Written Answers Nos. 161-171
159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the provision of broadband throughout the country can attain the speed necessary to meet the added requirements of the country’s population, with particular reference to changes to working habits post-Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11500/24]
View answer160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the provision of broadband is progressing, and in such a way as to enhance the competitiveness of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11501/24]
View answer163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of broadband connection points installed in County Kildare to date in 2024; the number of points expected to be installed over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11504/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159, 160 and 163 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 672 schools.
NBI reports that all 955 Strategic Connection Points (SCP) sites have been installed, of which 283 are publicly accessible Broadband Connection Point sites now connected with high-speed broadband service through a service provider contract with Vodafone. The remaining 672 SCPs are part of the SCP Schools Programme. There are 3 publicly accessible BCP’s and 10 SCP’s (schools) in County Kildare.
I am advised by NBI that, over 218,200 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 71,400 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 1,642 premises now connected. NBI further advise that over 8,800 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.
NBI are required to provide a minimum service of 500Mbps to all end users under the Contract with the Minister. The network NBI have deployed is capable of delivering speeds far in excess of this minimum speed. NBI monitor the performance of their network on a 24/7/365 day of the year basis. Should speeds fall below the minimum required then NBI is required to notify the Department and provide a plan to remediate any issues arising that may have caused the breach, however no such breach has occurred to date.
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.
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the main areas of environmental protection requirements deemed at present to be urgent; the action to date in hand or proposed to deal with any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11502/24]
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 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.
162. 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. [11503/24]
View answerWhile fossil fuels still play a significant role in electricity generation and security of supply in Ireland, we are transitioning at pace to utilising renewable electricity generation to reach our climate goals.
Provisional figures from the SEAI show that the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation was markedly down in 2023 in comparison to 2022, with coal use down by an estimated 51.7%, and oil use down by 83.6%. Natural gas use for electricity generation also fell by 7.26%.
In 2023, Ireland generated an estimated 7.4% more renewable electricity compared to the same period in 2022. On average 46.1% of electricity generated in Ireland in 2023 was renewable. Renewables will increase further with more wind, and now increasingly solar and battery projects coming on stream.
Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation are estimated to have fallen approximately 23.5% in 2023 compared to 2022. SEAI’s provisional estimate – to be confirmed in the coming months by the EPA’s greenhouse gas inventory – is that electricity emissions totalled 7.5 MtCO2e in 2023, down from 9.8 MtCO2e in 2022 – prompted by the reduction in fossil fuel powered generation, increased renewable generation and greater use of electricity interconnection with Great Britain avoiding the use of more carbon intensive generation sources in Ireland.
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.
164. 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 specific proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11505/24]
View answerIreland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, driven by the steady roll out of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto 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 electricity production data, I refer the Deputy to the SEAI's monthly electricity production figures: seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/monthly-energy-data/electricity/ .
Ireland now has over 6 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity. Wind, particularly onshore, remains our largest source of renewable electricity and accounted for 39% of all electricity generated in 2023. With approximately 4.8 GW of wind generation, Ireland is a world leader in levels of installed wind energy capacity per capita, as well as in the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid.
Solar generation is rapidly growing with over 1 GW now installed, which is an enormous increase on the previous year. Solar generation is highly complementary to wind generation and increased solar capacity will help Ireland to generate clean electricity all year round.
The recently published Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP 24) reaffirms the ambitious targets of 9 GW of onshore wind capacity, 8 GW of solar capacity and at least 5 GW of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid by 2030 to support the achievement of the electricity sectoral emissions ceilings. This will require a major acceleration of renewable energy over the coming years.
165. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of individuals in the last five years who have purchased their way out of the Defence Forces, in tabular form; the cost of this by individual, presented in bands of €5,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11202/24]
View answer166. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of individuals in the past five years who have purchased their way out of the Defence Forces, by rank, in tabular form. [11205/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
Defence Force Regulations (DFR) A10 and A15 provide for the discharge and retirement of Permanent Defence Force enlisted personnel and officers respectively. The vast majority of persons discharging from the Defence Forces do so at no cost.
Discharge by purchase occurs when a Non Commissioned Officer or Private elects to leave the Defence Forces and pays an appropriate sum to discharge, in accordance with Defence Force Regulation A10. Recruits can also elect to discharge by purchase.
It should be noted that a small percentage of recruits and apprentices will be required to pay a nominal fee for ‘discharge by purchase’. I have been advised that the majority of personnel who owe a service undertaking, owe a nominal fee below €5,000.
Monetary sums in relation to discharge by purchase are assessed on a case by case basis depending on years of service, undertaking etc. The guidelines associated with determination of the amount payable on discharge are contained within DFR A10 and DFR A15.
The military authorities have advised that the table below provides details of the number of Defence Forces personnel that discharged by purchase in each of the years 2019 to end January 2024:
|
- |
2024* |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
Cadet |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Apprentice |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Recruit |
3 |
90 |
131 |
160 |
150 |
146 |
|
Private 2* |
0 |
4 |
7 |
8 |
12 |
20 |
|
Private 3* |
5 |
134 |
175 |
102 |
83 |
170 |
|
Corporal |
5 |
36 |
21 |
17 |
11 |
26 |
|
Sgt |
0 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
CQMS |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
CS |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
BQMS |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sgt Maj |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lt |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Capt |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Comdt |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lt Col |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Col |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Brig Gen |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Major Gen |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
13 |
269 |
338 |
289 |
260 |
365 |
167. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of individuals in the past five years who began training with the Defences Forces but left prior to completing it, and the amount paid by them, in bands of €5,000. [11206/24]
View answerDefence Force Regulation A10 sets out the conditions defining the requirement of payments with respect to enlisted ranks departing the Defence Forces.
In general, the majority of personnel in this situation would pay a nominal fee for Discharge by Purchase.
In terms of actual number of individuals who have paid this fee, over the last five years, the Military Authorities have provided the following information:
|
- |
Pte 2* |
Rec |
Appr |
Cadet |
Total |
|
*2024 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
2023 |
4 |
90 |
1 |
6 |
101 |
|
2022 |
7 |
131 |
2 |
10 |
150 |
|
2021 |
8 |
160 |
2 |
11 |
181 |
|
2020 |
12 |
150 |
2 |
24 |
188 |
|
2019 |
20 |
146 |
3 |
12 |
181 |
*Correct as at 31JAN24, as per DF Personnel Management System (PMS).
168. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans to make a full-back catalogue of the official Defence Forces magazine, An Cosantóir, from 1940, available online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11266/24]
View answerDeputy,
We are seeking a deferral on this.
Our colleagues in the Defence Forces Press Office need some more time to confirm a correct response from the Editor of publication.
It has therefore not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available.
169. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a risk assessment has been carried out on the impact to Irish peacekeeping troops serving in Lebanon on their monitoring of the blue line between Lebanon and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11109/24]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to Government, that I, as Tánaiste and Minister of Defence, remain in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff, and that the Department of Defence is kept apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed. Furthermore, all reasonable measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of all Defence Forces' personnel. All Defence Forces’ personnel, including personnel serving in Lebanon (with UNTSO and UNIFIL), are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas, which remains dynamic and unpredictable.
I wish to also assure the Deputy that Defence Forces’ peacekeepers are well trained prior to deployment and prepared to anticipate events such as occasions of sporadic fire in their Area of Operations. This includes complying fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate, as they have had to do on several occasions since the outbreak of hostilities. Contingency planning and risk assessments are part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments and are carried out on a continual basis.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.
170. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the rationale, timeline of meetings and decisions in the lead up to and current withdrawal plan for the Irish Defence Forces contingent of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11335/24]
View answer171. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the withdrawal plan for the Irish Defence Forces contingent of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force given the increasing tension and potential for conflict in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11336/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
The decision to withdraw personnel from the UNDOF mission was taken on the basis of Military advice received in early 2023 in order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity to fulfil its commitment to the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025, as well as allowing the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions.
Planning for the withdrawal of the current Defence Forces' contingent (the 68th Infantry Group) and their replacement is well advanced, involving the United Nations, the Force Headquarters, the current Irish contingent and the replacement Troop Contributing Country to ensure a smooth handover that in no way compromises the mission.
There is no plan to review the decision to withdraw the Defence Forces' Infantry Group from the UNDOF mission. The replacement Troop Contributing Country (Kazakhstan) has been selected to take over the role of the Force Reserve Company in the Mission, following the scheduled Irish departure in April 2024, and plans at UN and Troop Contributing Country level are well advanced in this regard. Mission reconnaissance by Kazakhstani troops took place in late 2023, and an advance party of Kazakhstani troops is currently in-theatre, in advance of the Defence Forces departure.
Notwithstanding the withdrawal of the Infantry Group, the Defence Forces intend to continue to occupy a small number of staff officer posts at the UNDOF mission HQ.
