Written Answers Nos. 85-110
87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in relation to applications for passports lodged by a husband and wife (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing the passports despite the fact that the applications were lodged on the 10 March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19855/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for these applications were received on 22/04/2024. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
88. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention or that of his Passport Office officials has been drawn to the profile verification used by a company (details supplied) for accounts in that it requires an account holder to upload their passport details and also scans the e-chip of a passport; if official have engaged with the business in respect of this practice; if he and or his officials have conducted their own data protection risk analysis of this and other social media companies' requirement to upload passport details; and if he will set out his concerns in relation to these requirements. [19860/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is aware that in addition to being used as a travel document, passport holders may, on occasion, use their passport as a means of verifying their identity for a variety of reasons such as opening a bank account or applying for a driver's licence.
It is my understanding that the company in question does not require the submission of a passport in order to use its social media platform and that profile verification is an optional extra offered to its users around the world. The information contained on the e-chip of the passport is the same personal data that is recorded on the data page of the passport.
I would advise citizens to exercise caution when sharing their personal data with any third parties.
89. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to examine a passport issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19898/24]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
90. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the business practice among electricity suppliers to prevent customers from moving back to a flat-rate tariff if they have opted in-to a smart tariff; if this practice has been examined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19539/24]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999. The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister.
The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question, to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
91. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to detail the arrangements in place for where an employee of the Department and each organisation under its aegis, becomes elected or co-opted to a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19573/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the arrangements in place for where an employee of my Department becomes elected or co-opted to a local authority are guided by the Civil Service Code of Standards & Behaviour Section 5, Civil servants and politics.
I would highlight section 5.2, sub-sections (b) (c) & (d):
(b) Civil servants in the craft and state industrial related grades are free to engage in politics and may stand for local election. The general restriction in relation to election to either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament applies.
(c) Members of the clerical grades in the Civil Service and non-industrial civil servants in grades with salary maxima equal to or below the Clerical Officer maximum may apply to their Department/Office for permission to engage in politics on the same basis as the staff referred to at (b). Officers employed on particular types of work may, at the discretion of departmental management, have their applications refused. In cases where permission would otherwise be refused, Departments/Offices should examine the possibility of moving an officer to a less sensitive area.
(d) All civil servants above clerical level are totally debarred from engaging in any form of political activity
And sub-section 5.4:
The provisions of Paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 do not apply to the posts of Government Press Secretary, Deputy Government Press Secretary, Assistant Government Press Secretary, and all Ministerial and Attorney General Private Office staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister/Attorney General (e.g. personal assistants, special advisors, personal secretaries in offices of Ministers and civilian drivers of Ministers of State).
Circular 09/2009: Civil Servants and Political Activity, section 9, also advises that:
a. The following provisions apply to civil servants regarding local elections: a. Civil servants in the craft, state industrial and manual grades and grades below clerical grades may stand for election to local authorities;
b. Civil servants in the clerical grades and non-industrial grades with salary maxima equal to or below the Clerical Officer maximum may stand as candidates at local election, subject to permission to do so being given by their Department. Departments must give such civil servants who are refused permission to take part in political activities, a statement of the reason for the decision
c. Special advisers and other personal appointees of Ministers, Ministers of State, Parliamentary office holders and the Attorney General, holding temporary unestablished positions may contest local elections;
d. All other civil servants are completely debarred from standing for local elections, unless expressly permitted to do so by the terms of their employment.
I will direct the bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond to the Deputy’s question directly.
92. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a full update on legislation banning eel fishing. [19628/24]
View answerThe EC Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 of 18 September 2007 established measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel and required Ireland to establish eel management plans for implementation in 2009. The existing conservation measures in Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) agreed by the EU under EC Regulation 1100/2007 remain in place.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the statutory authority for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources concluded a comprehensive public consultation process on Ireland's Eel Management Plan as part of the 2012, 2015 and 2018 reviews, under EU Council Regulation 1100/2007. The next review is due in 2024.
In September 2023 at an interagency and interdepartmental meeting of the relevant bodies (my Department, IFI, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Loughs Agency, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Marine Institute) to evaluate the National Eel Management Plan, agreement was reached to focus on full implementation of the Eel Regulation to ensure the establishment of measures for the recovery of the stock of European Eel.
I have recently introduced a new Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-Law C.S. 335, 2024 which will continue to ban the fishing of eels in the country whilst further strengthening the conservation measures relating to European Eels in Ireland.
93. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the nature of and current situation with regard to the European Commission's announcement of 24 April 2024 that it was sending Ireland a reasoned opinion (INFR(2021)2116) for the non-conformity of Irish legislation with Directive 2010/75/EU on Industrial Emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19629/24]
View answerThe infringement referred to is technical in nature and relates to the transposition of a number of technical provisions in the Industrial Emissions Directive. Draft Regulations to address the concerns of the European Commission are at an advanced stage and will be submitted to the Commission once completed.
94. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what statistics are recorded regarding the recipients of the solar electricity grant, individual home energy upgrade grants (better energy homes), grants for a home energy upgrade, free energy upgrades (warmer homes scheme), with respect to the value of the grant; the number of grants availed of by the recipient (details supplied); the income of the recipient household; the value of the property; and the location of the property or any other details relating to the recipient household or property. [19675/24]
View answer
I am advised by Revenue that taxpayers availing of the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI), which ended in 2018, were required to provide details of the value of the work and the category/type of work being completed. Other information was also collected, such as the Local Authority area of the property which underwent the works. These data were compiled and published on the Revenue website and can be accessed at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/index.aspx.
I am also advised by Revenue that taxpayers availing of the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme are required to provide details on the type of claim (self-build or purchase), the value of the property, loan-to-value ratio as well as the county of the property. These data are compiled and published on the Revenue website on a monthly and annual basis and can be accessed at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/index.aspx.
In relation to the income of the households making such claims, I am advised by Revenue that tax returns are submitted on a taxpayer unit basis, rather than at a household level. A taxpayer unit refers to a single taxpayer or a couple who have elected to be jointly assessed. Therefore, any income level data available are on a taxpayer unit basis, rather than a household level basis. In the case of the HTB scheme, the amount that could be claimed was determined by reference to historic income tax payments rather than current income. However, Revenue prepared information on the income levels of claimants as part of a review of the HTB scheme carried out by Mazars on behalf of my Department. This report can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ccc22-budget-2023-taxation-measures/ (page 38 of the publication entitled ‘Help to Buy Scheme Review - final report’). Statistical data in relation to taxpayers who benefitted from the HRI scheme has not been prepared.
I am further advised by Revenue that as applications for the Solar Electricity Grant do not involve tax returns or do not feature on a tax return there is no basis from taxpayer records on which to determine the income level of applicants or to establish if those applicants have previously availed of the HRI or the HTB.
95. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of WTE accountants employed by his Department in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [19795/24]
View answerThe table below sets out the number of staff employed by my Department on a WTE basis who are employed in technical Accounting grades for 2022, 2023 and 2024, as requested by the Deputy.
These numbers do not include officers who have accounting qualifications or educational backgrounds in accounting who are employed in generalist roles.
|
2022 |
4 |
|
2023 |
6 |
|
2024 |
6 |
96. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will support the proposals concerning the Shallee Project and the development of facilities at Shallee Mine in Silvermines, County Tipperary; if he has been made aware of correspondence issued by email (details supplied) to his Department on 24 April 2024; if he will review the correspondence issued to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19828/24]
View answerMy Department is in ongoing correspondence with the company concerned regarding its proposals and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this time.
97. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 5 December 2023, if he will provide an update on the review of the processes of awarding military medals; when he expects the review to be completed; if he intends to implement changes to the processes involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19712/24]
View answerThe awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities. As the Deputy may be aware, Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Force Medals. It also delineates the procedures for the awarding of those medals to members of the Defence Forces.
As previously stated, I have been informed by the military authorities that the matter of reviewing the process of awarding medals is active and ongoing.
On 26 January 2024, the Defence Forces established a Working Group to review the Award of Medals in the Defence Forces. On 15 April 2024, the Working Group submitted an interim report which is being considered within Defence Forces Headquarters at this point in time.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I will duly consider any proposals that may result from this review.
98. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of designing a review mechanism regarding the pay and allowance structures of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19713/24]
View answerIn accordance with commitments given in the Programme for Government, an independent Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) was established by Government in December 2020.
The CoDF report, published on 9 February 2022, recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, human resources, the Reserve Defence Force, as well as funding of same.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was further tasked with examining the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures, currently in place in the Defence Forces, noting that the current Programme for Government recommends the establishment of a Permanent Pay Review Body.
In its report to Government, the CoDF recommended the "introduction of a mechanism to provide for ongoing review of of the application of existing specialist pay rates and allowances to groups and categories of military personnel, and to make recommendations, within public pay policy parameters, where adjustments are required" .
It is important to note, in the context of this CoDF recommendation, that public sector pay policy falls within the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 Agreement, which was recently ratified by the ICTU, including the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, sets out the agreed pay policy parameters for the public service.
The Department of Defence is currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan and Reform in relation to this recommendation.
99. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the progress made regarding a pilot programme of a non-financial labour hours budget being introduced in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19714/24]
View answerAs part of the work to implement the recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces pertaining to the Working Time Directive, work will commence on the development by the Defence Forces, of appropriate processes to allow for the recording of working time, and the associated management of non-financial labour hours.
This body of work will be undertaken in tandem with the progression of the legislative framework to remove the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces, from the Organisation of Working Time Act, and the practical implementation of the Working Time Directive by the military authorities across the Defence Forces.
100. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the progress made developing family friendly policies in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19715/24]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that there is an on-going programme of HR transformation within the Defence Forces, part of which, is aimed at developing family friendly policies to ensure that there is an appropriate work-life balance for service members.
The design of an overarching Family Friendly Policy for the Defence Forces is currently the subject of a tendering process. The development of this policy will commence on the appointment of the successful external third party.
There are a number of initiatives currently in place aimed at creating an attractive working environment within the Defence Forces. These include greater accessibility of career courses for those with family commitments.
A number of family friendly overseas appointments for Commissioned and Enlisted Personnel are available, whereby the normal 6-month tour of duty can be ‘shared’ with another member of the Defence Forces, resulting in a 3-month deployment.
The Defence Forces have placed a renewed focus on members whose spouse/partner is also in the organisation, with a view to ascertaining how they can be assisted when their spouse/partner is deployed away from home. This includes no 24-hour duties whilst partners/spouses are deployed overseas, or for 2 years for a mother after the birth of a child.
In addition, a range of ‘harmony’ measures have been implemented including ‘hot-desking’ for certain Enlisted and Commissioned personnel who have been posted away from their home address, and remote working is considered for a limited number of personnel depending on the circumstances.
A revised Maternity and Associated Protected Leave policy was introduced on 1 October 2023.
The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces recommended the creation of a Senior Leadership role for a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Gender Advisor to lead on the implementation of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategies across the Defence Forces. This role is currently advertised and the closing date for applications is 8 May 2024. The successful candidate will be appointed to rank of Colonel and will support the Defence Forces in developing a strategic and progressive approach to equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure these matters are embedded into Defence Forces decision making concerning employments, deployments, policies, processes and HRM procedures.
My Department remains open to consider, in conjunction with Military Management, additional practical arrangements that are amenable to the unique work environment of the Defence Forces having due regard to the operational requirements.
101. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the current fleet of armoured personnel carriers; the year they were acquired; the number of which have completed mid-life retrofit; his plans to acquire new or additional APCs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19716/24]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
Further additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as LOA2, and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year.
The Defence Forces operate a fleet of 80 MOWAG Piranha III Armoured Fighting Vehicles, providing essential force protection to personnel serving overseas. The fleet is comprised of 53 Infantry Armoured People Carriers, 18 Cavalry Close Reconnaissance Vehicles, 6 Cavalry Medium Reconnaissance Vehicles and 3 Ambulance Variant Vehicles. The vehicles came into service in three phases, in 2002 (40 vehicles), 2004 (25 vehicles) and 2007 (15 vehicles). In recent years there has been significant investment in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III vehicles project nearing completion. To date 74 of the 80 vehicles have completed the Midlife Upgrade Programme and have returned to service. The final six vehicles are expected to complete the programme later this year. This programme will ensure the viability of the fleet beyond 2030.
Following the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2). This will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
A key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces which has been accepted in principle is the “replacement of the existing APCs with a larger and enhanced fleet equipped with sufficient firepower for future overseas missions, and with ‘level 4’ armour across armour platforms where required”.
The Detailed Implementation Plan released in November 2023 builds on the progress made to date and sets out the planned timeline for Armoured Fleet Replacement by 2028. It is important to note that specific timelines for projects for the enhancement of capabilities can be impacted by many factors from procurement strategy to external factors such as the internal defence market and the global, regional and local trends affecting it and accordingly require a flexible and adaptable approach.
A joint civil / military project team are continuing their work of research into various delivery options as well as consideration of approaches internationally with the objective of learning from best practice. Governance structures to manage this programme of work are also in place. Significant progress has been made to date at the early stages of this project.
102. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number and type of aircraft in the Air Corps fleet; his plans to acquire additional aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19717/24]
View answerA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
Enhancing the physical working environment and equipment for our Defence Personnel is key feature of the recently published Strategic Framework which sets out the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
This includes the implementation of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) recommendations, particularly with regard to the enhancement of Defence Force Capabilities. The Commission's report included a wide range of further recommendations in relation to capabilities and funding.
In response, the Government approved a move to a higher level of ambition, known as ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission. More specifically, capability priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered as part of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan and a Built Infrastructure Programme. This is an ongoing iterative process. In this context, the principal aim of Government policy is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
There has been significant investment in recent years in the air domain.
Currently the Air Corps have twenty six (26) aircraft in service comprised of sixteen (16) fixed wing and ten (10) rotary wing aircraft.
The fixed wing aircraft are as follows:
• Two (2) Airbus C-295 aircraft which entered service in 2024. These new aircraft, which replace the two existing CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircrafts purchased for the Air Corps in 1994, are equipped for Maritime Surveillance, Search and Rescue, Logistics (Cargo/Personnel/VIP), Special Operations Forces Operations, MEDEVAC/CASEVAC/Air Ambulance roles and Utility roles.
• Two (2) CASA CN-235 aircraft, which entered service in 1994. Their primary function has been as Maritime Patrol Aircraft, while also functioning in the secondary roles of air ambulance, logistics support and transport. These aircraft are due for disposal this year, having been replaced by the two (2) Airbus C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
• One (1) Learjet 45, which entered service in 2004. It's primary function is a Ministerial Air Transport (MATS) aircraft. The Learjet, also functions in the roles of air ambulance and transport as required.
• Four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which entered service in 2020. Their primary function is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), they also function in air ambulance and transport roles as required.
• Eight (8) Pilatus PC-9M aircraft which entered service in 2004. Their primary function is pilot training.
• One (1) Britten Norman Defender 4000 which entered service in 1997. This aircraft is operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.
The ten (10) rotary wing aircraft are as follows:
• Six (6) Augusta Westland AW139 aircraft. The AW 139s entered service in 2006 and their primary functions are as army/naval support and air ambulance including the Emergency Aeromedical Service. These aircraft can also function in the roles of aerial fire-fighting, cargo-slinging and transport.
• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135P2 aircraft which entered service in 2005. Their primary functions are helicopter pilot training and army support, they may also function in the roles of air ambulance and transport as required.
• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135T2. These aircraft entered service in 2003 and are operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.
In relation to new air-based capability, a contract has been awarded at a cost of €59million, excluding VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in mid 2025.
In addition, a competitive process is underway to acquire a new mid-sized jet aircraft to replace the Learjet which has been in service for 19 years and is near its end-of-life. It is the intention is that this competitive process will be completed this year.
New rotary wing capabilities are currently being advanced in the context of the Equipment Development Planning process, and to this end, the various work packages under the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces have commenced which will inform future investment decisions.
The recent review of the National Development Plan allocations has resulted in a significant increase in the capital funding allocated to Defence, with a total of €435m allocated for 2025 and 2026. This increase in Capital funding demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
103. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 9 April 2024, if any Irish Defence Forces personnel took part in any of the secondary tasks of Operation Irini; if so, which tasks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19718/24]
View answerOperation Irini is a UN mandated EU Naval mission in the eastern Mediterranean and its primary task is the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya using aerial, satellite and maritime assets. The mission was launched on 31 March 2020 with the aim creating the conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Libya by stemming the flow of weapons into the country.
Ireland currently has three members of the Defence Forces deployed to the Operational Headquarters of the Operation Irini mission in Rome in staff officer posts and a further officer is assigned to the Floating Headquarters. Government approval was secured for these appointments on 18 May 2020.
Additionally, in 2023, following Government and Dáil approval, the L.É. William Butler Yeats and a crew of 58 personnel deployed as part of Operation Irini for a period of six weeks in the summer of 2023 demonstrating Ireland’s support for the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security.
In addition to its primary task, Operation Irini has a number of secondary tasks: monitoring of oil smuggling from Libya; capacity-building of the Libyan Coastguard; and the detection and monitoring of human smuggling networks.
As part of their deployment in June and July of 2023, the L.É. William Butler Yeats and its crew of 58 Defence Forces personnel conducted the following operations.
• Counter Illegal Arms Trafficking and Gathering Information on Oil Smuggling;
• L.É. William Butler Yeats completed 71 Hailing's and conducted six (6) Friendly Approaches;
• It also gathered information by hailing vessels on VHF radio and capturing images of vessels.
With regard to Capacity Building and Training of the Libyan Coast Guard, Ireland had formally declared caveats to the Operational Headquarters in Rome to indicate that Ireland would not engage in any such training. In any event there are currently no ongoing activities in the secondary task of Capacity Building and Training to the Libyan Coast Guard.
The current mandate of Op Irini expires in March 2025. A mid-term strategic assessment of the mission took place earlier this year with a strategic review of the mission due to take place before the expiry of the mandate.
104. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to make it a criminal offence for anyone purchasing or selling a vehicle through car dealership or private sale to knowingly provide false and or misleading information when registering or de-registering ownership of a vehicle to driver and vehicle computer sales division. [19797/24]
View answerSection 12 of the Roads Act 1920 provides for the making of regulations requiring any person buying, selling, or otherwise acquiring or disposing of a vehicle to furnish such particulars as may be prescribed. Section 13 of the Act, as amended, provides that, if a person required by virtue of the Act to furnish particulars in connection with a change of registration of any vehicle, furnishes any particulars which, to his or her knowledge, are false or in any material respect misleading, he or she shall be liable to a fine not exceeding €1,269 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
My Department through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) maintains a record of the ‘registered owners’ of motor vehicles. While the initial registration of the vehicle (including name and address details of the vehicle owner) is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, my Department manages all subsequent change of ownership notifications. The change of ownership service has specific legislative requirements and has a number of service delivery channels – offline (by post) to my Department's offices in Shannon, online for approved motor dealers on the Department's website (www.motortrans.ie ) and at Local Authority motor tax offices (in person or by post).
Notwithstanding the above provisions regarding the furnishing of false particulars, my Department is committed to enhancing the process around the registration of vehicle ownership itself. In this regard, my Department has now developed a new service delivery channel for change of ownership. This online change of vehicle ownership service will enable private vehicle owners record vehicle sales on the NVDF. Private sales would represent up to 500,000 ownership changes per annum, and would in the main, be the ones processed though the postal service at my offices in Shannon, as referred to above. The new service will, for the first time, enable the buyer of the vehicle be identified and verified through their MyGovID account. That verified name will be recorded against the vehicle on the NVDF. The Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 1992 (S.I. No. 385/1992) as amended and the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (for the use of MyGovID) provide the legal basis for this service. The service, which will be available on my Department's online motor tax website, www.motortax.ie and on Gov.ie, is currently being tested and it is envisaged that it will be live in Q2 this year.
105. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be allocated to Cork County Council to address the shortfall in funding required to address the works required for road repairs in mid Cork due to major deterioration of roads by recent high levels of rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19927/24]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. As outlined in the 2024 Regional and Local Roads programme which I released on the 15th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country.Irelands regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilience. As such, €658 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2024, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall grant funding allocation increase of 5%.
As part of the 2023–24 European windstorm season, Ireland experienced several severe weather events, most noticeably Storm Babet, causing considerable damage to the regional and local road network.
Prompt restoration of our roads and bridges is essential to maintain social and economic connectivity as well as enabling safer journeys. For this reason, at the end of 2023, Cork County Council was allocated an additional €350,000 to enable immediate repairs to key and lifeline routes. The Department has engaged with Cork County Council to attempt to quantify the costs of the damage caused by Storm Babet.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and local authorities are providing damage assessments and estimated repair costs. To date submissions from Cork have indicated significant damage to their respective regional and local road and bridge networks. Repair works will be conducted over a time and are restricted by additional factors such availability of external resources such as materials, labour and engineering expertise.
In the Regional and Local roads grants allocations 2024, an amount of €22.5m is to be allocated to severe weather repairs in affected local authorities. Cork County Council was allocated €13m from Department of Transport in 2024 for emergency repairs on Regional and Local Road Network following the impacts of Storm Babet.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the design, planning, construction, operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.In 2024, approximately €411m in exchequer capital funding was allocated for the development of new national roads and for the protection and renewal of the existing network. Of that, approximately €55m has been allocated by TII to Cork County Council.Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
106. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline who has responsibility for the planning, choosing of locations, management and maintenance of the national on-street EV charging network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19605/24]
View answerThe ongoing National EV Infrastructure roll out will be delivered by a mix of the public and private sector, however an accelerated roll out will be delivered through Local Authorities in partnership with both the public and private sectors.
The National EV Infrastructure Plan consists of the National Road Network EV Charging Plan which was published for public consultation (as the National Enroute EV Infrastructure Plan) in Sept 2023 and the Draft Regional and Local EV charging Network Plan.
The former plan will provide for the installation of high power charging infrastructure along the Motorway and National road Network to meet National targets set at EU level.
The latter plans for the delivery of EV Infrastructure at Destination and Neighbourhood locations and will be a mix of high power DC charging and Fast AC charging to suit user needs. The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan will be published for public consultation in May 2024 and will be delivered through Local Authorities. Local authorities are ideally suited to accelerate the delivery of charging infrastructure at the local level that is financially sustainable and best ensures equitable access for all.
Local authorities are well-positioned with:
• a deep understanding of local communities’ needs,
• experience in delivering major infrastructure projects,
• ownership of suitable site locations,
• an ability to leverage private resources and funding through contracts and planning functions,
• an ability to align EV infrastructure projects with national and local policies, strategies and projects such as existing climate action, active travel, e-mobility, demand management, housing and infrastructure projects, and
• an ability to coordinate and deliver projects across county borders in partnership with other local authorities and key stakeholders.
Local authorities and regional areas will develop EV charging infrastructure strategies and implementation plans. These strategies will complement national and local policies, strategies and plans, including the National Road Network EV Charging Plan and the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, and put forth targets for local charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood locations.
ZEVI will provide guidance to Local Authorities for developing their strategies and subsequent implementation plans. These local strategies will be critical in supporting progress towards achieving transport-related emissions reductions obligations laid out in each of the Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
Following Strategy development Local Authorities will identify suitable sites and location to install the EV charging Infrastructure to meet user needs. This will be done in partnership with other public and private sector bodies who will be installing infrastructure in tandem with the local authorities.
It is envisaged that Local Authorities will work in partnership with the private sector using appropriate contractual arrangements to install and operate this infrastructure to 2030 in order to facilitate the transition to EVs and beyond 2030 that the private market will be robust enough to install any future infrastructure based on user demand and need.
107. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the number of on-street EV charging stations per capita that his Department is aiming to see in place over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19606/24]
View answerThere are currently approximately 2400 publicly accessible charge points across Ireland, an increase from 1700 Charge points in Sept 2022. This includes charge points on-street and in car parks.
These 2400 charge points are delivering approx. 70,000 KW of charge point capacity. In order to deliver on the EU's Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) targets, this will need to increase to 214,000Kw by 2025 and 712,000KW by 2030. This is based on Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs) which consist of both LGVs and cars as a fleet and also based on Climate Action Plan targets of 195,000 EVs on Irish roads by 2025 and 30% of the private fleet by 2030.
The number of chargers required to meet this need will depend on the user needs identified through the Local Authority Charging Strategies and also the Private Market Roll out of EV infrastructure over this period, but estimates are between 3200 and 6000 Charge Points being required by 2025 with a 300% increase on this number to 2030.
It should be noted that the number of charge points per capita is not an accurate measure of addressing the public EV infrastructure need. The installation of the right chargers and the right location to meet user needs, while considering current and future demands, and tracking the EV transition is a more suitable model for delivery. While doing this the Government and local authorities will track the transition and align with National AFIR targets.
Local authorities will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop the local and regional network plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on street chargers to serve residents without access to private off street parking. Some authorities have already completed these plans, while others are in progress. We anticipate that most of these plans will be finalised by 2025.
108. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the contract tender and procurement policy around the provision of on-street EV charging stations for State and private operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19607/24]
View answerTendering and procurement for EV charging follows the standard policy used for procurement generally, reflecting the legal and procedural requirements of the type of organisation.
Local Authorities and public sector bodies, through strategy development and implementation planning, will select appropriate partnership, contractual arrangements and contracts to plan and deliver EV Infrastructure in their areas.
They will endeavour to choose appropriate contractual arrangements to leverage private sector expertise and funding and to streamline in so far as possible to accelerate delivery of EV Infrastructure.
All public sector organisations are required to follow both set legal frameworks and to comply with broader best practice with regard to procurement, including to only procure in accordance with OGP procurement systems at certain value thresholds. It is imperative that good procurement practices are followed by all Public Sector organisations, particularly when dealing with matters such as infrastructure provision.
The private sector can and will continue to deliver EV Infrastructure using private contractual arrangements available and independent of the government. While this may give added flexibility compared to a public procurement, it is still expected that any such organisations will adhere to good business practice and comply with any relevant legislation in the provision of infrastructure.
109. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the amount in funding that was utilised under the public charge point scheme; the number of councils that applied; the number of points installed under the same scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19608/24]
View answerThe Public Charge Point Scheme, administered by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on behalf of the Department of Transport, sought to incentivise the rollout of public EV charging by Local Authorities.
While originally intended to provide for the rollout of a number of chargers at specific sites, the scheme was unfortunately not well engaged with by Local Authorities as it was not considered sufficient to meet the rapidly expanding demand for EV charging, as well as the fast development of charging technology which has led to a preference now for higher-powered infrastructure.
To address the challenges which led to the underperformance of the Public Points Scheme, ZEVI has developed a new Local and Regional EV Charging Network Plan which is planned for publication in May. Rather than the single project approach in the Public Points scheme, the new network plan will take a holistic partnership approach, with Local Authorities working both together and with ZEVI to develop bespoke strategies on a regional and local basis to truly reflect the EV charging requirements across their county areas while addressing local needs.
Each region will be led by a nominated lead Local Authority and will be supported by ZEVI to develop EV Infrastructure Strategies and Implementation plans in partnership with the public/private sector and Charge point operators. The focus of the EV Strategy and implementation plans will be to install EV infrastructure to a the right location for the right purpose to meet user needs and stay ahead of demand. A mix of on-street, hub and destination charging will be encouraged, to complement the preferred home charging and the higher-powered en-route charging options available to EV drivers while also providing a charging solution for those without the facility to charge at home.
During its lifetime, the Public Points Scheme received 6 applications for funding from 5 Local Authorities. 5 projects proposed unfortunately did not progress to installation of chargers and the funding offers were revoked.
One Local Authority has completed its installation of 4 chargers across 2 locations, however they have not yet drawn their funding down from the scheme. It is estimated that this project will draw down grant support in the region of €8k - €10k.
The Public Points Scheme is closed to new applicants.
It should be noted that the regional approach to EV infrastructure delivery being adopted through the Faster Project has seen successful delivery of 17 High Powered DC Charge points across Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal. Louth county Council were the lead Authority on this project. Fingal county Council have developed their EV Infrastructure Strategy for the Dublin Local Authorities and are currently in the process of appointing a CPO to install and operate 200 Charge Points across the 4 Dublin authorities.
110. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if the 50km speed limit at a location in County Kerry (details supplied) will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19625/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
