Written Answers Nos. 101-121
102. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for foreign birth registration (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52276/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 18 October 2023. A member of the FBR team has contacted the applicant directly in this regard. The application cannot proceed until the required supporting documents have been received by the Passport Service.
103. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether, in light of the Taoiseach’s recent comments, his Department is actively considering a change to the conditions on which Ireland will provide aid to vulnerable people and communities in Palestine; whether the Minister or his Department has engaged with the Taoiseach on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52337/23]
View answerIreland's long-standing development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people has been provided as an integral part of our contribution to the achievement of a just, enduring and stable peace based on a two-State solution. So far this year, we have provided a total of €29 million in development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people this year.
The focus of the Government's assistance has been, and will continue to be, on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable Palestinian communities. This includes Palestine refugees in neighbouring countries. Ireland's work in Palestine focuses on education, capacity-building of Palestinian institutions, reducing humanitarian need, promoting gender equality and good governance, and human rights.
We have responded quickly and decisively to the increased needs in the aftermath of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel and the escalating, unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israel’s military response. On 18 October, the Tanaiste announced an immediate package of Irish funding of €13 million - €10 million for UNRWA and €3 million for UN OCHA’s Palestine Humanitarian Fund. UNRWA delivers essential services, including in education and health, supporting 5.7 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza. We stand ready to provide further assistance in the coming weeks.
We remain steadfast supporters of our trusted partners in their efforts to deliver needs-based humanitarian and development aid in the most appalling conditions, while we continue to press for a humanitarian ceasefire, and the protection of civilians, as a pre-requisite for a credible political process.
104. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has investigated whether US military aircraft passing through Shannon Airport towards US military bases in Europe then proceed to travel to Israel, Syria or Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52338/23]
View answerUnder the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
This policy is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners, and is done in compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
With regard to the transit of US military aircraft through Shannon and other Irish airports, the Department of Foreign Affairs publishes statistics in relation to overflights and landings of foreign military and state aircraft on the Department’s website.
105. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the plight of disabled and elderly residents in Gaza (details supplied); the steps his Department will take to address it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52387/23]
View answerThe humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and has worsened daily. I am gravely concerned about the safety and security of the population of Gaza, particularly the most vulnerable groups. I expressed my serious concern about Israel’s call on the entire population of northern Gaza to move southwards last month. As we warned at the time, this has proven to be incredibly dangerous for the civilian population, especially for vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly. We have seen a deeply worrying pattern of attacks on healthcare at a time when the medical needs of Gazans, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, are skyrocketing. Attacks on healthcare and medical facilities are totally unacceptable; medical facilities and their staff are, and must be, protected under international humanitarian law.
Ireland recently provided an addition €13 million in support for the people of Palestine, through our trusted UN partners - €10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and €3 million to UN OCHA’s occupied Palestine territory Humanitarian Fund. These organisations are working on the ground in extremely challenging conditions, delivering lifesaving assistance to the population of Gaza. UNRWA is providing specialised support, including dignity kits and assistive devices, to persons with disabilities, injured, children and elderly. We will be providing additional funding to address the needs of people in Gaza through further allocations to key partners in the coming weeks. We are acutely conscious that despite the massive international attention on this crisis, additional funding is urgently needed.
What is needed now is an extension and expansion of the current limited truce, to allow humanitarian assistance and supplies to reach those in desperate need, to re-stock hospitals with vital supplies and to let the most vulnerable, sick and elderly access lifesaving assistance. Ireland will continue to reiterate the call for a durable humanitarian ceasefire at every available opportunity, including in the EU, at the UN and with regional partners.
106. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount collected in passport fees during the months of October and September 2023; if he will provide figures for the same period in 2022 and 2021, in tabular form. [52409/23]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 900,000 passports to date in 2023. Between 2,000 and 3,000 passports are being issued every day. All turnaround times are at or ahead of target and there are no backlogs. More than half of simple adult renewals issue within two working days or less.
Passport fees collected during the months of October and September 2023, and for the same months in 2022 and 2021, are set out below in tabular form.
Passport Fees collected 2021-2023
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
September |
€4,278,873 |
€4,035,257 |
€3,144,593 |
|
October |
€4,004,903 |
€2,785,302 |
€3,343,538 |
*2023 figures have not yet been audited and are subject to revision.
107. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will assist a person (details supplied) with getting a passport approved for educational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52511/23]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application is within the current turnaround time and has not yet reached the issue-by date.
I strongly encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
108. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are personnel in his Department who could be classified as having a significant or exclusive focus of their role dedicated to dealing with integration; if so, to detail the title of the post; the grade level of that post; the core functions of that role; to provide details of the exact nature of their responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51823/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from the Department.
109. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in view of the timeline for the Land Use Report as set out by a person (details supplied), when he expects to finalise the sectoral emissions ceilings for the first two carbon budgets 2021- 2025 and 2026 – 2030, including LULUCF emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51861/23]
View answerIn June 2022, with work on the sectoral emissions ceilings almost complete, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its latest emissions projections, showing net Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) emissions as being projected to rise from 7 to 11 MtCO2eq. in 2030; and 2018 base year emissions having changed from 4.8 to 6.3 MtCO2eq. For this reason, it was decided at the time to defer finalising the LULUCF sectoral emissions ceiling to coincide with the Land-use Review. In March 2023 Phase 1, the evidential phase, of the Land-use Review was published. The second phase has commenced, and it will seek to optimise land use across key Government objectives of improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes for land use, landowners and land users.
With regard to emissions from the sector and their management, officials from my Department, in partnership with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, and technical experts from the EPA, Teagasc, Office of Public Works, National Parks and Wildlife Service and across the sector have been working to improve our shared understanding on the sector’s metrics. This was done with the intention of submitting a proposal to Government as part of Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP 24). CAP 24 shall be published this year.
110. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a wind farm (details supplied) operates a community benefit fund. [51864/23]
View answerThe project specified is part of the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) Scheme, which closed for new applicants in 2015; this scheme does not include a specific requirement to establish a Community Benefit Fund.
The current Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which commenced in 2020, and Offshore RESS (ORESS) projects are required to establish a Community Benefit Fund to be used for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. The contribution is set at €2 per Megawatt hour of generation of the RESS Project. This means real and quantifiable funds being made available annually by RESS projects for the benefit of local communities.
The Community Benefit Fund National Register, which is managed by the SEAI, is available on the SEAI website at cbfnationalregister.seai.ie.
Renewable energy industry bodies recommend the establishment of a local community fund by all new renewable energy projects as part of their best practice principles to community engagement.
Furthermore, my Department's Roadmap on Renewable Electricity Corporate Power Purchase Agreements recommends that parties engaged in CPPAs should include a level of community benefit, through contributions or investment in communities similar to those supported under RESS.
111. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51971/23]
View answerThe processing of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests for my Department is carried out by the dedicated FOI Unit in accordance with the FOI Act 2014 and its associated secondary legislation together with the FOI Code of Practice and the FOI Model Publication Scheme.
The number of FOI requests submitted to my Department and the number of FOI requests rejected in their entirety for the period 01 January 2022 to 21 November 2023 is set out in the table below
|
- |
Freedom of Information Requests received |
Freedom of Information Requests rejected |
|
2022 |
315 |
119* |
|
2023 |
238 |
86** |
* 3 requests rejected in 2022 had been carried forward from 2021.
** 7 requests rejected in 2023 had been carried forward from 2022.
112. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the exact procedure that defective concrete block affected homeowners need to follow in order to avail of SEAI home energy upgrade grants whilst rebuilding their homes; to outline the procedure for those who have already commenced rebuilding works so that they can receive their grants without delay, and the procedure for those who have not commenced rebuilding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51985/23]
View answerHomeowners that are eligible for works under the Defective Concrete Blocks scheme are not prohibited from applying for energy upgrade grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Homeowners’ whose applications are in line with the existing SEAI Scheme criteria and guidelines can access SEAI grants in line with the usual application processes that apply. Further information in that regard is available at Energy Efficient Homes - Home Energy Upgrades And Grants | SEAI
My Department and SEAI are aware however of the particular issues arising for homeowners that do not currently comply with the SEAI scheme terms and conditions. Examples of such situations include homeowners that previously received SEAI grant support to upgrade a home which needs to be demolished due to defective concrete block and now wish to avail of further SEAI grant supports for their new home or homes that are already demolished.
The Department has been working with SEAI to develop an approach to address these matters for some time. SEAI submitted its most recent proposals to the Department in late October regarding how such applications can be managed as seamlessly as possible. The Department is actively engaging with SEAI in relation to the proposals and a resolution is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, SEAI continues to engage directly with impacted homeowners on a case by case basis to discuss their particular circumstances. A specific page on the SEAI website provides further information for DCB affected homeowners (Defective Concrete Blocks Affected Homeowners | Individual Energy Upgrades | SEAI). Homeowners can also contact the SEAI at a dedicated DCB phone number 01-8082004 or by email at dcb@seai.ie.
113. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the report into the external review of governance within Inland Fisheries Ireland, including an examination of the respective roles of the IFI board and executive will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51988/23]
View answerMy Department has been informed by Inland Fisheries Ireland that the Governance Review which the Section 18(5) appointees have been tasked with is ongoing and it is expected to be completed in December and published thereafter.
114. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline a timeline for the construction of floating storage and regasification units by the State; the estimated budget allocation for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52085/23]
View answerIn order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.
My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of projected costs and timeline for construction.
The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:
• a proposal which can be implemented quickly
• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and
• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21
All opportunities to accelerate the potential implementation of this project will be explored on the basis of its strategic importance.
I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.
115. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the provision managing fracked gas supplies within the proposal by the Government for floating storage and regasification units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52086/23]
View answerIn May 2021, the Government approved the ‘Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas’ which states “pending the outcome of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with”. The statement remains in place until the review of Energy Security has been completed in full, following consideration by Government on the optimal approach to deliver a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.
My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve. I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.
116. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the engagement of private entities such as a company (details supplied) in the provision of floating storage and regasification units by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52087/23]
View answerIn order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, the Government has decided to introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.
My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the state-led emergency gas reserve. State-led means commissioned by the State via GNI, within a regulatory framework, overseen by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities.
The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:
• a proposal which can be implemented quickly
• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and
• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21
Based on preliminary analysis by my Department, it is anticipated that a floating reserve (FSRU) will best meet these criteria, a solution preferred by a range of EU Member States. This does not preclude a public-private partnership nor the involvement of private firms contracted to provide, build, or operate the necessary infrastructure.
I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.
117. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide further details on the proposed locations for floating storage and regasification units currently under review by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52088/23]
View answerThe 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report, its supporting Annexes and work programme of 28 actions was published on 14 November, following approval by Government. The comprehensive report concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems.
With regard to gas, the report determines that Ireland’s natural gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections, but Ireland does not have adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports. As a transitional measure, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.
Based on preliminary analysis by my Department, it is anticipated that in terms of delivery options, a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve provided through a storage and importation facility — an FSRU — as the most appropriate approach. The appropriate location for a FRSU will need to have:
• access to the gas network
• a coastal site suitable for development
• sheltered deep-sea access
• ensure that the receiving environment is capable of accommodating the required infrastructure, having regard to environmental considerations
• proximity to high energy use clusters and future hydrogen production should also be considered and would be a further advantage
As a final part of the review of Ireland’s energy security, my Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of proposed locations which meet the required site conditions. I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.
118. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason it is taking so long for a BER assessment to take place for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52139/23]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to households vulnerable to energy poverty. This year's budget of €148.5 million is the highest ever.
Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme is driving increased levels of demand for the scheme with over 20,000 applications received over the period from January 2022 to end September 2023.
The Scheme is delivering deeper upgrades with more emissions reductions and energy savings for homeowners. The average cost of upgrades increased to €24,000 in 2023 and these deeper upgrades take a longer time per home to complete.
The BER Assessment is a critical step of the process, and it is important that we can be confident that inspections supported by SEAI schemes are completed in line with the terms and conditions, as set out in the scheme.
To end October this year, over 4,500 homes have been upgraded. This is already more homes than were completed under the scheme in all of 2022 and we are on target to upgrade 6,000 homes under the scheme by the end of the year.
The average waiting time from application to completion in Q3 2023 was just under 20 months. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. The reduction in wait times follows a range of measures introduced by the Department and SEAI including enhanced budgets; increased staffing resources in SEAI; and actions to address supply chain challenges.
SEAI also established a new contractor panel in September this year, adding 7 additional contractors bringing the total to 36.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades delivered.
The applicant can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf on applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie. for a swift response.
119. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total costs incurred by his Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52162/23]
View answerMy Department uses advertising to promote a range of services, supports and initiatives that affect people and communities across Ireland.
As the media landscape has evolved over the past number of years, advertising expenditure has grown to address the diverse needs of different audiences, including costs associated with achieving national reach for important public messages. For example, my Department has run a significant national campaign in 2022/23, Reduce Your Use, designed to support every household in Ireland dealing with rising energy costs. In recent months, advertising expenditure has also grown to ensure that we are meeting our Irish language advertising requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021.
My Department does not provide direct funding to RTE in relation to advertising, and any advertising with RTE is procured via a media buying agency, as part of a package that would generally include advertising across a range of channels and platforms based on target audience, desired reach, and campaign objectives.
The table below sets out my Department’s advertising expenditure, exclusive of VAT, in the years 2019 - 2023.
The Department's media buying agencies are not able to give details of RTE specific advertising before 2019.
|
- |
RTE |
|
2023* |
€672,805.00 |
|
2022 |
€621,069.00 |
|
2021 |
€51,527.05 |
|
2020 |
0 |
|
2019 |
0 |
|
2018 |
N/A |
|
2017 |
N/A |
|
2016 |
N/A |
*2023 figures cover campaign activity up to 31 October – some activity may not have been reconciled yet, so this figure is subject to change in the future
120. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52189/23]
View answerMy Department has not met with either organisation referred to in the question.
121. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his representations to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Dublin City and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Councils in respect of the €2.97 million committed by his Department for the CARO in respect of coastal and marine sustainability and environmental health concerns pertaining to activity in Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52234/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) were established in 2018 to support local government to respond and adapt to climate change. There are four CAROs which provide for a coordinated approach on climate action across the local government system. They coordinate national and local climate policy and work to ensure there is a more joined-up approach to responding to the climate crisis at a regional level.
The CAROs are a support organisation for Local Authorities and operate as a shared service across the local government sector. Each office works closely with Local Authorities in their region to guide and inform them as they lead transformative change and measurable climate action in areas such as transport, biodiversity and preventing coastal erosion.
The CAROs also provide support to local government to develop and deliver their Local Authority climate action plans (LA CAPs). The LA CAPs will see each Local Authority actively translating national climate policy to local circumstances, with the prioritisation and acceleration of evidence-based measures. This will assist in the delivery of our climate goals at local and community levels.
In September of this year, I was pleased to announce €12 million in funding for the CAROs for the period 2023 to 2029, to continue their work in supporting local government to coordinate and deliver climate actions, and in particular to develop their statutory Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
The Dublin Metropolitan Region CARO will receive €2.97 million of this funding over the next six years to coordinate the delivery of climate action across Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, and South Dublin County Council.
I have not made specific representations to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage or Dublin City and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Councils in respect of coastal and marine sustainability and environmental health concerns pertaining to activity in Dublin Bay. The CARO Annual Work Programme for 2024 is currently being developed between my Department and the County and City Management Association.
