Written Answers Nos. 157-189
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which at EU and UN level, he continues to focus on the vulnerability of women and children who continue to fall victims to physical and mental abuse; if he will indicate the steps being taken to address these issues and incarcerate the perpetrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3692/24]
View answer159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to raise at EU Security Council level the ongoing worldwide abuses of women and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3694/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 159 together.
I thank the Deputy for his questions.
The particular human rights violations and abuses encountered by women and children, including sexual and gender-based violence, crosscuts all of Ireland’s engagement on both conflict and human rights. Violence against women and girls constitutes a serious human rights abuse, a form of discrimination against women, and is a major obstacle to the achievement of gender equality.
Ireland actively seeks to prevent and counter violence against women and girls, and to ensure that perpetrators are held to account. This is a domestic and foreign policy priority. At the EU level, Ireland works each year to ensure that vulnerable groups, including women and girls, are at forefront of EU human rights work, including through strong references to these groups in EU Council Conclusions on human rights priorities.
Furthermore, Ireland is committed to the EU’s Gender Action Plan (GAPIII). The GAP sets out the EU’s strategy (2020 – 2027) on accelerating progress on gender equality and women's empowerment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ireland reports periodically to the European Commission on the implementation of the GAPIII
Ireland acceded to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1985. We strongly support the work of UN Women and of the special procedures. We play an active role in supporting initiatives to counter violence against women at both the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.
Ireland has been a longstanding champion of the Women, Peace and Security agenda at the UN, and it was a key priority for our membership of the UN Security Council. We sought to advance this agenda across all our work on the Security Council – including on country, thematic and peacekeeping files. We placed an emphasis on ending the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence and ensuring that women are free to participate fully, equally and meaningfully in peacebuilding processes. Ireland also worked to actively to mainstream human rights, including the human rights of women and girls, across all areas of the Security Council agenda and to ensure greater coherence between the Human Rights Council in Geneva and the Security Council in New York.
Ireland strongly supports the work of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on children and armed conflict and UNICEF. Their work has produced tangible results on the ground through the monitoring and reporting mechanism and national action plans.
Ireland is a member of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), and during our tenure on the United Nations Security Council, Ireland was able to deepen and intensify our engagement on children and armed conflict.
Finally, Ireland was an active participant in the UN Security Council’s Children and Armed Conflict Working Group chaired by Norway. Ireland actively worked on a number of Working Group Conclusions while a member of the Council where many positive advances were achieved, including strengthened language on humanitarian access, the best interests of the child and on sexual and reproductive health rights.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Irish aid continues to target the appropriate locations globally, with particular reference to ensuring that both multilateral and bilateral aid reaches those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3693/24]
View answerSupporting countries and communities most seriously in need is at the core of Ireland’s development assistance programme. The Government's policy for international development, A Better World, provides the framework, with a focus on reaching the furthest behind first and addressing the needs of those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and those living in areas affected by conflict. The Government delivers this support through our bilateral development programme, channelled through Irish Embassies in relevant countries, through civil society and humanitarian organisations and through multilateral organisations, including the United Nations.The most important criterion for decisions on which channel to use is the ability of the partner to reach those most in need in the most effective way possible. These partners continue to be crucial, especially in the context of delivery of essential food supplies in countries facing humanitarian crises, food insecurity and climate shocks. In Budget 2024, the Government provided the highest ever allocation for the international development assistance programme managed under Vote 27, by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The allocation of €776.5 million represents an increase of €60 million, or 8.4%, on the 2023 allocation.This will help to ensure that Ireland can maintain our longstanding focus on the most vulnerable countries and communities, including those most acutely affected by food insecurity and conflict.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can put in place an effective turn around for applications for passport renewals or new passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3697/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports. All turnaround times are at or well-ahead of target and there are no backlogs. Currently the majority of child online renewal applications are issuing within 6 days and online adult renewal applications are issuing within 2 working days. First-time online applications are being processed within 18-19 days.
The advertised turnaround times are as follows:
|
Adult Online Renewal |
10 working days |
|
Child Online Renewal |
15 working days |
|
First-Time Online Applications |
20 working days |
|
Post Passport (paper-based renewal or first-time) |
8 weeks |
My Department is currently running an extensive communications campaign to encourage passport applicants to apply early and to apply online. This campaign has been very successful in increasing the numbers of applications received in January 2024 and will help to ensure that those citizens who need to renew their passport this year or apply for a passport for a child will have their passports well before the traditional summer peak season.
The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications.
The Passport Service is well-resourced to meet forecasted demand for 2024. My Department has implemented a staffing plan to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained throughout periods of peak demand. There are currently 800 staff working in the Passport Service and my Department is continuing to work to increase resources within the service.
Currently, 100% of calls to the Customer Service Hub are being answered and customers can easily access the information they need through the Hub. The Customer Service Hub responds to an average of 10,000 queries per week.
In 2023, the Passport Service was ranked 18th out of 150 public-facing organisations in a survey conducted by the Customer Experience (CX) group. This ranking recognised the Passport Service as the best customer service brand in the public sector. In addition, the Customer Service Hub in the Passport Service was shortlisted for the “Best Customer Service Team” award at the 2023 Customer Experience Awards.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service.
2024 is expected to be another busy year for the Passport Service and the Passport Service is in an excellent position to meet the demand forecasted for this year.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport.
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which candidate countries for EU membership continue to receive support for their cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3698/24]
View answerIreland continues to strongly support EU enlargement. 50 years of EU membership has transformed our economy and society, and increased our global influence. We believe that all European countries deserve the same opportunities, provided that they meet the necessary criteria.
The EU provides a range of supports to candidate countries in order to assist them with the necessary reforms in preparation for EU membership. The main one of these is the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). The IPA provides financial and technical assistance to candidate countries, to build up their capacities throughout the accession process, resulting in progressive, positive developments. The budgetary envelope for IPA III for the period 2021-2027 is €14.162 billion.
The European Commission also provides technical assistance to candidate countries in their efforts to adopt the acquis communitaire through the TAIEX and Twinning instruments. TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) offers short-term training opportunities to public administrations in candidate countries with regard to the approximation, application and enforcement of EU legislation, as well as facilitating the sharing of EU best practices. Twinning allows for longer-term institutional cooperation between public administrations of EU Member States and candidate countries.
In addition to supports at EU level, many Member States provide support to candidate countries on a bilateral level. Under Budget 2024, Government has established a new funding instrument to support EU candidate countries, with an initial allocation of €1 million. Ireland also supports EU candidate countries through projects implemented by the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe.
The European Commission measures the progress that candidate countries are making towards fulfilment of the accession criteria on an annual basis. In 2023, the Commission published its annual Enlargement Package of Reports on 8 November. The 2023 Enlargement Package reported that Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia are the candidate countries that are most prepared for EU membership, but progress on reforms in the previous 12 months was greatest in Ukraine, Moldova and Albania.
165. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when his Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform will reach the necessary consent to pay the agreed pension increases to ESB beneficiaries, such consent notified to them as being required for payment, and long-awaited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3430/24]
View answerMy Department in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are working to ensure that all pension increase requests will be processed in a timely manner to ensure that there are minimal delays to the members of such pension schemes. I have consented to the 4% increase and once the Minister for Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform has consented, the ESB Pension Scheme Trustees will be able to apply the increase.
Circular 16/2021 relating to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies Amendments to the Annex on Remuneration and Superannuation came into effect on 30th July 2021. It applies to all Commercial Semi-State Bodies and requires prior approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to : severance scheme proposals; amendments to pension scheme required under legislation or scheme rules; and any changes to pension scheme benefits, such as pension increases where Ministerial or Departmental consent is required
166. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline plans to make available much needed low interest loans for households who wish to migrate to solar panel installations but who cannot afford to do so at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3449/24]
View answerResidential solar PV is supported by the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS), which is targeting 380MW of new renewable generation capacity under the Climate Action Plan 23. Grants are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for domestic installations, up to a maximum of €2,100.
Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in February 2022, the SEAI have seen application levels rise sharply. In 2023, 22,214 households received grant support totalling €52.2m. This high level of demand is expected to continue into 2024 and indicates that the scheme is working well and that citizens are recognising the benefits of solar PV investment.
It should also be noted that maximising consumption of self-generated electricity will provide the most benefit to offset rising electricity costs and shorten the payback period for the investment in the installation of solar panels. Additionally, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available from all electricity suppliers, offering the opportunity for remuneration for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid.
While there are no plans for a dedicated solar PV loan scheme, a residential retrofit loan scheme has been announced by my Department. The recent agreement signed between the Government and EIB Group in relation to the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is the first of its kind for both Ireland and the EIB Group, and paves the way for low-interest, home energy upgrade loans. The Scheme will help reduce the financial challenges for many homeowners and will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, making their homes warmer, cheaper to run and helping to lower emissions.
Eligible items of expenditure to be financed by the loans include fabric upgrade of buildings (e.g., insulation) and renewable energy solutions (e.g., heat pumps). Solar PV installations are not eligible as an individual measure but can be an eligible cost as part of a deep retrofit.
167. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received contact from ESB pensions in relation to seeking consent for payment of a pension increase; when there will be a decision on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3514/24]
View answerMy Department in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are working to ensure that all pension increase requests will be processed in a timely manner to ensure that there are minimal delays to the members of such pension schemes. I have consented to the 4% increase and once the Minister for Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform has consented to the 4% increase, the ESB Pension Scheme Trustees will be able to apply the increase.
Circular 16/2021 relating to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies Amendments to the Annex on Remuneration and Superannuation came into effect on 30th July 2021. It applies to all Commercial Semi-State Bodies and requires prior approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to : severance scheme proposals; amendments to pension scheme required under legislation or scheme rules; and any changes to pension scheme benefits, such as pension increases where Ministerial or Departmental consent is required
168. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the microgeneration scheme, and if he is aware of concerns of some customers that they will have to wait until at least 2025 to participate despite already having the investment. [3515/24]
View answer169. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the microgeneration scheme and the following case (details supplied); if he plans any measures to speed up this process; if delays will be compensated or any additional supports provided; if there are any alternatives for this business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3516/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
In December 2021, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to compensate renewables self-consumers for renewable electricity exported to the grid. This decision outlines arrangements for implementation of the tariff, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology, in line with the requirements of Article 21(2)(d) of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). CEG payments for exported quantities must be based on meter data, recorded on a customer’s smart meter, which is the meter of record for the purposes of metering and billing data. In line with the CRU decision paper for the CEG, microgenerators who are not yet eligible for a smart meter exchange may be eligible to be remunerated under deemed export arrangements. Further details are available on the CRU website at www.cru.ie/publications/27028 The National Smart Metering Programme will roll out and install 2.1 million meters by 2025 and in the process make available new products and services to energy consumers. It is co-ordinated by the CRU with ESB Networks (ESBN) delivering the electricity meter rollout on the ground. The meter replacement programme is taking place on a phased basis, with the first phase focussed on the replacement of single-phase 24-hour register meters and the replacement of single-phase Day/Night meters beginning in September 2023. More than 1,579,000 smart meters have been installed to date and more than 71,000 registered micro-generators have had their meter exchanged. ESBN are currently working on a 3-phase smart meter solution, but this process has encountered some delays. As a result, the rollout of 3-phase smart meters is now due to begin in 2025. However, it is important to note that in the interim, renewables self-consumers with 3-phase connections will remain eligible for deemed export payments under the CEG scheme. Moreover, the greatest benefit from Solar PV systems is attained when microgenerators maximise the self-consumption of their generated renewable electricity.
170. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications why the machines for the new deposit return scheme are twice the price in Ireland that they are in other European countries; if he sees this as an issue; if he envisages this will hinder uptake by retailers in installing these machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3541/24]
View answerThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Regulations 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.
In providing a take-back service, retailers have two options - manual (over the counter) collection or automated collection through the use of reverse vending machines (RVMs).
The procurement of RVMs is a purchasing decision for each individual retailer. Retailers may source RVMs from outside Ireland provided they meet the RVM specification published by Re-turn, the DRS operator. Having conferred with Re-turn, the scheme operator, I have not seen evidence of any significant price differences between Ireland and other European countries.
171. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider making the cost of the machines for the new deposit return scheme refundable over a five year period considering the current rebate is only over a three year period and only comes to a maximum of €6,000 whereas the cost of the machines can be closer to €14,000, considering the machines are not profit making for the businesses installing them and therefore the businesses should receive a full rebate for their installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3542/24]
View answerThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is a producer-led scheme and is fully funded by the beverage industry. No public or Government funding is used for the operation of DRS.
Under the DRS Regulations, it is the responsibility of producers to establish a DRS and to nominate an operator of the scheme for approval by the Minister. Re-turn is the new, not-for-profit company set up by the beverage industry to manage their obligations under the Regulations.
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.
In providing a take-back service, retailers have two options - manual (over the counter) collection or automated collection through the use of reverse vending machines (RVMs). All retailers will receive a handling fee from Re-turn for providing a take-back service which has been calibrated to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security.
In addition to handling fees, Re-turn is also providing financial assistance to small retailers for the installation of RVMs. Details of these supports, as well as other useful information to help retailers prepare for DRS, is available on Re-turn’s at re-turn.ie/retailer/ or by contacting Re-turn at retailer@re-turn.ie.
172. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the budget allocation for anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness grant scheme in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [3585/24]
View answerMy Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. In 2022 and 2023 €750,000 was provided under this Scheme and a similar amount is expected to be made available in 2024. The amount of funding provided to each local authority is provided in the table below with the same amount provided in 2022 and 2023. The budget allocation for 2024 has yet to be confirmed.
|
Local Authority |
2022 & 2023 Allocations |
|
Carlow |
16,000 |
|
Cavan |
16,000 |
|
Clare |
20,000 |
|
Cork County |
35,000 |
|
Donegal |
25,000 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
30,000 |
|
Fingal |
30,000 |
|
Galway County |
25,000 |
|
Kerry |
25,000 |
|
Kildare |
25,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
20,000 |
|
Laois |
16,000 |
|
Leitrim |
16,000 |
|
Longford |
16,000 |
|
Louth |
20,000 |
|
Mayo |
25,000 |
|
Meath |
25,000 |
|
Monaghan |
16,000 |
|
Offaly |
16,000 |
|
Roscommon |
16,000 |
|
Sligo |
16,000 |
|
South County Dublin |
30,000 |
|
Tipperary |
25,000 |
|
Westmeath |
16,000 |
|
Wexford |
25,000 |
|
Wicklow |
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
Cork City |
30,000 |
|
Dublin City |
55,000 |
|
Galway City |
25,000 |
|
Limerick City and County |
40,000 |
|
Waterford City and County |
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
€750,000 |
173. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the environmental legal costs financial assistance mechanism proposed in the Planning and Development Bill 2023; if the legal costs scheme is consistent with Ireland's obligations under the Aarhus Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3596/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Part 9, Chapter 2 of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, provides for reform of the existing Aarhus costs protection measures in S.50B of the Planning and Development Act and in Part 2 of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, to further provide for Aarhus Convention obligations requiring Not Prohibitively Expensive access to justice for ENGOs and for members of the public with legal standing in Aarhus related planning cases.
A new element is the proposed environmental legal costs financial assistance mechanism, which may contribute to the own costs of qualifying applicants, whether they are successful in their proceedings or not. This will address the deficiency in this regard which is the main outstanding concern of the EU Commission in relation to Ireland’s ongoing infringement, INF. 4028/2012.
While only the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee, or a court of law, can make a definitive finding regarding the compliance of any provision with the Convention, the advice of my Department’s legal advisor and the advice of the Attorney General reassures me that the proposed environmental legal costs financial assistance mechanism is fully compliant with our obligations under the Convention, and that furthermore, it will enhance access to justice rights for members of the public concerned wishing to exercise their access to justice rights in planning and environmental matters.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department continues to meet climate change targets in conjunction with the protection of the agri-food business; the main issues of conflict, if any; his proposals for a resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3676/24]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July 2022, the Government approved sectoral emission ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (i.e. 2021-2025 and 2026-2030). For our agriculture sector, this process has set a 10% emissions reduction target for 2025 and a 25% emissions reduction target for 2030.
Agriculture saw a 1.2% decrease in emissions in 2022, predominantly driven by reductions in fertiliser use. This decrease must be sustained and accelerated to meet the sectoral emissions ceiling for the first carbon budget period. Responsibility for meeting targets sits with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. There is ongoing engagement between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on implementation of the Climate Action Plan.
Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government in December, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment. The plan outlined how emissions reductions can be achieved in the coming years, increasing our ambition for efficiency in the sector while also heavily promoting the diversification of agricultural activities. These actions will both improve animal breeding, feeding and finishing, and also encourage farmers to diversify into sectors including organics, tillage and biomethane production.
Livestock grazing out of doors dominates Irish agriculture and our agriculture sector has an international reputation for high quality and sustainably produced food. Maintaining that reputation is an imperative for our agri-food industries, as 90% of our production is exported. Ireland is already well placed through the success of the Origin Green programme and can maintain and build on this competitive advantage. Conversely, failure to mitigate emissions is a risk to the sector’s reputation for sustainable production.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to indicate the success to date in meeting carbon reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3677/24]
View answerThe most recent provisional emissions inventory figures, published by the EPA in July 2023, show that Ireland's emissions fell by just under 2% between 2021 and 2022. This fall was driven in part by higher fuel prices, reduced use of nitrogen fertiliser, increased renewable energy, behavioural change, and regulation, with reductions observed in our agriculture, industry, energy and residential sectors.
These emissions reductions are also accompanied by encouraging trends in our patterns of fossil fuel consumption. According to the EPA’s latest greenhouse gas emissions inventory, published in July 2023, our use of coal for electricity fell 16%, oil fell 29% and peat fell 25% in 2022. Our interconnectors are working displacing high carbon fuel with lower carbon imports. Our nitrogen fertiliser use fell by 14% in 2022, and emissions from residential heating fell by almost 13% as we used less coal, peat, kerosene and natural gas to heat our homes. It is expected that this year Ireland's emissions will fall at an accelerating rate, given lower energy use in most sectors and lower emissions in agriculture.
These positive recent developments in part reflect the increased ambition of Ireland's climate policy over recent years. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Our recent emissions reductions do at least demonstrate Ireland's ability to reverse its emissions trends and start to build momentum towards meeting our ambitious abatement objectives, though the latest projections of Ireland's future emissions trends from the EPA highlight the significant challenge we will face in meeting these targets.
Ireland's latest Climate Action Plan, Climate Action Plan 2024, supports our ambitious decarbonisation programme by setting out an updated roadmap of policies, measures and actions that we will deliver in support of our climate commitments and emissions reduction targets. It takes account of the latest emissions reports, and accelerates and amplifies our climate action, fully involving other Departments across Government and key external stakeholders.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to indicate the main areas of environmental protection requirements deemed at present to be urgent; the action to date or proposed to deal with any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3678/24]
View answerThe most recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State of the Environment report was published in 2020, with the next of these reports due later in 2024.
The EPA State of the Environment reports are important milestones for Ireland, as they provide a snapshot of the environment at a particular point, as well as showing trends and changes in the environment over time. The reports assess progress in meeting the main environmental challenges facing the country and evaluate how national policies are being implemented, and if they are operating and delivering as intended. A copy of the last report is available at www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/assessment/irelands-environment/state-of-environment-report-
That report recognised climate change as an urgent challenge in terms of Ireland’s environment. Other areas highlighted in the report, including air quality, waste and energy are all being addressed within the remit of my Department.
My Department ‘s Statement of Strategy for the period 2021-2023, Le Chéile, set out our strategic goals in line with the Programme for Government and our long-term vision of a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland. The statement identified five strategic goals which were set out at a high level and are complemented by a broader list of deliverables for the Department, including those relating to environmental protection. A copy of the Statement of Strategy is available at gov.ie.
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he and his Department have in hand further enhanced measures to ensure the protection of all Government Departments and bodies under their aegis from any cyber-attacks in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3679/24]
View answerThe Government's National Cyber Security Strategy, which was reviewed in 2023, recognises the importance of protecting the State and its institutions from cyber threats in a dynamic and flexible manner. Investing in our national capacity to detect, prevent, respond to and recover from cyber security incidents has been a priority for Government since the first national strategy. In the Mid-Term Review of the National Cyber Security Strategy published last June, the Government reiterated our commitment to continuing to invest in our National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is a division within my Department. The Mid-Term Review recognised the deterioration in the global cyber threat landscape and the significant increase in capacity and services required by the EU NIS 2 Directive. Relevant measures and strategies are being implemented to ensure the NCSC can provide even greater support to public bodies, operators of critical national infrastructure, and other stakeholders. The Review also includes a commitment to further enhance the NCSC’s ability to actively detect and defeat cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and critical networks, including Government. The forthcoming Cyber Security Bill which will transpose the NIS 2 Directive will provide the NCSC with appropriate legal mandate and authorities to implement these enhanced services.
While the NCSC plays an important role, it is important to highlight that the security of information and networks remains the responsibility of the relevant Department or agency. The Government’s strategy is providing valuable support to public sector bodies to identify and mitigate cyber security risks. The Baseline Cyber Security Standard for Public Bodies was published in 2021 and updated in 2022. This standard was developed in partnership with stakeholders from national and local government and provides a framework for public bodies to implement effective cyber security risk mitigation measures, both technical and organisational. The NCSC has published supporting materials including a checklist document to help public bodies to implement the Standard. In addition, the NCSC has established the Government Cyber Security Coordination & Response (or “GovCORE”) Network of senior public service ICT professionals to facilitate sharing of information and good practice, and frequently provides its public sector stakeholders with advice and guidance of both a general and specific nature.
The Mid-Term Review of the Cyber Security Strategy published last year includes a significant new measure to support public bodies in securing their ICT estate. The NCSC will be provided with the necessary legal authority and technical capabilities to carry out security assessments of ICT systems for the handling of sensitive and confidential data. This will form part of the Cyber Security Bill currently being drafted in my Department.
178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent of the shift away from fossil fuels for the generation of electricity; if this is in line with targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3680/24]
View answer179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national grid currently relies and draws on renewable energy as a percentage of total requirement; if he has in mind any specific new proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3681/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
Ireland is a world leader in renewable energy with now approximately 4.8 GW of wind generation capacity and over 1 GW of solar PV capacity installed bringing to over 6 GW of clean, indigenous renewable energy.
The recently published CAP 24 reaffirms our ambitious targets of 9 GW of onshore wind, 8 GW of solar PV and at least 5 GW of offshore wind connected to the grid by 2030. To support this, a suite of measures are being developed to maximise the use of renewable energy and its integration with the electricity grid.
According to provisional data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on average 46.1% of electricity generated in Ireland in 2023 was renewable. For an overview of renewable electricity usage, I refer the Deputy to the SEAI's monthly electricity production figures: www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/monthly-energy-data/electricity/ .
180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national waste management plan continues to address the relevant issues, with particular reference to reduction, reuse and recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3682/24]
View answerLocal Authorities are statutorily responsible for the preparation of waste management plans. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices are currently finalising a new National Waste Management Plan (NWMP), informed by, inter alia, the National Planning Framework. The Plan will set out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) and support Ireland's circular economy transition.
The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 strengthened provisions in relation to waste management plans, by requiring waste management plans to include indicators and targets relating to the use of products and materials that have been re-used, re-manufactured or repaired. The new NWMP will contain targets for reuse, repair, resource consumption and recycling, and address measures such as:
• the enhanced use of civic amenity sites as circular economy hubs;
• supporting the development of indigenous waste treatment capacity to reduce reliance on export.
• It is expected that the new National Waste Management Plan will be launched on 1 March 2024.
181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the provision of broadband is progressing in such a way as to enhance the competitiveness of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3683/24]
View answer183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the broadband roll-out throughout the country has been expedited with a view to ensuring the availability of sufficient connectivity to enable the maximum number of citizens to work from home or from hubs where available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3685/24]
View answer184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of new broadband connection points installed in County Kildare in the past twelve months; the number of points expected to be installed over the next twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3686/24]
View answer185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which steps can be taken to rapidly improve the roll-out of broadband in towns, villages and rural areas throughout County Kildare, given the increased demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3687/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 181, 183, 184 and 185 together.
In 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.
The Digital Connectivity Strategy will lead to more balanced regional development, supporting the green transition, facilitating greater access to regional talent and skills and will assist with the implementation of the Government’s Remote Working Strategy, Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, and Project Ireland 2040.
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 59,200 homes and businesses in Kildare with gigabit services, with plans to pass a further c.31,800 homes and businesses over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €35m. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across Kildare, with SIRO recently passing over 40,100 premises for full fibre, and Virgin Media passing over 52,900 premises.
Along with the progress made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State, 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 advised by NBI that, over 205,600 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 66,500 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. In County Kildare, over 4,100 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,599 premises now connected. NBI further advise that over 8,900 additional premises are expected to be passed by Q3 2024.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare 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 7.62% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to Qtr 2, 2023, and a 33.83% 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 (619,968) or cable (354,074) infrastructure.
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date in reducing our collective dependency on plastic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3684/24]
View answerThe Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in 2020, includes a range of ambitious measures to reform and strengthen how we manage our waste. The Plan outlines a range of measures and actions to deal with plastic and packaging waste and single use plastics. Since then, further measures have been introduced through, for example:
• the Use Plastics Regulations in 2021,
• the Deposit Return Scheme Regulations 2021 which underpin the operation of the Deposit Return Scheme from 1 February,
• the Circular Economy Act 2022, which provides powers to introduce levies and bans on a range of single use items.
• mandatory segregation and incentivised charging for commercial waste from July 2023, which builds on the successful incentivised waste collection system for the household sector, and
• a new waste recovery levy and an increase to the existing landfill levy from 1st September 2023 to encourage people to reduce their waste collection costs by improving their waste segregation practices.
• In addition, Ireland's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model for packaging places legal obligations on packaging producers to recover and recycle the packaging they place on the Irish market. Repak, the national producer responsibility organisation, helps members meet these legal obligations through financial incentives and support measures.
186. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the supports provided, both advisory and financial, to communities to participate in the Community Electricity Generation projects; the progress to date of those projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3707/24]
View answerThrough the first two Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions, my Department has provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects category.
Through my Department’s continued engagement with Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), there is evidence of significant challenges that REC projects may face with the auction based nature of RESS, along with other barriers to project delivery.
Therefore, support for communities for the development of renewable projects will now transition to the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) which will support community projects exporting to the grid through a tariff.
This export tariff phase of SRESS, which will support small scale and community renewable projects, is due to be launched in the coming months. It will offer a simpler route to market for community projects and will align more closely to the experience and capacity of the community energy sector.
A set of technical and financial supports for community projects are currently available to communities in a Community Enabling Framework under RESS. Similar supports will be available under SRESS.
To enable a future pipeline of community energy projects, the SEAI is undertaking a series of grid studies to support communities in identifying sites that are most likely to have an economically viable grid connection. In addition, the CRU launched a consultation on a revised electricity generation connection policy in December which considers how community projects can be better supported to connect to the electricity network.
187. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what communication he has had with the Minister for Finance in relation to the development of the Climate and Nature Fund; whether he is concerned regarding the ability of this fund to finance overseas fossil fuel projects under the current heads of bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3708/24]
View answerThe Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund is one of two new funds announced by the Minister for Finance as part of Budget 2024.
The General Scheme for the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure Climate and Nature Fund Bill has been published by the Minister for Finance, who is leading on the development of this legislation in consultation with other relevant Ministers. My Department is engaging with the Department of Finance on the preparation of the Bill.
The General Scheme of the Bill sets out that the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund will have the following objectives:
• to support expenditure by the State in times of significant deterioration in the public finances; and
• to support individual projects that will contribute to the achievement of climate and nature goals.
• The Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund will provide additional funding of up to €3.15 billion for projects that will assist the State in meeting its climate, biodiversity and water quality obligations in the period from 2026 to 2030. The identification and prioritisation of projects will be subject to criteria to be developed by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, as well as approval by the Government.
• The General Scheme of the Bill sets out that the “Investment Policy” and the “Investment Strategy” of the Fund will provide a framework for Environmental, Social and Governance considerations. The provisions of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018, which applies to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) will also be replicated for the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.
188. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has communicated formally with the ESB with regard to the barrier to the migration of eels and salmons through ESB infrastructure; if he will provide an update on those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3709/24]
View answerThe issues raised by the Deputy in relation to fish migration issues on specific river systems affected by ESB infrastructure are day to day operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any operational function.
IFI, as the State Body with responsibility for the protection, management, conservation, promotion, marketing and development of the inland fisheries resource has statutory responsibility for dealing with this matter.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to operational matters can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
ESB and IFI have held a series of high-level management discussions designed to engage across a broad range of issues and to identify and agree shared strategic objectives and actions in relation to fisheries management, conservation, and biodiversity challenges. These meetings continue to take place on a regular basis. I support both parties in committing to making additional resources available under their revised business strategies to address river connectivity and provide improved fish passage.
189. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will confirm what specific training the IDF members received during their time in the Irish Military College (details supplied); if there are IDF military personnel currently attending the Irish Military College; if he will continue to allow IDF members to train in Ireland, given that Israel is currently before the International Court of Justice following a case brought by South Africa accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3458/24]
View answerAt the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in Vancouver in 2017, Ireland pledged certain training capabilities for delivery in Ireland at the UN Training School in the Curragh (UNTSI). The military courses were in response to an identified UN need and offered as part of the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. Ireland has successfully delivered on our training pledges to the UN and is strongly recognised for its expertise in delivering these courses, particularly the Protection of Civilians course. Countries who are members of the United Nations can apply to participate on these courses.
In addition, Ireland has been a member of Partnership for Peace since 1999 and part of our commitments under this Programme is to host PfP training courses which Ireland has done over the last decade.
Costs in the main are met by the home nation of the foreign student and in the case of PfP training courses, funding has been made available to Ireland from the Programme to host the courses.
I have been advised by Military Management of the following details in relation to Israeli Defence Forces personnel attendance at these courses conducted in Ireland since 2001.
Table 1: Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) personnel attendance at courses conducted in the Irish Defence Forces since 2001.
|
Year |
Course Title |
IDF Participants |
Remarks |
|
|
UNTSI (UN Training School Ireland) |
|
|
|
2001 |
United Nations Military Observer and Staff Officer Course |
1 |
|
|
2018 |
International Protection of Civilians Course |
1 |
|
|
2018 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
2 |
|
|
2019 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
1 |
|
|
|
Ordnance School |
|
|
|
2010 |
NATO Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) |
1 |
|
|
2017 |
NATO Commanders Marauding Counter Terrorism Attack Course |
1 |
Civilian Student |
|
|
Other Defence Forces Courses |
|
|
|
2019 |
UN Buddy First Aid Course |
1 |
Conducted in Galway by CMU on behalf of UN |
Military Management have also advised that the costs for these courses are borne by the home nation of the foreign student and that there are currently no plans for Israeli Defence Forces personnel to attend Irish Defence Forces training courses in 2024.
I can assure the Deputy that I have been closely monitoring developments in the case taken under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide by South Africa against Israel in the International Court of Justice. The public hearings that took place on 11 and 12 January involved the two parties to the proceedings, South Africa and Israel, and focused on the question of provisional measures. The Court is likely to issue its ruling on the request for provisional measures in the coming weeks. Any provisional measures ordered by the Court will be binding on the parties to which the orders are addressed. The Court’s decision on provisional measures will be analysed carefully by the Government once it has been published. We will also continue to consult closely with our international partners, including South Africa.
