Written Answers Nos. 137-157
137. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the report into the warmth and wellbeing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2752/24]
View answer146. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the research independently produced by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine on the warmth and well-being pilot will be published; the reason it has not been published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3013/24]
View answerThe Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme was an interdepartmental and inter-agency project led by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The project was established to produce research on how extensive energy efficiency upgrades to homes can improve the health and wellbeing of people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) were recruited to carry out independent analysis of the health impacts. Participants’ health and wellbeing was assessed and tracked over a 3-year period following their upgrade. The pilot, provided fully funded upgrades to 1,600 homes including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The research shows that retrofits have resulted in measured improved comfort in the homes as well as improved health and well-being scores across multiple dimensions. These included:
- warmer, more comfortable homes, with heating systems that are easier to control;
- improved physical health including reduced pain;
- improved mental health and wellbeing including reduced feelings of anxiety and depression;
- reduced visits to GP and A&E and fewer incidences requiring hospitalisation;
- reduced prescription drug usage for their respiratory conditions;
- being more comfortable inviting other to their homes.
The results of the research have been much anticipated both nationally and at EU/international level. There have been a number of unavoidable delays in publishing the final report.
Despite the delays in formally publishing the research report, the learnings from the project are already influencing policy. This includes mainstreaming elements of the project into our national energy poverty retrofit scheme – the Warmer Homes scheme. Working with vulnerable homeowners has allowed my Department and SEAI to improve the scheme for everyone, keeping the customer at the forefront of the process.
Further, the project created very strong working relationships and policy understanding between DECC, SEAI and other Government Department and agencies which were reflected in the practical and effective implementation structures used, making ‘cross Government cooperation’ a reality. These relationships have supported the development of the Energy Poverty Action Plan and the establishment of the Energy Poverty Steering Group.
Finally, the scheme was featured in a report by the World Green Building Council as an example of international best practice in starting a renovation wave.
It is planned to finalise and publish the report in Q1 2024.
138. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether any consideration has been given to the deposit re-turn scheme having a negative impact on those persons who already engage in 100% recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2822/24]
View answerA national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle drinks bottles and cans and to ensure we meet our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those containers.
Approximately 1.9 billion drinks are consumed in Ireland each year. While many people currently recycle their empty bottles and cans in green bins at home using the kerbside collection system, the majority of drinks containers are consumed ‘on the go’ and are often thrown away in general waste bins or as litter, instead of being recycled.
According to the latest Waste Characterisation Study from the EPA on non-household (‘on-the-go’) waste, only 23% of plastic bottles were recycled in 2022. This is a long way off the EU separate collection target of 90% that we must achieve by 2029 under the Single Use Plastics Directive.
DRS is a separate collection system that will increase the overall quantity of bottles and cans being collected for recycling. This will result in less going to landfill, incineration or becoming litter.It will also improve the quality of the recycled material being generated, by improving the quality of material being collected through a separate waste stream.
Households can continue to recycle these containers in their green bins, but the deposit is not redeemable on kerbside collections.
139. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding for the National Cyber Security Centre; how this is being delivered, and for a year-by-year breakdown of funding. [2829/24]
View answerThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a unit within my Department, is the lead Government agency for cyber security including coordination of the national response to major cyber security incidents.
The NCSC has a series of roles, including monitoring, detecting and responding to cyber security incidents in the State, building resilience and awareness, and engaging internationally.
The Current and Capital funding budget for the NCSC is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
2024 |
7,900,000 |
2,800,000 |
10,700,000 |
|
2023 |
5,500,000 |
1,950,000 |
7,450,000 |
|
2022 |
2,500,000 |
2,600,000 |
5,100,000 |
|
2021 |
2,500,000 |
2,600,000 |
5,100,000 |
The NCSC’s budget allocation for 2024 will support a range of key initiatives to deliver improved cyber security resilience across Government and Society including,
• Continued investment in building capacity to monitor and respond to cyber security incidents and enhancing situational awareness and threat intelligence capabilities.
• Giving full effect to the NIS2 Directive including implementation of a new supervisory and enforcement regime with sectoral regulators designated as National Competent Authorities in the transposition of the Directive
• Roll out of a financial support programme for SMEs and other societal stakeholders, to improve cybersecurity resilience and facilitate innovation through the National Coordination Centre (NCC-IE) project.
• Publishing a whole-of-Government strategy for the development of the cyber security industry in Ireland to ensure the sector achieves its potential for growth.
• Expansion of Coordination and Response Networks (COREs) across critical sectors of society to pool resources, knowledge, experience, and expertise in order to raise the overall level of security in the State.
• Analysis and mitigation of strategic cyber risks at national and EU level by conducting data-based risk assessments of strategic level threats and risk associated with supply chain security and relevant vendors.
• Implementing new measures to continue the development of relevant cyber skills to fill the skills gaps and support the potential growth of the cyber security industry in Ireland.
140. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the relationship between the National Cyber Security Centre and the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment; if he is aware that cyber-crime is a particular concern for Irish firms; and if there are any plans to engage with businesses regarding the impact of cyber-crime on firms and the economy. [2830/24]
View answerThe Government's National Cyber Security Strategy, which was reviewed in 2023, recognises the importance of addressing cyber security threats to businesses, public bodies, and citizens. The vision for the Strategy is of an Irish society that can continue to safely enjoy the benefits of the digital revolution and play a full part in shaping the future of the internet. A priority of the Strategy is to develop the capacity of the State, research institutions, businesses, the public sector and of the people to both better understand and manage the nature of the challenges we face in this space, and to ensure that businesses and individuals can continue to benefit from economic and employment opportunities in information technology, and in particular in cyber security. The Strategy and its Mid-Term Review include a number of measures aimed at addressing cyber security risks to businesses and enabling them to seize opportunities in this dynamic sector.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is a unit within my Department, works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), in their role as a member of the Government Cyber Security Coordination & Response (or “GovCORE”) Network of senior public service ICT professionals to combat a high level of cyber threat and build resilience across the public sector. The Government, through DETE, have set out policy associated with Artificial Intelligence through the National AI Strategy. The NCSC cooperated with DETE in the preparation of ‘Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies’ which was issued to Government departments in 2023.
The NCSC also engages regularly with business representative organisations such as IBEC and ISME, and in 2023 provided a briefing for the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Task Force chaired by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. In addition, the NCSC frequently publishes advice and guidance of both a general and specific nature which businesses can utilise to identify and mitigate cyber security risks to their information and operational technology systems.
A National Cybersecurity Coordination and Development Centre (NCC-IE) project is underway within the NCSC which includes provision for a grant scheme, for industry and others, to assist with cybersecurity innovation and resilience measures. The NCSC is also engaged in the development of an industrial strategy on cybersecurity. A Strategy Advisory Group including DETE and several agencies under its aegis are working with the NCSC in the development of this strategy.
Policy and legislation relating to cyber crime is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice. I also wish to clarify that the NCSC has no role with regard to investigation of cyber crime or prosecution of related offences, roles which reside with An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions respectively.
141. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total amount of funding provided to businesses for support decarbonisation over the past five years; and the funding allocated to support firms with decarbonisation in 2024. [2833/24]
View answerFrom 2019 to 2023 inclusive, businesses availed of funding from my Department of approximately €81 million, provided to them via the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). €77 million was grant and tariff funding, with a further €4 million provided for training and advisory supports to business. Under the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, 15 year tariff commitments may be entered into, which mean businesses are in receipt of ongoing support via the tariff over a 15 year period.
SEAI is also funding the ENACT initiative, a 3-year initiative, tasked with ‘enabling national action on commercial renovation.’ Led by the Irish Green Building Council, with partners including University of Galway, Sustainability Works, Dublin Chambers of Commerce and the Society for Chartered Surveyors of Ireland, it has run a series of webinars and events for business aimed at supporting them on their decarbonisation journey. More information can be found here: www.igbc.ie/enact-commercial-retrofit/
SEAI is also supporting businesses through decarbonisation research, including the development of test sites, for example the Atlantic Marine Energy Test site. www.oceanenergyireland.com/test-facilities/atlantic-marine-energy-test-site/
A total budget allocation of €56 million has been provided to SEAI for business support grants in 2024. In addition, there are further decarbonisation supports available to businesses through agencies under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, to whom I understand a similar question has been asked.
The SEAI schemes which businesses may avail of which are supported by my Department are set out under. Table 1 sets out the funding provided to each over the last 5 years as well as the Budget for 2024.
• The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) provides financial support in the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users.
• The EXEED (Excellence in Energy Efficient Design) certified grant scheme supports organisations with the costs of embedding energy efficient design in their assets, to reduce lifecycle impact with lower energy use and carbon emissions.
• The Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) supports SMEs, in particular, with a €2,000 voucher towards the costs of a professional energy audit.
• The Energy Academy is an online learning platform for business to help them reduce their energy costs
• The Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme for energy efficient equipment is a taxation incentive, aimed at encouraging investment in energy efficient products.
• The Community Energy Grant scheme supports cross-sectoral projects, including homes, businesses and other non-domestic applicants. Typically around 60% of total scheme funding is for non-domestic.
• The Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme was launched in September 2022, to provide grant supports to the non-domestic sector, including schools, businesses, small farms and community enterprises for Solar PV installations up to 6kW. An extended funding range was subsequently introduced on a pilot basis, in July 2023, to include installation sizes up to 1,000 kWp (1 MW) capacity, bringing the maximum grant level to €162,500.
• Energy Academy is an online resource administered by SEAI providing access to high quality energy training to SEAI clients.
• Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) - The SEAI hosts a large industry energy network to assist the large energy-using companies, typically those in industry and agriculture using large thermal loads. Best practice guidance is shared among LIEN members on energy efficient design and how best to manage energy performance.
• A new scheme for non-domestic retrofit (the “NDRS”), with a particular focus on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, is in development by SEAI and is intended to be operational this year. The new scheme will support a range of measures to improve energy efficiency and decarbonisation in the commercial sector.
Funding in the period 2019-2023 is set out in the Table under as well as the Budget for 2024.
|
Grant funding €M |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Total €M |
2024 Budget |
|
Community Grant (non-domestic element) |
10.25 |
8.79 |
15.84 |
11.42 |
11.03 |
57.33 |
23.5 |
|
EXEED |
2.50 |
2.70 |
3.39 |
1.24 |
2.01 |
11.84 |
4.6 |
|
SSEA |
|
|
0.02 |
1.80 |
2.25 |
4.07 |
3.2 |
|
SSRH |
|
|
0.22 |
0.72 |
1.16 |
2.10 |
4.6 |
|
Non Domestic Microgeneration |
|
|
|
|
0.26 |
0.26 |
17 |
|
Non Domestic Retrofit (New in '24) |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Advisory supports (non grant) including Large Industry Network, SME engagement and training, mentoring and advice. |
0.69 |
0.89 |
0.73 |
0.95 |
0.98 |
4.24 |
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
79.84 |
55.8 |
In addition, 2 pilot schemes were run in 2019, a dairy farm grant scheme pilot and a pilot lighting scheme for SMEs, to which grant funding of 0.5m and 0.7 m respectively was allocated, bringing the total allocated in the last 5 years to €81m.
142. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to a mobile app which will streamline the process in relation to the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2844/24]
View answerA national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans and to ensure we meet our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those containers under EU Single Use Plastics and Packaging legislation.
Mobile apps, to scan a barcode and verify that the product is registered with DRS, are being considered by Re-turn, the DRS operator, but the use of such apps would be supplementary to existing labelling requirements.
Under the DRS Regulations, all DRS products must be labelled in the manner prescribed by the DRS operator. DRS operate successfully in over 40 countries around the world, including 15 in Europe, and the inclusion of mandatory, labelling requirements is a key design feature of these schemes.
Clear labelling makes it easier for consumers and retailers to identify products which are covered by DRS and it reduces the risk of deposit fraud (e.g. where a beverage is purchased in one jurisdiction without a deposit and returned in a neighbouring jurisdiction where a refund is obtained). The risk of this type of fraud is much higher where there is a jurisdiction in close proximity which does not have a DRS, as is the case here with Northern Ireland.
Guidelines on the use of a national logo were published by Re-Turn in February 2023, followed by a Labelling Manual in April 2023. This provided all operators with easy access to Re-Turn’s design and printing specifications to enable them to update their packaging in advance of the introduction of DRS. An alternative option is available, in the form of a sticker, to supplement rather than replace existing packaging, for small-scale operators or operators who do not have control over their packaging.
143. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what supports are available for small and medium sized businesses to implement the deposit return scheme. [2845/24]
View answerA national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans and to ensure we meet our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those containers under EU Single Use Plastics and Packaging legislation.
The DRS Regulations also place obligations on retailers to charge their customers a deposit for every in-scope drink sold, to take back the empty drink container and to refund the deposit when it is returned for recycling.
All retailers will receive a handling fee from Re-turn (the DRS operator) for providing a take-back service. Handling fees are intended to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security. The level of handling fee payable is determined by Re-turn and is subject to independent, third-party verification.
In addition to handling fees, a number of other supports are in place to assist small retailers, including exemptions from take-back services and financial support for the installation of Reverse Vending Machines. Details of these supports, as well as other useful information to help retailers prepare for DRS, is available on Re-turn’s at https://re-turn.ie/retailer/ or by contacting Re-turn at retailer@re-turn.ie.
144. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of grants issued by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to homeowners for external wall insulation in the years of 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [2949/24]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, the Government has put in place a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
Demand across the SEAI grant supported schemes was exceptionally high last year with indicative figures from SEAI showing that in 2023:
• A total of 47,952 home energy upgrades were supported. This represents a 76% increase on 2022 levels.
• Of this amount, 17,599 homes achieved a B2 Building Energy Rating. This represents an 107% increase on 2022 levels.
• Under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, 5,897 fully funded upgrades for energy poor homes were delivered. This represents a 33% increase in upgrades provided versus 2022.
• In addition, 67,411 applications for grant support were received by SEAI in 2023 equating to a 34% increase on 2022 levels. This indicates a strong pipeline of works for 2024.
A record capital budget of €437.2 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been allocated for 2024, ensuring that the progress made last year under the National Retrofit Plan will be further built on this year.
With regard to the information sought by the Deputy, figures from SEAI show that in 2022, grant support for external wall insultation was provided to 4,308 homeowners while the figure for 2023 was 6,110. The grant support was provided across: Better Energy Homes; National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (one Stop Shops); Community Energy Grant Scheme; and Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (fully funded scheme).
145. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households in Dublin approved for SEAI deep retrofit in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2968/24]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, the Government has put in place a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
Demand across the SEAI grant supported schemes was exceptionally high last year with indicative figures from SEAI showing that in 2023:
• A total of 47,952 home energy upgrades were supported. This represents a 76% increase on 2022 levels.
• Of this amount, 17,599 homes achieved a B2 Building Energy Rating. This represents an 107% increase on 2022 levels.
• Under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, 5,897 fully funded upgrades for energy poor homes were delivered. This represents a 33% increase in upgrades provided versus 2022.
• In addition, 67,411 applications for grant support were received by SEAI in 2023 equating to a 34% increase on 2022 levels. This indicates a strong pipeline of works for 2024.
A record capital budget of €437.2 million has been allocated to SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes for 2024, ensuring that the progress made last year under the National Retrofit Plan will be further built on in 2024.
The table below, from SEAI, provides a breakdown of the number of home energy upgrades completed in County Dublin in 2023:
|
SEAI Energy Upgrade Scheme |
Property Upgrades Co. Dublin 2023 |
B2s or Better |
|
Community Energy Grants |
59 |
56 |
|
Better Energy Homes |
3,422 |
727 |
|
Solar PV |
5,118 |
2,273 |
|
National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme - One Stop Shops |
348 |
344 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
1,960 |
136 |
|
Grand Total |
10,907 |
3,536 |
Question No. 146 taken with No. 137.
147. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the rollout of highspeed broadband in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [3063/24]
View answerIn December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
• all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028
• all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
• digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023
These targets will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention. When taken together, all premises in the State will have access to high-speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote.
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 18,400 homes and businesses in County Cavan with gigabit services, with plans to pass a further c. 7,600 homes and businesses over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €13m. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across Cavan, with SIRO recently passing over 4,422 premises for full fibre.
In County Monaghan, Open eir have already passed over 12,600 homes and businesses in with gigabit services, with plans to pass a further c. 5,400 homes and businesses over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €9.5m.
The National Broadband Plan intervention contract provides for the roll out of a high speed and future-proofed broadband network to primarily rural areas. The intervention area covers over 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am also advised by NBI that, as of 12th January 2024, 205,638 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 66,598 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network.
As of 31st December 2023, 4,053 premises in County Cavan are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,567 premises now connected. 9,818 premises in County Monaghan are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 3,152 premises now connected.
Commercial operators and NBI will continue work in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, and all counties, over the next three years to complete their fibre rollouts and all efforts are being made to speed up to the rollout. My Department is working hard with Local Authorities to ensure any barriers encountered by these operators are dealt with quickly through day to day engagement and through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force.
Further details are available on specific areas within Counties Cavan and Monaghan can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. A county update can be selected to provide the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 3 of 2023, saw a 1.6% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to Qtr 2, 2023, and a 2.8% increase when compared to Quarter 3 of 2022. This demonstrates that the take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing greatly as the services are deployed to areas where they had previously been unavailable. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing substantially as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable.
The same ComReg data also indicates that c. 40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (576,856) or cable (359,669) infrastructure.
148. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify whether the transfer of data and/or records from his Department that is transferred to other departments, State bodies and local authorities is in aggregated form or on an individual basis; and the reason the data and/or records are provided. [3080/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the sharing of data is covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 with the commencement of final sections of that Act coming into effect in December last year.
My Department shares data sets with other public bodies only where there is an explicit need for such sharing in order to carry out the performance of our functions. Due to the nature of such functions performed by this Department the vast majority of data used and transferred/shared is in aggregated form. Occasionally data sets based on individual records are used/shared and this is fully aligned with our stated functions such as payment of grants as well as with all relevant legislation concerning data protection.
My Department has an effective corporate governance framework in place to ensure that we meet our obligations under data protection laws. This includes having a Data Protection Officer and Data Officer in place to oversee compliance with data protection and data sharing obligations.
150. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what the policy is regarding the usage of private aeroplanes for official travel for his Department; and if he will report on his recent transport choice and related expenses to the Balkan region. [2922/24]
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. However, other Air Corps aircraft may also be used. My Department has contracted an air taxi contingency arrangement, which provides for the short-term charter of crewed jet aircraft, to augment the existing Ministerial Air Transport Service operated by the Air Corps. This arrangement will be utilised on occasions when the military aircraft currently operated by the Air Corps are unavailable or unsuitable for a particular mission.
The final cost for the Taoiseach's trip to the Balkan region by air taxi is currently not available, I will arrange to have same forwarded when available.
|
10 January 2024 |
CASEMENT – PRISTINA |
|
11 January 2024 |
PRISTINA - PODGORICA |
|
12 January 2024 |
PODGORICA – SKOPJE SKOPJE - CASEMENT |
|
Total cost |
€110,014 |
151. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a schedule of official flights and costs of same taken by him in 2023; if a schedule will be provided of all hotels he stayed in in 2023, including hotel name and cost per night while on official State business; and if the same information will be provided in respect of all accompanying staff and advisors. [2639/24]
View answerThe table below provides details and schedule of costs paid by the Department of Defence for official flights taken and hotels stayed in during 2023 by myself along with accompanying staff and advisors.
|
Passenger Details |
Destination |
Date of travel |
Details |
Total Cost |
|
Tánaiste |
Dublin – Istanbul – Beirut Return |
25/01/2023 -27/01/2023 |
Air Fare |
€2,040.67 |
|
3 Accompanying Staff |
Dublin – Istanbul – Beirut Return |
25/01/2023 -27/01/2023 |
Air Fare |
€2,704.05 |
|
2 Advisers |
Dublin – Istanbul – Beirut Return |
25/01/2023 -27/01/2023 |
Air Fare |
€1,851.76 |
|
Tánaiste, 1 Adviser and 3 Accompanying Staff |
Hotel Movenpick, Hotel, Beirut |
25/01/2023 – 27/01/2023 |
Hotel |
€2,824.62 |
|
Tánaiste, 2 Adviser and 3 Accompanying Staff |
Dublin – Istanbul – Beirut Return |
Security Fast Track |
€49.35 |
|
|
Tánaiste, 2 Adviser and 3 Accompanying Staff |
Dublin – Istanbul – Beirut Return |
Dublin Lounge - Outbound |
€154.42 |
|
|
Tánaiste, 2 Adviser and 3 Accompanying Staff |
Dublin – Istanbul – Beirut Return |
Istanbul Lounge - Outbound |
€328.00 |
|
|
Tánaiste, 2 Advisers and 3 Accompanying Staff |
Dublin – Istanbul – Beirut Return |
Istanbul Lounge - Return |
€328.00 |
|
|
2 Accompanying Staff |
Dublin - Brussels |
22/05/2023 |
Flight |
€873 |
|
Tánaiste |
Sofitel Hotel, Brussels |
22/05/2023 |
Hotel |
€214.24 |
|
5 Accompanying Staff |
Sofitel Hotel, Brussels |
22/05/2023 |
Hotel |
€1,071.20 |
|
4 Accompanying Staff |
Hotel Beatriz, Toledo |
22/08/2023 |
Hotel |
€468.92 |
|
1 Accompanying Staff |
Dublin - Madrid |
30/08/2023 |
Flight |
€155.97 |
|
2 Accompanying Staff |
Madrid - Dublin |
30/08/2023 |
Flight |
€750.65 |
152. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for the Defence Forces to participate in any overseas missions currently precluded by the neutrality protection provided by the triple lock; the details of any proposals received or made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2762/24]
View answerThe Government has no plans for the Defence Forces to participate in any further overseas missions at present.
However, given the insecurity in international security in the world today, we need to be able to deploy our Defence Forces when required to overseas peacekeeping and crisis management operations speedily and with agility.
In terms of the criteria used to determine whether Ireland should participate in a mission, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the following factors are taken into account:
• An assessment of whether a peacekeeping operation is the most appropriate response;
• Consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy;
• The degree of risk involved;
• The extent to which the required skills or characteristics relate to Irish capabilities;
• The existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution.
• Whether the operation is adequately resourced.
• The level of existing commitments to peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.
153. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in light of the French and Jordanian delivery of aid to Gaza using military aircraft, and in light of the fact that it is unconfirmed whether France received permission from Israel to carry out this operation, acknowledging that the Irish Air Corps has similarly capable CASA-CN235 aircraft, and acknowledging the deployment of these aircraft by the State in relief and evacuation operations in response to crisis situations in Ukraine and Lebanon, if he intends to look into deploying Irish military aircraft in operations to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2769/24]
View answerI am appalled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the scale of civilian casualties. The Government continues to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for an increase in humanitarian access and for the protection of civilians.
There are well established formal procedures at EU and National level to deal with requests for humanitarian assistance. These procedure have been successfully utilised on several occasions in relation to Ukraine. At this point no formal request for assistance has been received in relation to Gaza on the DG ECHO platform's, the Common Emergency Communications and Information System (CECIS) that would initiate an EU response.
Ireland’s response to the Gaza Crisis to date, includes the provision of in-kind assistance in addition to humanitarian funding, which are directed through a range of trusted partners (UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and International NGOs) who have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance.
In addition, Ireland’s emergency items are only provided on foot of a request from a humanitarian partner operating in Gaza. This ensures that the items are appropriate and in-demand, and that there is on-the-ground capacity to distribute it.
154. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position with the promised re appointment of derelict houses in the Curragh Camp in County Kildare into family homes; the number completed to date; the number that will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2852/24]
View answerA consultant has been commissioned by the Defence Forces to assess the condition of the vacant housing and its suitability for conversion/refurbishment to provide for single living-in accommodation for Defence Force personnel. A report in this regard is expected soon .
155. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position with the Curragh Plains consultation; the next steps in the process and the time frames involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2853/24]
View answerAs the Minister with responsibility for Defence, I am the custodian and guardian of the Curragh lands pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act, 1961. I believe it is important to bear this in mind, as under that Act, the Curragh Plains is recognised as a working environment for the state's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance.
Recognising the importance of the Plains, my Department entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kildare County Council in June 2020 to carry out a consultation process to on the future management and presentation of the Curragh Plains. Under this formal Agreement, the County Council acted as the contracting authority for the procurement of Paul Hogarth Consultants to oversee this project.
This process commenced in March 2021 with a series of successful public and thematic consultations, leading to the development of a draft Conservation Management Plan and draft Interpretation & Branding Plan. I am advised that my officials had broadly signed off on these drafts in early 2023. Subsequently and without any prior consultation, Kildare County Council indicated that they had decided not to proceed with the project. My Department has written to the local authority looking for a formal confirmation of same and the rationale for this approach.
As the County Council are the contracting authority on this project, I am not in a position to comment further in the absence of the awaited response to my Department.
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues relating to pay and conditions with the Defence Forces have now been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3027/24]
View answerGovernment has progressed a number of key measures arising from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report to address pay and recruitment issues in the Defence Forces. These include a number of projects undertaken to bolster the attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces, and cover a range of measures which improve pay and conditions.
It is also worth noting in this regard that the Report observed that much of the commentary surrounding issues of pay in the Defence Forces does not seem to fully reflect the totality of the remuneration package and believes that this needs to be better communicated.
The Commission on the Defence Forces made a number of recommendations concerning pay structures, which have been implemented including:
• Removal of the requirement for a Private 3 Star/Able Seaman to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank (as detailed above in terms starting pay rates);
• Payment of the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank of all Private 3 Star/Able Seaman personnel.
I would also point to the extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces personnel, a measure that commenced in September 2023. Previously, various benefits applied to Commissioned Officers only. It will now apply to all personnel and will be of immediate benefit to a further 84% of the Permanent Defence Force based on current strengths. In addition to the comprehensive range of primary care currently provided, this new measure will facilitate referrals to private consultants, as well as the costs of any diagnostic tests.
In addition to the above, I recently announced new changes to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance. This is in line with the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to replace existing sea-going allowances with less complex measures. The sea-going commitment scheme was abolished from the end of 2023.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, will be doubled after ten days at sea. This measure took effect from 1 January 2024. It will result in the daily rate increasing from €64.67 to €129.24 for an officer, and from €64.27 to €128.54 for an enlisted person, after ten days at sea, with effect from 1st January 2024.
Having due regard to all of the measures mentioned it is therefore important to note that significant progress has been delivered on pay and conditions, for the Defence Forces, in recent years. Following the implementation of the Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, and the pay increases under the Building Momentum public service pay agreement, recruits on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), will start at:
• €38,016 in Year 1
• €39,413 in Year 2 and
• €40,700 in Year 3
In terms of Officers, a school leaver Cadet - on commissioning as an Officer- is paid €41,962. This is a second Lieutenant position. After 2 years they are promoted to Lieutenant and their pay rises to €47,245. Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning as a Lieutenant begins at €47,245. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces.
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which optimum strength in the Defence Forces is being maintained, with equal reference to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3028/24]
View answer160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps with particular reference to ensuring the maintenance of recommended levels of strength throughout all branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3031/24]
View answer164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant posts remaining to be filled at all levels in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 160 and 164 together.
As of the 31 December 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 7,550 personnel comprised of 6,136 Army personnel, 689 Air Corps personnel and 725 Naval Service personnel. The agreed establishment strength for the Permanent Defence Force was recently increased by 89 to 9,589 to account for the first cohort of Commission on the Defence Forces appointments; however, these posts have not been broken down by branch.
The tables attached outline the variance between current strength and the establishment strength, by rank, within the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service as at 31 December 2023. Vacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements, as appropriate, and by recruitment.
I have previously acknowledged the current staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces and, to counter these, there are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives currently underway.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services.
Details by rank, within the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service as at 31 December 2023.
