Written Answers Nos. 143-157
143. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to discounted rates on hardship meters, if he aware that discount rates are not available on hardship meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53339/23]
View answerIn August the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced the introduction of specific customer protection measures for the coming winter, to strengthen the existing protections that are currently in place.
Measure 3 of the CRU’s Additional Customer Protection Measures sets out that “Suppliers are required to ensure that all customers with a financial hardship meter are automatically placed on the most economic tariff. This includes a tariff that might otherwise only be available to, for example, a new customer or a customer as a retention offer. The customer in financial hardship must be placed on whichever tariff is the cheapest .”
The Budget 2024 package includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €412.83 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €137.61 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - December 2023, January/February 2024 and March/April 2024, having regard to the fact that the average price of electricity and gas is still significantly higher for households compared to pre-energy crisis levels. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.007 billion.
The payment will be applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2).
The Submeter Support Scheme is being introduced to ensure that supplier submeter accounts, identified by electricity suppliers, also receive three credit payments of €137.61.
Recent data published by the Central Statistics Office indicates that the median residential electricity bill fell by 28%, or €359, to €909 in 2022, compared to 2021. This takes account of the impact of the electricity costs emergency benefit payments applied in 2022.
The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question, to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
144. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department operates an X account (formerly Twitter) or any other social media account, and if such accounts are verified through a subscription fee; the policy in place that guides when any of these accounts can ‘like’, endorse or support a posting on X or other social media platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53653/23]
View answerMy Department utilises a variety of social media channels in order to communicate effectively with the public about Ireland’s transition to a digitally-connected, climate-neutral and sustainable society. My Department has accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Meta (Instagram and Facebook) and LinkedIn; and does not pay subscription fees for any of our social media accounts.
My Department regularly reviews the most effective and appropriate platforms to reach all parts of Irish society and continues to monitor all social media platforms in terms of effectiveness, brand safety, moderation policy, and regulatory developments. There is no obligation to respond to all messages on our social media platforms. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate to offer information to users who reach out to us directly. Abusive or spam posts, comments and messages will be deleted and might result in users being blocked and reported.
Our social media policy outlines how we behave, engage and interact on social media, and sets out the expectations of the community on our social media platforms. My Department is in the process of updating this policy which will be made available on our online channels to ensure that our audiences understand how and when we engage, or how to contact our Department in certain circumstances.
145. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much his Department has spent on advertising on a website (details supplied) for each of the years 2019 to 2022 and to date 2023, in tabular form; and whether his Department will still run advertisements on the platform going forward due to issues. [53798/23]
View answerMy Department uses advertising to promote important services, supports and initiatives that affect people and communities across a range of policy areas.
As the media landscape has evolved over the past number of years, advertising expenditure has grown to address the diverse needs of different audiences, and ensure that we are meeting our Irish language advertising requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021. Recent investment was also increased to support consumers to manage their energy use and costs via the national Reduce Your Use campaign.
My Department works with a media buying agency to determine the best mix of media channels to reach the appropriate target audiences for the specific campaign objectives.
My Department regularly reviews the most effective and appropriate platforms to reach all parts of Irish society and it continues to monitor all social media platforms in terms of effectiveness, brand safety, moderation policy, and regulatory developments.
The table below sets out my Department’s advertising expenditure on the specified platform over the period requested by the Deputy. These figures are excluding VAT.
|
X (formerly Twitter) |
|
|
2023* |
€52,474.00 |
|
2022 |
€48,141.99 |
|
2021 |
€2,250.59 |
|
2020 |
€491.81 |
|
2019 |
€235.82 |
*2023 figures cover campaign activity up to 27 November – some activity may not have been reconciled yet, so this figure is subject to change in the future
146. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the commencement date for the green energy home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53859/23]
View answerMy Department and the European Investment Bank Group recently reached an agreement that paves the way for Government-backed, low-interest home energy upgrade loans. The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund.
The €500 million scheme is the first of its kind for Ireland and the European Investment Bank and will encourage homeowners to invest in energy efficiency thereby improving the comfort of homes, reducing energy costs and lowering harmful emissions. Those applying for the loan will be able to borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to 10 years. The interest rates will be significantly lower than those currently available in the market as a result of the combination of the EIB Group loan guarantee and a Government-funded interest rate subsidy.
It is a complex and highly innovative scheme that involved intensive engagement in its development with extensive due diligence between the EIB Group and the Irish banking and credit union sector. The scheme will be delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland which recently announced an open call inviting lenders to participate in the scheme. Homeowners will be able to apply for the loans early next year through participating retail lenders.
147. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service operations and patrols scheduled and cancelled in each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 to date, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53455/23]
View answerThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
The Naval Service has recently adopted a three ship operational posture with two ships operational and another ship on standby. The decision to reduce the number of operational ships was made as a result of the previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions. This strategic decision has been taken in order to streamline operations, bolster existing capabilities, and ensure optimal resource allocation in the Naval Service.
The Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline is staffed twenty four hours a day seven days a week by qualified Naval Service personnel who carry out monitoring and surveillance of all vessels equipped with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that are operating in and adjacent to the Irish EEZ.
A range of factors including adverse weather conditions, unscheduled maintenance, as well as staffing issues can impact scheduled patrol days. The number of cancelled Naval Service patrols from 2019 to date is as follows:
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Cancelled |
94 |
81 |
240* |
49 |
86 |
* 169 cancelled patrol days in 2021 were as a result of LÉ Ciara’s inability, due to size, to safely implement the necessary Covid-19 precautions. In addition 47 scheduled patrol days were cancelled in 2021 due to a fire which occurred on board LÉ Niamh in late 2020.
Notwithstanding some challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime surveillance operations.
148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of instances where a Minister has had to make alternative travel arrangements due to an Air Corps plane being unavailable due to mechanical or staffing issues in each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 to date, by year, in tabular form; the cost associated with the alternative arrangements in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53456/23]
View answerThe Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) provides the Government and the President with an independent and flexible air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations.
MATS is delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA 235 and/or other Air Corps aircraft may be used. Therefore, in situations where there are no suitable Air Corps aircraft, it has become necessary to avail of an air taxi service.
The Learjet is currently approaching its natural end of life. Based on current serviceability issues, discontinuation of manufacturer support and limited part availability for this type of older aircraft, the Air Corps estimate that the aircraft will require replacement by 2024 at the latest.
My department is proceeding with a tender competition to acquire a new mid-sized jet aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport.
Information in relation to MATS is publicly available on my Department's website, where it is updated on a monthly basis. www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/#ministerial-air-transport-service-mats. It has not been possible to collate the additional information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy to provide this information as soon as it is available.
|
Year |
Number of passengers |
Destination |
Cost |
|
2019 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2020 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2021 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2022 10-13 March |
Taoiseach plus 8 |
Baldonnel – Le Bourget – Farnborough - Baldonnel |
€29,850 |
|
2023 31 May – 05 June |
Taoiseach plus 5 |
Baldonnel – Chisinau - Baldonnel |
€72,000 |
|
26-27 October |
Taoiseach plus 8 |
Baldonnel – Brussels – Baldonnel |
€48,000 |
|
14 November |
Taoiseach plus 6 |
Baldonnel- Copenhagen – Baldonnel |
€24,700 |
|
14-16 November |
Tánaiste plus 9 |
Baldonnel – Cairo – Tel Aviv – Baldonnel |
€158,000 |
149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the legislative basis for mandatory selection which would compel members of the Defence Forces to serve overseas as part of an EU battlegroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53457/23]
View answerThe Defence (Amendment) Act 2006 Section 4 is the primary legislation governing service overseas.
The authority to mandatory select personnel for overseas service is governed by Defence Forces Regulations, and subject to the administrative process contained in Administration Instruction CS5 – Administration of Overseas Service, which details the circumstances and eligibility for mandatory selection. The administration process for mandatory selection includes an appeal mechanism, also detailed in Admin Instruction CS5.
In the event that there are insufficient numbers of volunteer personnel to fulfil all of the mission specific appointments, I am advised that the Defence Forces utilises a process of Mandatory Selection.
Defence Forces personnel are mandatorily selected for overseas service in accordance with the provisions laid down in the relevant Administrative Instruction.
Personnel that are qualified to fulfil the appointments, but who have not volunteered for overseas service, are identified by their unit and formally interviewed by their Unit Commander. Depending on the individual’s personal or professional circumstances, the Unit Commander will either recommend or not recommend the individual for mandatory selection.
There are further selection criteria applied to those personnel who are considered qualified and recommended for mandatory selection by their Commanding Officer. This includes a provision whereby personnel should not be considered for mandatory selection without the prior approval of Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), if they have returned from overseas service in the previous two years.
150. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the occasions on which the Defence Forces have used a process of mandatory selection to enlist members to missions or operations in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2023; the number of members involved in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53485/23]
View answerThe Military Authorities advise that it is not possible to collate the required information in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is made available to me.
151. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has any proposals for the Defence Forces to participate in overseas missions for which the triple-lock neutrality protection currently precludes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53486/23]
View answerThe so-called "triple lock" mechanism sets out the requirements for the deployment of Defence Forces' personnel for peacekeeping operations overseas. These requirements are provided for in legislation, in particular the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960 and the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, as amended.
The Defence (Amendment) Act 2006 also provides for a series of other circumstances in which members of the Permanent Defence Forces may be deployed overseas “with the prior approval of and on the authority of the Government”.
Having reflected on the very well-informed discussion on the issue of UN peacekeeping and the “Triple Lock” at the Consultative Forum on International Security, at which there was no single consensus over how to proceed, I have concluded that we need a new process to replace the current system which effectively allows Security Council members to bind Ireland’s hands in its international engagement.
In my statement to the Dáil on 22 November, I was not prescriptive about what about what changes would be made to the existing legislation. As I indicated in the debate, I have instructed officials in the Department of Defence to prepare legislative proposals without delay that would govern the future overseas deployments of our Defence Forces.
Work on the preparation of those legislative proposals has commenced, with a view to proposals being brought to Government in due course. Any proposals agreed by Government will then have to be presented to, debated and approved by the Dáil and Seanad, thus providing the Oireachtas with ample opportunity to scrutinise any such proposals.
It is important that I emphasise that any legislative proposals will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Any change to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the despatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.
The Government currently has no plans for the Defence Forces to participate in any new overseas missions, but will consider any requests to contribute to such missions, subject to any deployments being consistent with the provisions of Irish law.
152. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are proposals to deploy the German-led EU battlegroup to missions that Ireland is currently precluded due to the triple-lock neutrality protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53487/23]
View answerIn January of this year, the Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025. This will be the eighth occasion on which the Defence Forces have been part of an EU Battlegroup and the first since 2020. The Battlegroup will be stood-up during 2024 and will be on standby throughout 2025.
Battlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. Within the EU Battlegroup concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup, as a rapid response capability, includes the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises.
It is currently foreseen that the total number of the proposed Defence Forces contribution to the Battlegroup will be approximately 182 personnel. This will be comprised of a Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 138 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 34 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters.
The Defence Forces’ contingent will be stood-up on a phased basis through the first months of 2024, beginning with a relatively modest number from 1 January.
Given that the battlegroup has not yet been stood-up, there are currently no plans for its deployment. However, any such deployments could take place only in accordance with Irish law.
The decision to participate in an EU Battlegroup does not presume any further decision in relation to participation in an actual Battlegroup operation. Any such decision is subject to national decision-making procedures.
Any change to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the despatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.
153. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department operates an X account (formerly Twitter) or any other social media account, and if such accounts are verified through a subscription fee; the policy in place that guides when any of these accounts can ‘like’, endorse or support a posting on X or other social media platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53650/23]
View answerMy Department, the Department of Defence operates an X account, primarily used to highlight significant announcements and to support Department promoted events.
X is the main social media account operated by the Department of Defence and this account is not verified through a subscription fee.
My Department has a Social Media Policy Guide in place. This guide advises users when sharing and supporting posts to ‘only do so from trusted sources. ’
The Department of Defence reposts third parties where they are a government department or office (including international or multilateral government), or a related organisation.
In addition, the Office of Emergency Planning and Civil Defence Branch have X accounts.
154. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the review of the processes of awarding military medals; when he expects the review to be completed; if he intends to implement changes to the processes involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53791/23]
View answer155. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he could utilise the same discretion that established the Independent Review Group on Jadotville to review the potential of awarding a military medal for gallantry to a person (details supplied); if he will ensure that such a review is completed before the 25th anniversary of the person's death in May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53792/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities. As the Deputy may be aware, Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Force Medals.
I am advised that, in general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas.
DFR A9 also delineates the procedures for the awarding of those medals to members of the Defence Forces. This regulation sets out the various types of medal awards. ‘Medal award’ serves as an overarching category and then various subcategories are further set out under each ‘medal award’. These subcategories are: classes of award, bar to medal, investigation by military board, time limit for award, and administrative instructions. The details provided underneath each of these headings essentially lay out the protocols for the awarding of these medals.
In accordance with Defence Forces Regulations, the award of medals for bravery is time-bound. Medals may not be awarded unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made.
Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.
There is a requirement to maintain the credibility and integrity of the medals awarding system, and the process for awarding medals, as provided for in DFR A9.
However, the Deputy will be aware that I have raised these matters with the Chief of Staff, in the context of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group on Jadotville namely to include the review of the system of awarding medals.
I have been informed by the military authorities that the matter of reviewing the process of awarding medals is active and ongoing. I have also been advised that the Chief of Staff has directed that a working group is to be established for this purpose, with this working group to produce an interim report by the end of Quarter 1 in 2024.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I will duly consider any proposals that may result from this review.
156. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how much his Department has spent on advertising on a website (details supplied) for each of the years 2019 to 2022 and to date 2023, in tabular form; and whether his Department will still run advertisements on the platform going forward due to issues. [53795/23]
View answerMy Department has spent the following on advertising on the X/Twitter website. This was done by the Office of Emergency Planning to highlight the Be Summer and Be Winter Ready Campaigns. The OEP has not advertised with X (formerly Twitter) since March 2023.
|
Year |
X (formerly Twitter) |
|
2019 |
Nil |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
€9,816.56 |
|
2022 |
€26,733.20 |
|
2023 |
€9,091.95 |
157. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 29 November 2023, if he can confirm whether he or his Department has had any engagement with representative governments or civil society organisations from the global south in consideration or development of proposals regarding the triple lock. [53897/23]
View answerThe 'Triple Lock' provides that contingents of the Defence Forces may only be despatched for overseas peace support operations where that deployment is (i) approved by the Government, (ii) approved by a resolution of Dáil Éireann if the proposed deployment if of more than 12 personnel and (iii) that the operation is mandated or authorised by the United Nations
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 29 November 2023, I have concluded that it makes sense to amend our existing legislation in a manner which would allow us to respond to crisis situations with more agility and, where in making those important decisions, we do so without surrendering our sovereignty.
I have, therefore, instructed officials in the Department of Defence to prepare legislative proposals without delay that would govern the future overseas deployments of our Defence Forces. Work on the preparation of those legislative proposals is commencing immediately, with a view to proposals being brought to Government in due course.
Given that the legislation concerning the conditions under which members of the Defence Forces are deployed overseas is domestic legislation, neither I nor my Department have had any engagement with any third country governments or civil society organisations with regard to the preparation of legislative proposals.
