of the fire station at the Curragh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40808/23]
View answerThe military authorities have confirmed that proposals on the future of the Fire Service in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp have been under consideration.
No decision has been made .
I understand that a report, on the outcome of those deliberations, will be submitted to me in due course for my consideration.
On this basis, it is not appropriate to comment further on this matter at this time.
131. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any chief executive of a State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body/organisation for each of the years 2019 to date; if so, the amount and details, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/23]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ 34985/23 and 34986/23 of 13 July, which outlined benefit-in-kind payments and any other benefits for CEOs of Commercial and non-Commercial agencies under the aegis of the Department of Transport.
The information requested by the Deputy is retained by the agencies and I have referred your question to them for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
132. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of bus shelters in a town and the schedule for installation or reasons for not installing (details supplied). [40798/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters nationwide.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
133. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to investing in rural transport links and providing greater supports for individualised transport, including subsidies and allowances for people with disabilities to avail of driving lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40821/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to 'open' public transport services including in rural areas.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
My Department and the NTA are strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas. There has been a substantial increase in funding allocated for TFI Local Link services since 2016, going from €12.2 million in 2016 to €43m in 2023. The additional funding has enabled the introduction of over 100 new Rural Regular Service routes, as well as improvements to DRT services.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. Phase 1 was rolled out during 2022 with 38 new and enhanced services nationwide with 67 services planned for 2023. The allocation for Connecting Ireland in 2023 is €8.35m.
My remit, and that of the NTA, relates to public transport services which are ‘open’ to all. Funding for individualised ‘closed’ transport and mobility services, such as dedicated transport services and subsidies for disabled people, are outside of my public transport remit.
134. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if a bus shelter will be placed at a stop (details supplied). [40838/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters nationwide.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
135. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made with the plans for the Killarney bypass (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40841/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the N22 Farranfore to Killarney scheme in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
136. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport what progress has been made with regard to a proposed relief road in Killarney (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40842/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
137. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport the first- and total-year cost to extend the TFI Carlow Bus CW2 route to the Circle K services at Rathcrougue, County Carlow. [40894/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in County Carlow, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
138. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to extend the TFI Carlow Bus CW2 route to Circle K, Rathcrougue, County Carlow, to allow bus drivers to use services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40895/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in County Carlow, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if a bus service from Leixlip to Maynooth can be provided, as such service currently only goes to Intel, making it difficult for elderly people who have friends and family in Maynooth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40947/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
140. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if any chief executive of a State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department received any benefit from taxable benefits being paid on their behalf by the body/organisation for each of the years 2019 to date; if so, the amount and details, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40759/23]
View answerThe bodies under the aegis of my Department have provided the requested information in the attached document.
|
State Body |
Year |
Amount of taxable benefit paid |
Details |
|
2019 |
€70.19 |
Benefit in Kind paid on use of taxis |
|
|
2020 |
€9.88 |
Benefit in Kind paid on use of taxis |
|
|
2021 |
0 |
N/A |
|
|
2022 |
€36.26 |
Benefit in Kind paid on use of taxis |
|
|
Central Bank of Ireland- Governor |
2023 to date |
0 |
N/A |
|
2019 |
€772 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed |
|
|
2020 |
€740 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed |
|
|
2021 |
€815 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed |
|
|
2022 |
€2,635 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed. Professional Subscriptions reimbursed and electric car charger* *No reimursement of electricity is sought or claimed by the NAMA CEO from the NTMA in respect of car charging. |
|
|
National Asset Management Agency |
2023 to date |
0 |
N/A |
|
2019 |
0 |
N/A |
|
|
2020 |
0 |
N/A |
|
|
2021 |
0 |
N/A |
|
|
2022 |
€687 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed |
|
|
National Treasury Management Agency |
2023 to date |
0 |
N/A |
|
2019 |
€1,152 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed (Nick Ashmore) |
|
|
2020 |
€2,432 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed (Nick Ashmore) |
|
|
2021 |
€2,181 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed (Ian Black) |
|
|
2022 |
€2,144 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed (June Butler) |
|
|
Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland |
2023 to date |
€2,227 |
Professional Subscriptions reimbursed (June Butler) |
141. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will devise some form of insurance support for people who own defective apartment blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40874/23]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to state that neither I, as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can direct the pricing nor provision of insurance products. This is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This is due to the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive) which specifically prohibits Member States from doing so. Therefore, Government faces significant constraints in addressing the matter raised by the Deputy.
Notwithstanding this, officials from my Department have engaged with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this issue. They have informed me that a remediation scheme is being developed to address identified defects in apartment blocks and duplex buildings. I understand that a new post-remediation certification process is also being created, which should provide certainty to insurers once the project is complete.
In addition, the Defective Concrete Blocks Grants Scheme was established under the auspices of the Department of Housing in June 2020 and updated in July 2023. This provides for homeowners to claim a grant of up to 100% of remedial costs subject to the grant rates and overall grant cap of €420,000 (including demolition and rebuild), subject to meeting eligibility requirements, and is available through local authorities. Any queries relating to this or on building regulations generally should be directed to that Department.
Government has also prioritised the reform of the insurance environment in Ireland through implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, which aims to improve the cost and availability of insurance for all households, businesses and voluntary groups. Very significant progress has been achieved, with the vast bulk of the 66 actions contained in the Action Plan now delivered or ongoing. Government is now focussed on consolidating the successes already secured, such as the Personal Injury Guidelines and the recent overhaul of the Duty of Care, both of which should assist in the creation of a more competitive insurance market, which will benefit all citizens.
In conclusion, I wish to reassure you that it is my intention to continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that Government reforms of the insurance environment in Ireland will have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance for all consumers across the country.
